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While water draining slowly or the occasional drain back-up may seem like a small problem, it can quickly turn into a bigger issue. If left untreated, it could even harm your plumbing system. Get ahead of these common culprits before having to call the plumber with the following tips. 

What Are the Most Common Household Clogs? 

1. Hair

Hair and fur can be hard on drains. The strands of hair bond to any grease coating the pipe, causing backups and slow drainage. This kind of clog is mainly seen in the shower, but it can also affect a bathroom or basement sink, especially if it’s been used to wash pets. To avoid hair clogs, use guards on all your drains, and brush your pets or hair beforehand to catch any loose strands. 

2. Food 

plumberIt can be tempting to throw everything down the garbage disposal, but not all foods break down properly in the drain. Tea leaves and coffee are common problems, as well as any oily, fatty, or greasy foods. The fat and oil will stick to the sides of the drains and cause big blockages. Luckily, a plumber can generally clear this type of clog by using a drain snake. To prevent this problem in the future, start a composting bin for food waste like eggshells and coffee, and always throw cooking grease or oils in the trash instead of the sink.

3. Soap

The soap scum in the shower or around the edges of your sink builds up in your pipes. Soap often has an oily or greasy base that causes it to stick to pipes; over time, it can trap particles and hair, leading to clogs. Professional drain cleaning can help clear any blockages. Between cleanings, try pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain to naturally break down the scum. 

 

A-1 Tri-County Plumbing in Seguin, TX, has been addressing the plumbing needs of residents of Central and South Texas for over 35 years. Their experienced and certified plumbers are experts at solving commercial and residential plumbing problems, and they are available for emergency plumbing calls 24 hours a day. Whether you’re calling about a broken pipe, installing a water heater, or simply cleaning the drains, they deliver timely, quality repairs with high-quality customer service. For more information on what these plumbers offer, call (512) 353-8656 or visit them online

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