Slow drains—or worse, drains that are completely stopped up—are inconvenient at best and unhygienic at worst. Most of the time, they’re easy to deal with, but if you deal with clogged drains regularly, there could be a serious issue affecting your plumbing. Some of these can’t be dealt with using household chemicals, meriting professional water jetting or rooter services. But how can you tell? You’ll know whether you need a plumber by learning what causes clogged drains in the first place.

5 Potential Causes of Clogged Drains & Their Solutions

1. Hairballs

Hair buildup is the number one cause of blocked drains. When this is the case, you can usually solve the issue with a simple drain cleaner, or baking soda with vinegar. If these conventional techniques don’t work, however, there could be thicker materials clogging your plumbing.

2. Oil & Fat

This category doesn’t just apply to kitchen sinks, though they are a common place to find oil and grease blockages. Soap, which is often made from fats and oils, can also block up a drain. To prevent such clogs, do not discard cooking grease down the sink—even if it’s hot, it will coagulate as it cools and cause problems later. You may also benefit from switching to soap-free body washes.

3. Tree Root Obstruction

Older homes tend to deal with this issue the most, since they’re more likely to be near old trees. Tree roots can penetrate so deep that they can actually damage water and sewage pipes, the effects of which can not only cause clogged drains but also toilet backups. If you’ve ruled out other causes for your plumbing troubles, a plumbing professional can check for roots using CCTV.

4. Dirt & Rocks

If you or another household member regularly work outside, the cause of your clogged drains might be dirt buildup. Conventional drain cleaning chemicals may not accomplish great results here, so you’ll need a plumber to unclog your drains. In the future, shake off dirt and pebbles sufficiently before bathing or washing your hands.

5. Mineral Buildup

This is a likely cause for your clogged drains if your area has hard water. While hard water itself is not harmful, the extra minerals in it can build up in places like plumbing pipes and hot water tanks, causing corrosion and clogs. The best way to prevent sediment buildup is to either regularly de-scale your plumbing or install a water softener.

Need professional drain cleaning services? Get in touch with Taylor's Drain & Sewer Service. They’ve been serving the Lincoln, NE, area since 1976, using the latest in plumbing technology to diagnose and solve problems like clogged drains. To request a quote, call (402) 474-5213. More information about their services is available online.