Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Prevent Them

If you have dealt with a clogged drain before, you know just how exhausting it is to tackle it on your own. Even your most trusted DIY drain cleaning hacks are no match once the clog gets big. As a result, you end up booking a drain or pipe repair, which isn’t cheap.

To avoid this costly consequence, it’s best if you can prevent clogs in the first place. Prevention goes a long way when it comes to dodging plumbing troubles and costly solutions. Here is how you can shoo away the most common drain clogs at home.

Grease Buildup

Do you also pour your used cooking oil down your sink? While it may seem convenient, this habit isn’t safe for your drain pipes. Grease is a notorious culprit of kitchen sink clogs. When you pour hot grease or oil down the drain, it cools and hardens inside your pipes. Over time, this sticky mess builds up and forms tough clogs. These clogs can slow water flow or even completely block it.

How to Prevent It: Never pour grease or fat down the drain. Instead, use a grease solidifier. This turns liquid grease into a solid that’s easy to throw away. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them. If you’ve accidentally poured grease down your sink, give your pipes a quick clean to avoid buildup.

Hair and Soap Scum

Hair and soap scum go hand in hand when it comes to bathroom drains. Hair can easily get tangled in your pipes. When combined with soap, it forms a sticky buildup that restricts water flow. Over time, this leads to stubborn blockages that can’t be tackled with a plunger.

How to Prevent It: Install a drain cover or hair catcher in your sink or shower. It will catch hair before it goes down the drain. Clean the hair catcher regularly to keep it working well. Also, consider switching to liquid soap or using soap dishes to minimize soap scum. Another good habit is to brush your hair before showering to reduce loose strands.

Sediments

Sediments, like dirt or minerals, can build up in your pipes. If you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium are more likely to accumulate. These particles can line the inside of your pipes and restrict water flow. Over time, they can cause serious clogs by inviting other particles to stick to them.

How to Prevent It: Consider installing a water softener. It’ll help reduce mineral buildup and protect your pipes. If you’re already dealing with sediment buildup, a plumber can clean your pipes using hydro jetting. This technique blasts away deposits without damaging your pipes.

Foreign Objects

It’s easy to accidentally drop small items down your drain. Jewelry, food particles, and kids’ toys are common offenders. These objects can get stuck deep inside your pipes and create blockages. When foreign objects find their way into the drain, they can cause water flow issues and even damage your pipes.

How to Prevent It: Be careful about what goes down your drains. Never flush anything other than toilet paper. Always keep small objects away from your sink and shower drains. You can also use drain covers to catch any items that may accidentally fall in.

Wipes

Wipes are another huge cause of clogged drains, especially in toilets. While wipes may say they’re flushable, they don’t break down in water like toilet paper. They can easily get stuck in your pipes, causing blockages in your toilet or sewer line.

How to Prevent It: Don’t flush wipes, even if they’re labeled “flushable.” Instead, throw them in the trash. Use a small trash bin in your bathroom to dispose of wipes properly. If you do flush wipes, be prepared for potential plumbing issues that may surprise you one day.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can cause serious plumbing problems, especially if you have old pipes. Roots are drawn to moisture, so if there’s a crack or leak in your pipes, they will invade. Once inside, roots can grow and block your pipes. This can cause slow drainage or even a complete backup.

How to Prevent It: If you have trees near your plumbing lines, keep an eye out for root infestation. Look for signs like slow draining or gurgling sounds in your pipes. Have your pipes inspected regularly by a plumber to spot root intrusion. You can also use a tree root guard to keep roots from invading your pipes. When planting trees, make sure to avoid planting too close to your plumbing.

Broken Pipes

Old, damaged, or cracked pipes can also cause your drains to act up. When your pipes are broken, they can’t handle the pressure of flowing water, leading to clogs and leaks. A small clog can worsen and eventually cause a full pipe failure. This can result in serious damage to your home.

How to Prevent It: Invest in regular drain inspections and maintenance. A plumber can check for any signs of pipe damage before it becomes a bigger issue. Catching problems early helps you avoid clogs and pressure buildup. This also prevents future issues with pipe breaks and costly repairs.

Stubborn Drain Clogs? Get Trusted Drain Solutions from Formula Plumbing Services

Preventive maintenance remains your best option for keeping drain clogs away. These steps and habits may seem small, but they are a reliable first line of defense against pipe blockages. However, sometimes, no matter how strictly you follow these steps there’s still a chance that clogs may persist. In this situation, what you need is a drain expert who can relieve your drains before clogs worsen.

At Formula Plumbing Services, we provide thorough inspection and drain cleaning. Our experts are equipped with the tools to clear your drains and keep them running smoothly. We use effective techniques like hydro jetting and video inspections to tackle clogs at their source. This will help you tackle clogs early on before wastewater starts to back up and cause bigger troubles.

Call Formula Plumbing Services today, and let us restore your plumbing system to its best condition!