Summer in Knoxville is all about open windows, backyard barbecues, and the enjoyment of hosting friends and family. It’s a season of relaxed fun. But with all that extra activity comes a less-than-fun side effect: clogged drains. What’s going on? It might seem random, but a busy summer household puts specific stress on your plumbing system.
At Hard Knox Plumbing, we’ve seen it all. This article will explain why summer often leads to more drain issues and, more importantly, how you can prevent them.
Why Your Drains Get Clogged More Often in Summer
More Showers, More Hair, More Clogs
The numbers are simple: more guests means more showers. With every extra shower, more hair, soap scum, and shampoo residue goes down the drain. This debris quickly clumps together in your pipes, creating a stubborn clog just waiting to turn into a full backup. You might notice the shower pooling a little faster or the sink draining slower than usual.
Grease, Grime, and Grilling
Everyone loves a good summer barbecue. All that great food, from burgers and ribs to corn on the cob, leaves behind grease and fat. It’s easy to want to pour a little leftover cooking grease down the kitchen sink drain, but it’s one of the worst things you can do. As the grease cools, it solidifies and clings to the inside of your pipes, narrowing the passage and trapping other food particles. Before long, you have a major kitchen sink clog on your hands.
How to Prevent Clogged Drains This Summer
A small amount of preparation can go a long way in preventing a summer plumbing disaster.
Easy DIY Tips for Prevention
- Use Drain Guards: This is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take. Placing a simple mesh drain guard in your showers and tubs will catch hair and soap scum before it can enter your pipes.
- Be Careful with Your Disposal: Never put grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, or fibrous vegetables down the disposal. For tough summer produce like corn husks, use the trash can instead.
- The Baking Soda & Vinegar Trick: For a natural way to maintain clear drains, mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of hot vinegar, pour it down the drain, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This is a good preventative measure, but not a solution for a serious blockage.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
DIY tricks are great for prevention, but sometimes a deeper issue is at play. It’s time to call for a professional drain cleaning in Knoxville when you notice:
- Water is backing up from more than one drain.
- Drains are making gurgling sounds when you use them.
- There’s a persistent, bad smell coming from your drains.
These are all signs of a more significant problem, possibly a main sewer line issue.
How Hard Knox Plumbing Solves Your Clogged Drain Issues
Our team of experienced plumbers at Hard Knox Plumbing has the right tools and technology to clear any type of clog, big or small.
Our services are designed to fix the problem and help it from coming back. We also offer convenient financing options, so an unexpected plumbing issue won’t ruin your summer budget. As a respected plumbing company in Knoxville, we’re dedicated to providing fast, reliable service you can trust.
So don’t let a clogged drain ruin your summer fun. Stay ahead of the problem, and know that if a clog gets the best of you, our team is always ready to help.
Get in touch with our professional plumbers here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Clogs
How can my home’s air conditioner cause plumbing issues?
While not directly connected to your main plumbing lines in every home, your AC unit has a condensation drain line that removes moisture from the air. This line can get clogged with algae or dirt, causing water to back up and overflow. This can lead to leaks and water damage inside your home, often in the attic or ceilings. If you notice a leak near your AC, a plumber can help clear the condensate line.
Can using my outdoor faucets and hoses cause a plumbing problem?
Yes, increased use of outdoor faucets and hoses can reveal issues. Leaks can develop in the spigot itself or in the underground pipes, which may have been damaged by freezing over the winter. If you notice dripping from your outdoor faucet, low water pressure, or a soggy spot in your yard, it could be a sign of a hidden leak.
What should I do if my garbage disposal gets jammed during a party?
First, turn off the power to the disposal at the wall switch and the circuit breaker. Never put your hand inside. The unit likely has a small hex-key opening on the bottom; you can use the provided wrench to turn the flywheel manually and free the jam. If it still doesn’t work, call a professional to avoid damaging the unit.
Can a toilet get clogged from something other than waste or paper?
Yes. In homes with young children or guests, foreign objects are a common cause of toilet clogs. Items like toys, dental floss, or too much toilet paper can easily get lodged in the toilet trap. Always remind guests, especially kids, that only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed.
I have low water pressure in my shower. Is that related to a clog?
Low water pressure can be a sign of a clog, especially if it’s getting progressively worse. Mineral buildup and debris can slowly coat the inside of your pipes, restricting the flow of water. If the problem is isolated to one faucet or showerhead, it may just be a clogged aerator or showerhead, but low pressure throughout the house could signal a larger plumbing issue.