The occasional clogged drain is a nuisance, but when the problem is recurring, it’s a different story. There are many drains in the home, with several different ways they will become clogged. Since the best defense against clogged drains is prevention, it pays to know what you can and can’t send down the various drainpipes in your home. Here’s a quick look at what typically clogs these drains and what you can do about it. 

3 Commonly Clogged Homed Drains

1. Kitchen Sink Clogs

Every time you rinse plates or pots and pans, small bits of food debris enter the drain. Though these particles are all small enough to pass through without issue, sometimes they band together and form clogs over time. Grease is just as bad. As it cools, it congeals into a thick sludge that builds up in the pipes and prevents anything from passing through them. If your kitchen sink becomes clogged, try a solution of equal parts white vinegar and baking soda. Dump this down the drain and let it sit overnight. Flush it through the pipes in the morning with hot water. You can prevent these clogs in the future by using a strainer to prevent food from being washed down the drain and by never allowing grease in the drains. Wait until grease cools before pouring it into a disposable container and throwing it away. 

2. Toilet Clogs

Several things will create clogs in your toilet. The biggest offenders are “flushable” wipes, toilet paper, and small toys. Should a clog occur, try a commercial drain-opening solution to break down clogs and clear the pipes. A plunger will also be effective. Prevent future clogs by not flushing wipes, even if they say they’re flushable and using less toilet paper. If your clog is the result of a flushed toy, install lid locks on the toilet seat to keep children out. 

3. Bathtub Clogs

If the water is draining slowly from your bathtub, or not at all, you’ve got a clogged drain. Hair, soap scum, and hard water are potential causes. Plungers, plumbing snakes, and chemical drain cleaning solutions are all excellent options. Prevent future clogs by installing a drain trap to collect hair or installing a water softener to prevent hard water buildup. Soap scum buildup is harder to avoid, but using less soap and avoiding pouring soap directly down the drain will help. 

For those clogged drains that defy even your best unclogging efforts, American Rooter in Watertown, CT, is there. Since 1980 these experts have been helping families and businesses alike clear the pipes. In addition to professional drain cleaning, they will also help with flooded basement pumping, septic cleaning and inspection, and more. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call them today at (860) 274-7338 to make an appointment.