Even if you don’t treat your drain like a trash bin, it could still become clogged. Being careless about what goes down your sink and shower drain can result in slow drains, flooding, and smelly sewage backups that require emergency plumbing repairs. However, knowing what causes clogged drains will help you to avoid these problems altogether.

4 Common Causes of Clogged Drains

1. Hair

By far the most common cause of clogged drains. A single strand of hair may be harmless, but when loose hair falls in bunches, it gets entangled with other substances lurking in your drains, like soap scum, skin flakes, and dirt. When this happens, it sticks to the walls and forms gunk that slows down water flow. Keep out fallen hair and other debris from wreaking havoc on your plumbing by trapping them with drain covers or mesh screens.

2. Hygiene Products

Clogged bathroom sinks are often the result of small things tossed down the drain. Cotton balls, dental floss, cotton swabs, gauze, and cosmetic products can cause backups and blockages over time. Remind everyone in your household to throw these items into the trash rather than the sink. Install drain guards to catch these tiny objects before they cause clogging.

3. Grease & Food Waste

Even with a garbage disposal installed in your kitchen sink, you’ll still need to be selective about the type of food waste that goes down the drain. Coffee grounds, tea leaves, eggshells, fibrous vegetables, and starchy foods like pasta and rice should either be thrown in the garbage or set aside as compost. These waste items expand when mixed with water, causing blockage in your plumbing. Avoid pouring oil and grease down your sinks too, since they solidify at cold temperatures and reduce water flow. Instead, throw them out with other food wastes.

4. Mineral Buildup

Hard water is another common cause of clogged drains. It deposits minerals into your pipes, which slowly build up in your plumbing until they block water flow. When this happens, removing the buildup will likely require the expertise of a licensed professional. Prevent limescale in your pipes by installing a water softener. Avoid using acidic drain cleaners as these can erode the pipe lining.

 

 

Even the most conscientious homeowners will suffer a clogged drain at some point. Fortunately, you can count on The Plumbing Source for quick and reliable drain cleaning. Serving the greater Cleveland, OH, area for more than 30 years, their plumbers provide a full range of plumbing services, including sewer line cleaning and water heater repair. Call to request their services at (877) 768-7239, or learn about their ongoing promos and discounts online.