drain cleaning

5 Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Prevent Them

Dealing with clogged drains can be frustrating, whether it’s in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. A backed-up drain can disrupt your day and can lead to even bigger problems later on. If your drain keeps on getting blocked, it’s time to consider what might be causing it.

In reality, clogged drains are a common household issue, but with a little knowledge, you can prevent them from becoming a constant problem.

Here are some common causes of clogged drains and how you can avoid them.

 1. Hair Buildup

Hair is one of the most common causes of clogs, especially in bathroom sinks and showers. As hair sheds, it can accumulate in your drain, mixing with soap scum and forming tough clogs that are difficult to remove. Over time, these clogs slow down water flow and can lead to a complete blockage.

To prevent hair from clogging your drains, use drain covers to catch loose strands before they go down the drain. Regularly cleaning out these covers can keep your drains clear and save you from needing a more intensive drain cleaning later on.

 2. Grease and Fat

Grease and fat may seem harmless when they’re in liquid form, but as they cool, they solidify and stick to the walls of your pipes. This is a common issue in kitchen sinks, where oils from cooking are often washed down the drain.

The best way to prevent grease from clogging your drains is to avoid pouring it down the sink. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. You can also pour hot water and dish soap down your drain after cooking to break up any residue that might have slipped through.

 3. Soap Scum

Soap might not seem like a problem, but soap scum buildup is a common cause of clogged drains. This issue is especially noticeable in showers and bathroom sinks, where soap combines with minerals in the water to form a sticky residue.

To prevent soap scum from building up, switch to liquid soap instead of bar soap, which is more prone to creating scum. Regularly flushing your drains with hot water can also help keep them clean.

 4. Food Waste

Even if you have a garbage disposal, certain food items can still cause problems for your kitchen drain. Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potato peels expand with water, which can block your pipes. Coffee grounds and eggshells are also notorious for sticking together and creating clogs.

To prevent food from clogging your kitchen drain, avoid putting large food particles down the sink. Use a strainer to catch debris and scrape plates into the trash before rinsing them in the sink.

 5. Tree Roots

You may not believe it but tree roots can cause major clogs in the plumbing system. It is especially true in case you have older pipes. Since tree roots seek out water, if there are any cracks in the pipes, the roots will grow into them. Over time, this issue can escalate and cause serious damage to your pipes.

If you notice recurring clogs or slow drains, then tree roots might be the problem. In this case, you may need repiping or professional services to resolve the issue and prevent future clogs.


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