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Your sinks and bathtubs are designed to direct any wastewater to the sewer system. Over time, however, grime can accumulate in the pipes and cause a clog, which requires immediate assistance from a plumber. Here’s what you should know about what could be causing a slow drain, as well as possible ways to prevent it from happening in the future.

What Causes Slow Drains?

plumberMany items you use daily can slowly accumulate inside the pipes. Most bars of soap contain grease or fat, which can congeal and get stuck inside the plumbing system. Hair can also stick to the residue that’s left behind, slowing the drains even more. Even cotton balls and swabs, dental floss, gauze, and cosmetic products can all cause backups and blockages over time, which require a plumber to fix.

How Can You Prevent Slow Drains?

By knowing what can cause a slow drain, you can be proactive to help prevent it from happening to you. To prevent items from entering the drain, purchase a drain stopper or screen at a local hardware store; when installed properly, the devices can prevent debris from going down the drain. 

Also, avoid pouring fats, oils, and greases down your drain because they’re difficult to remove from the water system and known to solidify in the pipes and create clogs; instead, pour any used grease into a container for safe removal.

As a preventive measure, you can also use a homemade mixture to keep the drains clean. Mix a half-cup of vinegar, baking soda, and salt with two quarts of boiling water and put them into the slow drain before bed. As it starts to bubble and settle overnight, it will dissolve some of the buildup and clear the drain.

 

If you’ve tried everything but notice your slow drain is a constant recurrence, contact a reliable plumber for help. Steve’s Plumbing & Heating provides quality 24/7 service to clients throughout Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, Wausau, and Stevens Point, WI. Visit them online to learn how they can help with a clogged drain, or call (715) 421-1800 to schedule an appointment.

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