Clogged Drains: Truth be Told

There are few things as frustrating, filthy, and damaging as a clogged drain or toilet. Some systems seem to never have any problems, others seem to be constantly slowing or clogging and flooding things. What’s the reason for that?

In our experience, it’s not just ‘a reason’… but a number of possible ‘reasons’.

  • Something wrong with the system,
  • People using the system wrongly,
  • Negligence in maintaining the system.

Of course, it could be some combination of all three. The truth is that a modern plastic (30 years or younger) properly designed and installed Drain System, that is used correctly and maintained regularly should never clog… ever. (Older steel, iron, or clay drain systems are another story and another article)

SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM

Whether it’s a toilet, kitchen sink drain, main drain under the house, or any drain, it needs to be designed and installed properly according to the Plumbing Code. Over the years, we have found so many different things wrong with drains and fixtures that it’s prohibitive to even begin to list the possibilities. Suffice it to say that if you have a drain or fixture that has reoccurring clogging problems, one of the first things to do is have an experienced, Licensed Service Plumber clear the problem and examine the entire system, inside and out. These days, the examination is a lot easier to do so with cameras that can go into any system and record what is there. Then, your plumber can show you if there is a problem that needs correcting, like a bad fitting, belly in the line, etc. If something is wrong and it’s not repaired properly, it will always give you trouble no matter how much you ‘baby’ it.

THE PEOPLE USING THE SYSTEM WRONGLY

If there isn’t anything obviously wrong with the physical fixture or system, then it is possible that it’s not being used properly. Drains are designed to drain water and slurry from a garbage disposer with lots of water before, during, and after grinding up non-leafy, non-fibrous soft foods, nothing else.

• No grease, paint, chemicals of any kind, mortars or calking of any kind, etc.
• Toilets, even the best quality ‘large throated’ toilets, are not designed to take anything besides human waste and toilet paper; that’s it.
• They obviously can’t take foreign objects like toys and combs, but they also can’t take things like feminine products, paper towels, food waste (like extra noodles, chili, etc.), cat litter or plant trimmings and litter, etc.

An exception to this is that we have seen that many ‘builder grade’ toilets won’t always stand up to basic, regular use and often have to be plunged. This is due to an inferior fixture and not the fault of the users.

NEGLIGENCE MAINTAINING THE SYSTEM

Is it true that a modern, properly designed and installed system sometimes needs maintenance, even when used properly? Yes, absolutely. Main drains in a system shouldn’t need maintenance, but kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, tubs and showers definitely need periodic maintenance. The frequency depends on who is using the systems and how they live.

There is really no getting around the fact that bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers need their drains kept clear of hair that will accumulate from normal use. A family with 4 teenage girls will need it more often than a senior couple, but it still is needed. Experience will tell you how often. It’s usually not necessary to cable, snake, or jet these drains, just a regular use of a commercial grade sodium hydroxide drain cleaner (not Drano) will do a good job dissolving hair and soap scum. If misused, this chemical can be dangerous, so be careful to follow instructions and use gloves and face shields.

Kitchen sinks also need some maintenance due to grease build-up. The type of food that is cooked and eaten in the home will make the difference in the frequency of cleaning. The maintenance that is best for this is usually a small Jetter used by a professional who won’t end up flooding everything.

If any of your drains do need cleaning, snaking, or jetting, there should be an accessible clean-out available at the top or bottom of any drain to make it easy to service. If the installer cut corners and didn’t put in clean-out where they belong, it’s worth the investment to have your Service Plumber install them properly to limit the intrusion and expense of maintenance in the future.

Toilets and drains: everybody has them. Poor construction, misuse, and neglect of these systems keep us very busy. We’re here to help you if and when you need us, but if you, your family, or your tenants are reminded of these “basics”, hopefully, it won’t be quite as often.

Bruce Davis, Sr. is a Licensed Journeyman Plumber, Licensed Electrician, HVAC/R Electrical Administrator, HVAC/R, and Certified WA State C.E.U. Instructor. Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating, Inc has been in Lynnwood serving Snohomish and N. King County for over 68-years, and Bruce Sr. has been President and working at this family-owned business for 36-years. Bruce can be contacted at: Email: Bruce@dayandnite.net. Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating Inc. 16614 13 Ave. W., Lynnwood, WA 98037 (800) 972-7000