WAILUKU, Hawaii
One of the most universal challenges people face in every part of the United States is clogged drains. Since the causes of clogged drains are diverse, Maui Pumping recommends learning ways to prevent clogged drains. Since all members of a household benefit from free-flowing drains, it is essential for every member of the home to learn how to avoid clogging drains.
Clogged drains and slow-moving drains take time and effort to fix. Simpler clogs can be resolved by removing obstructions, pushing through obstructions or using suction. More complicated clogs can require disassembly of drain pipes, the purchase and use of specialized cleaning chemicals or professional intervention. By avoiding actions that cause clogs, everyone who lives in the home can help prevent the stresses, costs and effort required to fix the clog.
One of the most common causes of clogged drains is grease. Grease, as well as cooking fats and oils will accumulate in pipes and restrict the flow of water. Other debris being washed down the drain can get caught in grease deposits and further restrict water flow until the drain becomes clogged. Every member of the household should be taught that pouring cooking grease, oil and other fats down the drain causes clogs. Proper disposal of grease and oil should be taught as well, including collection of greases in disposable containers that are in turn disposed of in the garbage.
Another common cause of household drain clogs is food scraps. Small food scraps like rice, crumbs and vegetable or fruit peels can cause clogs over time. Even with the use of garbage disposals, too much food waste will cause drain problems. Households should consider alternatives, like regular disposal of all food waste in the garbage or composting.
Human hair, especially longer hair, will cause clogs in showers and bathtubs. To prevent hair clogs, homeowners can install hair traps to catch the hair before it reaches the drain. Hair can take years to break down, meaning a clog caused by hair will be difficult to resolve without removing the hair. Household members should be educated on how to clear hair clogs and hair traps.
In many parts of the country, including Hawaii, minerals that are naturally present in the water can build up on the sides of the pipes and restrict the flow of water through them. Elements like calcium and magnesium from hard water slowly accumulate in a home’s plumbing, and cannot be removed without replacing the pipes. Because most water filters cannot remove dissolved calcium and magnesium, water softeners are the only way to prevent clogging in pipes, short of replacing the pipes themselves.
Because household members and visitors may be used to disposing of cleaning wipes, cotton swabs, dental floss and similar hygiene products in toilets, these products often cause clogs. The remedy is to educate all household members and visitors about the problems that arise from flushing trash down toilets.
One cause of plumbing clogs cannot be treated by educating those in the household, the growth of plant roots through pipes. Every pipe material degrades over time, and sewer lines and septic supply lines can be damaged when roots from plants like trees put pressure on the pipes and break through. Although root intrusion usually does not cause other problems like backups, roots can be difficult to remove. Pipes damaged by tree root growth may require homeowners to contact professionals like those at Maui Pumping to resolve. Clogs caused by roots can mean substantial changes to the home’s landscaping as well as tough roots which must be dug up and cut in order for broken sewer lines and septic supply lines to be replaced or repaired.
Households struggling with clogs that are difficult to diagnose without professional help are encouraged to contact Maui Pumping. The company offers septic repair, sewer camera inspection and other services that can identify and resolve clogging problems. Homeowners may contact the company by phone at 808-871-7867 or by using the company’s online scheduling tool. Maui Pumping services all homes and businesses on the island of Maui and is available to contact at all hours of the day and night.
