Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue in many households. Understanding the primary causes of drain clogs can help you take preventive measures to avoid costly repairs. We at D’Amorie Construction would like to share the most frequent culprits behind clogs and how you can prevent them.
Grease & Cooking Oils
Pouring grease, fats, or oils down the sink may seem convenient but can lead to serious blockages. As the grease cools, it solidifies and builds up inside pipes, trapping food particles and creating a sticky sludge that blocks water flow.
Prevention Tips:
– Dispose of oils and fats in a separate container and throw them away.
– Use a grease trap or strainer to catch oils and food scraps before they enter the drain.
Hair
Hair is a frequent cause of clogs, particularly in bathroom drains. It can easily get tangled with soap and other debris, leading to blockages in showers, tubs, and sinks.
Prevention Tips:
– Install drain covers or hair catchers in your bathtub and shower.
– Clean these covers regularly to avoid buildup.
Food Waste
Food waste is often poured down kitchen sinks, either through a garbage disposal or directly into the drain. While garbage disposals help, they can’t handle fibrous vegetables, coffee grounds, or large food scraps, which can accumulate and block pipes.
Prevention Tips:
– Scrape large food scraps into the trash before washing dishes.
– Avoid putting coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous foods down the disposal.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can invade sewer lines, causing clogs and pipe damage. As they grow toward the moisture in the pipes, they create blockages, which disrupt the flow of wastewater.
Prevention Tips:
– Have your sewer lines inspected regularly, especially if you have trees near the pipes.
– If tree roots are causing damage, professional trenchless pipe repair may be needed.
Soap & Toothpaste
Bar soap and toothpaste leave behind residue that can build up inside pipes. Soap residue combines with minerals in water to form soap scum, which narrows the passage and contributes to clogs over time.
Prevention Tips:
– Switch to liquid soap to reduce residue buildup.
– Rinse the sink thoroughly after brushing your teeth to clear any leftover toothpaste.
Foreign Objects
Small items such as jewelry, toothpaste caps, and cleaning products can accidentally fall into drains. These objects don’t dissolve and can create blockages, preventing proper drainage.
Prevention Tips:
– Keep small items away from sinks and bathtubs to prevent them from falling into the drain.
– Use drain strainers to catch objects that might accidentally fall in.
Plumbing Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Hamburg, Eden, Derby, Angola, Evans, Lancaster, Alden, Depew, Orchard Park, Blasdell, West Seneca, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Buffalo NY & Western New York
Preventing drain clogs requires being mindful of what goes down your pipes. Regular maintenance, like using strainers, cleaning drains, and avoiding grease, hair, and food waste in the drains, can help keep your plumbing in good condition. If you experience slow drainage or unpleasant odors, a professional drain cleaning service can address the problem before it worsens. Simple preventive steps can save you time and money by avoiding costly plumbing issues. To ensure your drains are efficiently cleaned, call D’Amorie Construction.
