Why Winter Brings More Debris to Your Drains

Why Winter Brings More Debris to Your Drains

While clogs are a year-round issue, winter can exacerbate the problem. With holiday meals, extra showers, and dirt and leaves tracked inside from the melting snow, the colder months bring added stress to your plumbing. Tree roots, food scraps, and even discarded paper towels can clog up your pipes, leading to slow drains and backups. Let’s take a look at some real-life plumbing cases we’ve handled recently:

1. Tree Roots in the Sewer Line

In one case, we had to power-rod a main sewer line through a 3-inch toilet flange all the way to the city sewer. The culprit? Tree roots! 🌳🪠 This homeowner had been experiencing slow drains and backups for weeks, and after using a camera inspection, we discovered that roots had invaded the sewer line, blocking the flow. By power-rodding the line, we cleared the roots, restoring the drain’s functionality and preventing more damage.

2. Main Sewer Backup Caused by Flushed Paper Towels

In another instance, we helped a homeowner in Willowbrook, IL, who was dealing with a main sewer backup in their home. The cause? Paper towels flushed down the toilet.

 🌪️ Paper towels can quickly clog up your pipes because they don’t break down like toilet paper. In this case, we cleared the backup and helped the homeowner understand the importance of proper waste disposal. The situation was resolved before it could turn into a more expensive problem.

How to Prevent Clogged Drains This Winter

Preventing clogged drains is easier than you think. Here are some expert tips to help keep your pipes flowing smoothly this winter:

1. Don’t Pour Grease or Oil Down the Drain

During the holidays, many people tend to pour leftover grease or oil down the sink, which can harden and cause clogs in your pipes. Instead, let the grease cool and dispose of it in the trash. This simple step can save you from future blockages.

Expert Tip: If grease does make its way into your drain, try flushing it with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to help break it down before it hardens.

2. Use Drain Catchers

Hair and soap scum are often the primary causes of clogs in bathroom sinks and showers. Installing drain catchers can help catch these debris before they enter your plumbing. While they won’t catch everything, they will significantly reduce the risk of a clog.

Expert Tip: Clean your drain catchers regularly to avoid buildup. Even a small amount of hair can accumulate and cause problems over time.

3. Don’t Flush Paper Towels or Wipes

As we saw in the Willowbrook case, paper towels don’t break down in water like toilet paper, which can lead to severe clogs. Never flush paper towels, wipes, or any other non-flushable items down the toilet. This simple step can save you from a frustrating and costly plumbing problem.

Expert Tip: Keep a small wastebasket near the toilet to encourage proper disposal of non-flushable items.

4. Check for Tree Roots Near Your Sewer Line

Tree roots can invade your sewer pipes and cause clogs over time, especially in older homes. If you have large trees near your plumbing, it’s a good idea to have your sewer lines inspected for root intrusion. Early detection and removal of roots can prevent major backups.

Expert Tip: Schedule a professional plumbing inspection if you suspect tree roots are getting into your pipes. Catching the problem early can save you from extensive repairs.

When to Call a Professional

Even with the best prevention efforts, sometimes your drains still need professional help. If you’re experiencing frequent backups, slow drains, or unpleasant odors, it might be time to call a plumber. Ignoring these signs could lead to bigger problems down the line. If you’re not sure what’s causing your plumbing issues, a professional can perform a camera inspection to identify the root cause.

If your drains need attention this winter, give us a call! We can clear up the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. From power-rodding tree roots to clearing backups caused by paper towels, we have the expertise to handle any plumbing challenge.

📍 Serving Lemont, IL and surrounding areas
📞 (630) 991-3641
🌐 www.demmisplumbing.com