Most homeowners consider clogged drains an expected normality, but this doesn’t have to be the case. According to A-1 Septic Tank and Drain Service in Coldwater, MS, regular drain cleaning and other preventative maintenance measures can stave off issues that cause clogged drains in the first place.

Below are a few common causes of clogged drains, as well as how you can troubleshoot and prevent them:

• Gunk Accumulation in Bathroom Drain Pipes: The most common culprits of clogged drains are dirt, skin flakes, and hair that binds to soap scum along the inside of your drain pipes. Fortunately, this is also one of the easiest clogs to correct. Usually, it requires removing and cleaning your drain stoppers and drain elbow joints. To prevent this problem from occurring in the future, you’ll need to clean your drain cleaners on a regular basis and install a hair strainer to limit the amount of gunk that makes its way into your drain pipe.  
• Flushing Inappropriate Items Down the Toilet: The only things that should ever be flushed down your toilet are those that can break apart and dissolve, such as toilet paper. As a general rule, never flush feminine hygiene products, diaper wipes, dental floss, or cotton-tipped swabs. While you can use a plunger to pull out these items, your first line of defense should be to avoid flushing them at all. You also need to perform regular drain cleaning sessions to ensure water can flow smoothly. 
• Grease & Oil in Kitchen Drain Pipes: Like your toilet, there are many things you should avoid flushing down your kitchen sink. Two of the biggest offenders are grease and oil, as they can solidify in your pipes and block water from flowing freely. If you are prone to pouring these items down your kitchen sink, run hot water to soften the potential clog and follow it up with dish detergent and more hot water. You can turn to chemical drain cleaners if this doesn’t work, but they should be a last resort. In the future, instead of flushing these liquids down your sink, wait until they solidify. Then, scrape them into a plastic bag and put it in the garbage.

If you are experiencing these or other drain clogs in your home, contact the drain cleaning experts at A-1 Septic Tank and Drain Service for more troubleshooting advice. They can also teach you how to avoid the problems in the future. To schedule an appointment or receive a free estimate, call (662) 233-4565. You can also learn more about this septic tank cleaning service by visiting their website.