Drain Cleaning & Drain Clogs

Clogs and the plumbing issues they cause are the number one reason plumbers are called into residences and places of business. Redtail Plumbing, your local Lee's Summit, MO and Kansas City area fully licensed plumber has the tools and experience to diagnose the cause of your clogged pipes and repair them. Here are some of the most common reasons for clogs that need professional intervention.

Tree Roots

The number one cause of clogged or damaged exterior pipes are tree roots. Tree roots can cause blockages and clogs in exterior water and sewer mains. The first sign of tree root invasion into water or sewer lines is often a gurgling sound. It can be difficult to assess the health of your exterior lines, so call Redtail Plumbing, serving the Lee's Summit, MO and Kansas City area, for a consultation if you suspect that your exterior pipes are affected.

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Fats, Oils, and Grease

Nothing clogs drains faster than repeatedly pouring fats, oils, or grease down the drain or garbage disposal. It’s tempting to think that water, even very hot water, will just wash everything through the pipes, but the truth is that fats, oils and grease are more or less solids at room temperature. To liquify these substances takes very high heat at prolonged temperatures. You may liquify fats, oils, and grease for a portion of their trip through the plumbing, but before they exit your pipes, they will re-solidify and stick to the pipes where they can cause buildup and clogs. We recommend that you do not pour any of these substances down drains. If you believe a buildup of fats, oils, or grease may be clogging your drains and pipes, call us for a consultation and repair.

Pipe Scale

Pipe scale develops from the mineral deposits water leaves behind. Scale deposits are primarily the result of dissolved calcium and magnesium in tap water that are left behind as water flows through the pipes. Scale collects in one spot and attracts more scale until an obstruction blocks the pipes. Unlike fats, oils, and grease, you may not be aware of the mineral content of your tap water or aware that deposited minerals are causing a clog. Redtail Plumbing can determine if pipe scale needs to be cleared out of your pipes.

Best Practices to Avoid Clogs

Never put fats, oils, grease, banana or potato peels, eggshells, bones, or seeds down the drain or garbage disposal.
Put ice cubes in the garbage disposal to sharpen the blades.
Run only cold water when the garbage disposal is in use.
Put a hair trap in your bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers.