5 Common Reasons Your Drain Could Be Clogging

Indoor plumbing may be one of the greatest conveniences of the modern age,

but that doesn’t mean it is problem-free. Clogs are one of the most common problems you’ll face, but many things can cause them. If you experience drain blockages often, below are five of the most common reasons behind clogs and what you can do to prevent them.

1. Hair

In bathrooms, hair is among the most common culprits that cause drain clogging. Hair is particularly nasty because it can get tangled around the components in your drain and become nearly impossible to remove. The best way to prevent hair from clogging your pipes is to use a drain catcher or strainer.

2. Food

Any food can clog your kitchen drain, but certain foods such as bread and rice, are particularly known for causing clogs as they go down the drain as small pieces, absorb water, and then expand. You can prevent food clogs by installing a garbage disposal or ensuring that you never put food scraps down the drain. Since it is impossible to prevent all food scraps from going down we recommend using a drain strainer to catch errant particles.

3. Grease, Fat, and Oil

Food particles cling together and form blockages in the drain, but grease builds up on pipe walls. This obstruction narrows the passage for water to flow through, creates slow-running drains and further increases the chances for a clog to form. The only way to prevent this is to never pour grease down the drain. Instead, wait for it to cool and congeal and then dump it in the garbage or composter.

4. Waste Paper

When it comes to toilets, it will likely come as no surprise that the biggest culprit for clogs is waste paper. Although toilets are designed to accommodate small amounts of toilet paper, they are mostly designed for water and organic waste, too much paper can easily cause clogs. To prevent this talk to your family about appropriate amounts of paper to use.

5. Tree Roots

While human error will cause most of the clogs you’ll experience, there is one that has nothing to do with what you put down the drain: tree roots. Tree roots grow wherever they want, regardless of what is in the way, including pipes. When tree roots grow into your pipes, they break and crack the pipes and clog the lines. The only way to rectify the problem is with professional help. It is recommended to be mindful of the trees and shrubs you plant near your plumbing.

Clogs might be a common problem in your home but that does not mean you have to live with them. There are lots of things that can clog your pipes, it’s important to know what they are so you can take steps to stop them before they form. Preventing clogs is much easier and cheaper than treating them, so always be mindful of what you put down your drains.

Should you experience a clog, contact the trained and professional plumbers at Drain Rescue Plumbers to get your water flowing!