Clogged drains are a widespread problem, but they can be avoided if you are careful. Here are six common causes of clogged drains and the best ways to avoid them.
Hair
Clogged drains are most commonly caused when you are washing your hair, especially if you wear it long. You tend to lose hair as you wash it, and this goes down the drain and eventually clogs it. This is easy to prevent by using a good drain unblocker every few weeks or by investing in a drain guard so that hair doesn’t get into your drainage system.
Soap
Some soaps contain oils and chemicals that can be harmful to your drains. The soap scum settles in your drains and blocks them. To avoid this problem, check the labeling on your soap to make sure it doesn’t contain ingredients that will fur up your drains.
Grease
Grease can be difficult to dispose of but pouring your cooking fat down the drain is probably the worst thing you can do if you want to keep your drains free flowing. Oil can be hazardous to your plumbing so it is best disposed of in a jar and then thrown in the garbage rather than hoping that it can dissolve in the drain. It can’t.
Toilet Waste
Blocked toilets are never fun, and many people don’t enjoy tackling them themselves. You could try searching for drain specialists near me to tackle the problem for you. Alternatively, you could be more mindful of what you are trying to flush away. Many things don’t flush properly and instead, get stuck in the drain. These include feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, and dental floss. Keep a wastepaper basket next to your toilet so that you are not tempted to try to flush anything other than natural waste and toilet paper.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can cause havoc with your drainage system. They can get into your pipes and stop your water from flowing properly. They can even crack or damage your pipes without you even knowing. As they grow underground, you may not even see these until it is too late. If you suspect this is causing you a problem, then it is best to call your local tree surgeon for help and advice.
Mineral Buildup
Many people live in an area where the water is hard. This is caused by minerals such as magnesium or calcium in the water. These minerals build up and will eventually cause a blockage in your drain. If you live in a hard water area it may be worth investing in a water softener as this will break down the minerals in your water and reduces the amount of build-up in your drains. A cheaper alternative is to use a descaling solution when you clean your sinks as this can help to alleviate the issue.
Use these tips if you want to keep your drains free-flowing and you don’t want the bother of having to unblock them too often.
