Clogged drains are a common household nuisance, leading to expensive and time-consuming repairs. Understanding the most common culprits can help you prevent this issue and maintain a smoothly running plumbing system. Issues with drains can be mitigated by considering professional plumbing drain cleaning services. Nevertheless, it is always more advantageous to prevent rather than treat, and with adequate understanding, you can greatly decrease the chances of facing difficult blockages.
Grease and Oil
Initially, pouring grease and oil down the kitchen sink may appear to be safe, but eventually, these substances can harden and create difficult clogs. Hot grease solidifies and sticks to pipe walls when poured down the drain, cooling and hardening in the process. This is why it’s essential to avoid disposing of grease and oil this way and to consider using plumbing drain cleaning services to maintain clear and functional pipes.
These clumps attract other debris, slowly building up and restricting water flow. Collect grease and oil in a separate container after cooling, and discard it in the trash instead of pouring it down the drain. Putting in place these preventative measures in your house could prevent you from dealing with the hassle of a blocked kitchen sink.
Hair
Hair is another notorious clogger, especially in bathroom drains. Whether it’s from showering or grooming over the sink, hair can mix with soap scum and other debris to form tough clogs that are difficult to remove. A single strand of hair may seem harmless, but a bunch of hair creates a network that snags other particles, gradually leading to a significant blockage. To prevent hair from causing drains to clog, use hair catchers in all your shower and sink drains. Regularly cleaning these catchers can prevent hair accumulation. Also, habitually remove visible hair from drains after each use. A small effort daily can avoid the hassle of dealing with a major clog.
Food Waste
Food particles can quickly build up in kitchen drains, especially if you don’t have a garbage disposal. Fibrous and starchy foods like potato peels, pasta, and rice can cause issues even with a disposal. These types of food expand with water and can create sticky clumps that are hard to break down. Always scrape excess food into the trash before rinsing dishes to prevent clogs. Restrict what you put in your garbage disposal, and avoid grinding large quantities of food waste at once. Doing so helps maintain a clear kitchen drain and ensures food waste does not contribute to clogs.
Soap Scum
Traditional soap bars contain fats and oils that, when combined with minerals in the water, form soap scum. This sticky substance can accumulate in your pipes and attract other particles, eventually leading to a clog. Hard water exacerbates this problem because it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium that bond with soap to form more soap scum. Switching to liquid soaps or body washes can help reduce this buildup significantly. Additionally, regularly cleaning your bathroom sinks and showers can prevent soap scum from hardening within your drains, maintaining a smoother flow.
Foreign Objects
Accidental disposal of small objects such as jewelry, toys, or hygiene products can cause severe blockages. These items are often non-biodegradable and do not break down, causing persistent clogs. Even tiny objects can become trapped in your pipes, creating a foundation for accumulating other materials and forming a clog. Be mindful of what goes near your drains, and always use drain covers to catch potential clogging hazards. Being cautious can save you from the aggravation and expense of a significant plumbing issue.
Paper Products
Flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet can create significant blockages. Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and diapers may lead to clogs in pipes because they do not break down easily. Toilet paper is made to easily break down in water, while other types of paper do not dissolve as quickly. They can soak up water, swell, and get stuck in your plumbing. Always throw away these items in the garbage instead of flushing them down the toilet. Engaging in this easy routine can help avoid major plumbing problems and ensure smooth drainage flow.
Trees and Plant Roots
Interestingly, roots from trees and large plants can infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks and grow inside, causing severe blockages. This issue is prevalent in older homes with mature trees nearby. The roots seek out moisture and can invade even the most minor cracks in your sewer lines, expanding and causing significant damage over time. Ensure that trees and large plants are located away from sewer lines, and consider using root barriers if necessary. Regularly inspecting your sewer lines can also help detect root infiltration before it leads to a severe clog. Proactive measures can help you avoid this natural but potentially costly problem.
Everyday Items Clog Drains: Prevent Blockages
By being aware of these everyday items that cause drains to clog, you can take preventative measures to keep your plumbing in good condition. Regular maintenance and mindful disposal habits are crucial to avoiding costly repairs and ensuring your drains stay clear. By making adjustments to your daily routine, you can effectively avoid potential blockages in drains and keep your home functioning smoothly. Don’t forget that taking some preventative measures can greatly help maintain the condition of your home’s plumbing system.
