It is normal for debris to accumulate over time, but there are certain items that can make your drains clog faster. The following are five of the likeliest causes of drain clogs and what homeowners can do to reduce the chances of a blocked drain.
Hair
Clogs caused by hair strands are more common in bathroom sinks, showers and tub drains. Each time you shower, you lose hundreds of strands. These thin strands normally get washed away, but on a rare occasion, strands may get stuck along the walls of your drain pipe. Over time, the buildup can block the flow of water and clog your drain. Installing a hair catcher or sink guard helps, but won’t totally prevent clogs. It is possible to find clogged bathroom drains, especially in older homes.
Soap
Dirt, grime, hair strands, dead skin cells and other types of waste can stick to the soapy residue and cause a blockage. Other than bathroom sinks, showers and tubs, soap scum can also become a problem when washing dishes. One way to reduce this buildup is to pour two buckets filled with hot water and chlorine down the sink at least twice a month.
Grease
Grease buildups more commonly occur in kitchen sinks. Similar to the case of soap scum, small food particles and other sediments can get trapped in this thick, gooey liquid. However, unlike soap, the oily residue is more difficult to remove. You can try using cold water when running your garbage disposal. This can help remove some of the layers of grease and let the fat flow more freely through the drainage pipes.
One better way to prevent grease buildup is to avoid pouring any type of oil down the drain at all. Instead, what you can do is to pour the grease directly into the garbage. This prevents any residue or particles getting stuck along the pipe’s walls.
Toilet paper
Toilet paper sheets are designed to break down easily when exposed to water. This makes the sheets easier to flush. However, paper towels, baby wipes and multi-ply tissue paper are more durable and may not break down as easily as a single ply sheet of toilet paper. To prevent blockage, avoid flushing these types of toiletries down the toilet. Inform your relatives, friends or guests to do the same when staying at your home.
Napkins and diapers
Finally, these types of hygiene products are a major cause of concern. Because they are designed to absorb water, napkins, diapers and other similar products can quickly cause a blockage. Always throw these types of items straight into the trash and not into the toilet bowl. And make sure to call us today!