Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Slow Drains’

Common Causes of Slow Drains

Monday, September 9th, 2013

Slow drains and clogged drains are a nuisance, and they’re usually something you need to take care of sooner rather than later. You can help them move more quickly to get your drain unclogged by understanding some of the common causes of slow drains.

In many cases, slow drains are caused by materials washed down as a normal part of the system’s functioning. They can build up over time, resulting in a clog. The list of possible materials is endless, but can include grease, food particles, toothpaste or even hair. If you can, you may want to think about installing a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, which will cut down on the presence of these kinds of material.

In some cases, you may be looking at a broken vent somewhere within your plumbing. Vents help the system regulate the water pressure. If one of them breaks, the pressure will become imbalanced and your drain may be slow to clog. Something similar may occur if tree roots become entangled in the pipe, creating a clog and reducing the speed of your drain. Both cases require a professional plumber’s attention.

The trap may be another source of the problem. This is a curved section of pipe located underneath the sink or faucet. When it gets clogged, the whole system will be affected. You can clean the trap yourself if you possess the right know-how, but generally speaking, it’s preferable to let a plumber handle it.

For problems with your plumbing in Gathersburg, it pays to call on the very best. Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating has the experts on staff to find the causes of slow drains and resolve the issue quickly. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

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