Clogged Pipes? Here’s 6 Common Causes and Solutions for SC Businesses
Although clogged pipes are not unusual, they can be a costly (and time-consuming) problem for South Carolina businesses. Once a blockage develops within your building’s pipes, it can disrupt water flow, cause backups and even disrupt day-to-day operations.
Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to eliminate clogs and prevent them from showing up in your plumbing. Let’s explore six common causes of blockages and see what can be done to mitigate them…
#1 Grease and Fat
For restaurants, food manufacturers or catering companies, grease and fat can be a likely culprit for blockages. While cooking oils are liquid when hot, they solidify as they cool down. If grease is regularly poured down the drain, it can line the inside of the pipes, causing stubborn blockages to form.
These types of clogs are not only costly to repair but can be disruptive to daily operations. To avoid blockages, it’s important to educate your employees about proper grease disposal and ensure that your grease traps are being cleaned frequently.
#2 Paper Products That Shouldn’t Be Flushed
While paper products are commonly used in bathrooms, not all types are flushable. While toilet paper is designed to degrade quickly, other products like paper towels, sanitary napkins and wipes don’t deteriorate as easily. If flushed, they can accumulate within your pipes and prevent water from flowing freely.
To prevent these types of blockages from occurring, here are some things businesses can implement:
- Have plenty of trash cans available – Having trash cans that are conveniently placed ensures that users have a place to throw away their trash, rather than flushing it.
- Post signage in bathrooms – Post signs that advise against flushing certain paper products. This may lower the likelihood that certain products will get flushed.
- Use toilet guards – These guards can help catch non-flushable items before they go to the plumbing system while still allowing for waste to pass through.
- Implement commercial-grade toilets – Commercial-grade toilets have more flushing power, which lessens the chance of a clog developing if non-flushable products go down the drain.
#3 Debris From Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rainfall can also cause problems for your plumbing system, especially during summer when South Carolina experiences frequent showers. Rain can carry dirt and other types of debris into your drainage system. If left unchecked, blockages can develop. Luckily, the debris can be removed with hydro jetters, vacuum trucks or by thoroughly cleaning the drains.
#4 Tree Roots
Over time, tree roots can grow within your pipes. While they can often go unnoticed, they can cause serious problems once the roots start to obstruct water flow. If tree roots are suspected, a plumber will have to fix the underground piping, which can be a costly and time-consuming repair.
To prevent tree roots from invading your pipes, they should be planted far away from plumbing systems. Installing root barriers and selecting pipe-friendly trees can also lower the chances that tree roots will develop within your pipes.
#5 Damaged or Poorly Designed Pipes
Having damaged or poorly designed pipes can cause blockages to develop. Pipes that are corroded, cracked or sagging can allow for water and debris to collect, which turn into clogs if left untreated. Similarly, pipes that don’t have proper sizing, slope or ventilation can negatively impact water flow and cause blockages. If there’s a problem with the pipes, a professional plumber will have to repair or replace them altogether.
#6 Lack of Maintenance
If your plumbing system isn’t properly serviced, you’re likely to encounter clogs. In some instances, these blockages can be expensive to fix and may halt operations. One way businesses can prevent clogs is through routine maintenance and inspections.
Routine maintenance ensures that damaged pipes, debris buildup and water pressure issues aren’t going unnoticed, which saves on future repairs and extends the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Need Preventative Maintenance? Contact Fortner Today!
If you’re a South Carolina business owner looking for preventative maintenance, our team at Fortner Plumbing has got you covered! Based in Anderson, we proudly serve communities across South Carolina, including Greenville, Pendleton and Mauldin.
We provide preventative maintenance through our Flow Safe program, which guarantees sewer line inspections, drain cleaning, 24/7 emergency support and much more! For more information about the Flow Safe program, give us a call at 864-209-948. To explore our full range of services, including backflow testing and fixture services, visit our website by clicking the link
here.
