5 Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How To Prevent Them

Pouring hot grease or cooking oil down the drain is one of the worst things you can do. While grease enters the drain in its liquid form, it cools and solidifies as it travels through your pipes. This buildup attracts other debris, eventually creating a thick, sticky blockage.

Mineral Buildup From Hard Water

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate inside pipes over time. This mineral buildup restricts water flow, leading to slow drains and even full blockages.

Using a water softener system can prevent these issues by reducing the mineral content of your water. Alternatively, an occasional descaling treatment can clear your pipes of accumulated buildup.

Foreign Objects and Accidental Blockages

Occasionally, family members or guests can mistakenly flush the wrong items down the drain. Whether it’s a child’s small toy, cotton swabs, paper towels, or hygiene products, foreign objects can easily restrict water flow. Even “flushable” wipes aren’t as drain-friendly as their packaging suggests. These items don’t break down quickly and can therefore contribute to significant drainage issues.

Prevention Methods for Drain Clogs

To avoid plumbing issues and costly repairs down the line, take preventative measures to keep your system in good shape. Regular maintenance, mindful usage, and quick attention to small problems can save you time, money, and potential headaches. Consider the following steps you can take to maintain clear drains.

Using Drain Screens

Drain screens are a simple and effective way to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter your pipes. These affordable devices come in different sizes for sinks, showers, and tubs.

All you have to do is regularly clean your screens to ensure they remain effective. While cleaning the hair or food scraps out of a drain screen can be unpleasant, it is much more favorable than dealing with a drain snake or paying for an extensive drain cleaning. You can wear gloves and use disinfecting wipes to handle the debris for combined cleaning and comfort.

Proper Grease Disposal

Always dispose of grease and oil responsibly. Instead of washing grease down the sink, pour it into a heat-resistant container, allow it to solidify, and then dispose of it in the trash. Taking this small step can significantly reduce your risk of drain blockages. While it may seem inconvenient at first, this habit protects your plumbing and saves you from costly repairs.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Flushing your drains periodically with household solutions can clear minor debris and prevent buildup. A mixture of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar can effectively eliminate grease and odors in sinks. Pour the baking soda and vinegar solution down the drain, allow it to fizz for a few minutes, and then rinse it away with boiling water.

Knowing What Not To Flush

Educating your household members about what they can and can’t let go down the drain is essential. Items like wipes, hygiene products, cotton balls, and even small amounts of grease can lead to blockages. It’s better to dispose of these items in the trash than risk clogging your home’s pipes.

How To Safely Try DIY Solutions

Minor clogs don’t always require professional intervention. For slow-draining sinks or tubs, try using a plunger. Ensure the plunger’s seal fits snugly over the drain opening, then use firm up-and-down motions to dislodge the blockage.

Another effective DIY method is using the baking soda and vinegar solution we already mentioned. This process is eco-friendly and may resolve minor clogs. However, the best thing you can do for your drains is practice prevention rather than attempt these DIY fixes.



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