Blocked drains are a common but frustrating problem for homeowners, especially in older neighborhoods like the North and Northwest Side of Chicago. From slow-draining sinks to full backups, understanding the causes of these blockages can help prevent future issues. Let’s explore the top 5 causes of blocked drains and how a professional plumber can fix them.
1. Hair Buildup
Hair is one of the most common culprits when it comes to blocked bathroom drains. Over time, hair can accumulate in shower and sink drains, forming clumps that obstruct water flow.
How a Plumber Fixes It:
A plumber will often use a drain snake to remove hair clogs from deep within the drain. For more severe cases, hydro jetting—using high-pressure water to clear the pipe—may be required.
Chicago Consideration:
In older homes in Chicago’s North and Northwest Side, outdated or narrow pipes can make these blockages even more frequent, making professional plumbing help essential.
2. Grease and Fat
In the kitchen, grease, fat, and oil can accumulate inside the pipes, hardening over time and creating a sticky residue that traps other debris. This is a leading cause of slow kitchen drains.
How a Plumber Fixes It:
Hydro jetting is highly effective for clearing grease buildup. Plumbers may also recommend regular drain cleaning to prevent these blockages from becoming major problems.
Chicago Consideration:
Given the older plumbing infrastructure in some North Side homes, keeping kitchen drains clear of grease is critical to preventing serious blockages and backups.
3. Tree Root Infiltration
Tree roots are a major problem for sewer lines in areas with older trees, like Chicago’s North and Northwest Side neighborhoods. Roots naturally grow toward moisture and can infiltrate cracks in sewer pipes, causing significant blockages.
How a Plumber Fixes It:
A plumber will perform a camera inspection to identify root infiltration. From there, they can use hydro jetting or root-cutting equipment to remove the blockage. In severe cases, trenchless pipe repair may be necessary to replace damaged sections of the pipe.
Chicago Consideration:
Homes with large trees in older parts of Chicago are particularly susceptible to root intrusion, making regular sewer line inspections essential.
4. Foreign Objects
Accidentally flushing or dropping foreign objects like wipes, cotton balls, or toys down the toilet can cause major drain blockages. Even “flushable” wipes often don’t break down properly and can create clogs.
How a Plumber Fixes It:
For minor clogs, a plumber may use a drain auger to fish out the blockage. For more serious issues, hydro jetting or even partial pipe replacement might be necessary.
Chicago Consideration:
The dense population of Chicago’s North Side can lead to more frequent plumbing issues in multi-family homes, where foreign objects accidentally flushed down shared drains can affect multiple units.
5. Soap Scum and Mineral Buildup
Soap residue and hard water deposits can build up inside pipes over time, particularly in homes with older plumbing systems. This creates a sticky coating that gradually narrows the pipe and slows water flow.
How a Plumber Fixes It:
A plumber will typically use descaling equipment or hydro jetting to remove soap scum and mineral buildup, restoring full water flow. Installing a water softener can also prevent future mineral accumulation.
Chicago Consideration:
Many homes on Chicago’s North and Northwest Side have older plumbing systems, making them more prone to soap scum and mineral buildup. Regular maintenance is key to keeping drains clear.
Conclusion
Blocked drains can be a headache for homeowners, but understanding the common causes and knowing when to call a plumber can save you time and frustration. From hair buildup to tree root infiltration, these problems are often best handled by a professional. For residents of Chicago’s North and Northwest Side, where older homes and aging infrastructure are common, professional plumbing services are especially important to keep drains running smoothly.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain, trust J. Blanton Plumbing, your local plumber in Chicago’s North and Northwest Side, for expert drain clearing services. We offer fast and reliable solutions to get your drains flowing again in no time.
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