How to Avoid Common Causes of Clogged Drains

What Causes Clogged Drains?

As a homeowner, dealing with clogged drains can be a frustrating experience. However, the good news is that being aware of common causes of clogged drains can help you prevent them in the first place – and know which drain cleaning method may be best for your situation.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Wilmington and Brunswick County, we specialize in unclogging drains and would love to share our expertise with you. Here are the top five causes of clogged drains and some simple tips you can use to avoid them:

1. Grease & Oil

Have you ever found yourself with a kitchen sink that won't drain properly? It's probably due to the accumulation of grease and fats built up over time.

Unfortunately, this is a common problem for many households. But fear not, there are ways to prevent this pesky issue:

• Pour used cooking oil into a disposable container and then throw it away in the trash.
• Avoid putting leftover cooking oil and fats like butter down the kitchen sink.
• Wipe down pans and pots to remove excess cooking oil before washing them.

While simple, these steps can go a long way in keeping your kitchen sink and even dishwasher free from clogs and blockages.

2. Hair

Did you know that your luscious locks could be causing your drain troubles? Hair is one of the most common culprits of a clogged drain, as it quickly binds with other debris and creates a barrier that can be difficult to remove.

But what are you supposed to do, not shower? No! There are ways to avoid putting hair down your bathroom drains:

• Use a drain catcher in your sink or shower, which can catch hair before it can go down the drain.
• Start using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to flush out any potential build-up from time to time.
• Brush your hair before showering to catch loose strands that would otherwise go down your drain.

By following these steps, you can keep hair from clogging up your drains and end those nasty blockages.

3. Soap

You may be surprised to learn that soap is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. While it's essential in our daily routines, excess soap residue can accumulate in our drains over time.

While this will eventually lead to a blockage or at least decreased drainage flow when combined with any of the other items in this list, there are ways to help mitigate your risk:

• Run hot water for a few seconds after using your sink, tub, or shower to wash away any leftover soap scum.
• Choose liquid body washes over traditional soap bars to reduce the soap residue left in your pipes.
• Keep up on regular drain cleaning to remove any potential soap buildup in your pipes.

Being mindful of how much soap we use and ensuring our drains are properly maintained can save us from unnecessary headaches.

4. Hygiene Products

We all know the importance of keeping our plumbing systems in tip-top shape. However, it's easy to overlook the impact of flushing certain items down the toilet, such as:

• Wipes
• Q-tips
• Sanitary products
• Cotton balls

These seemingly harmless toiletries can cause serious pipe blockages, leading to costly repairs and inconvenience. By simply discarding these items in the trash instead of flushing them, you can help ensure the longevity and functionality of your plumbing systems.

5. Objects

It's not uncommon for people to immediately assume that clogs are caused by the obvious culprits, like excessive toilet paper or wipes. But it's essential to remember that foreign objects can also cause significant damage to your plumbing system. A few examples of objects that are known to lead to clogs include:

• Jewelry (rings, necklaces, etc.)
• Toys (matchbox cars, action figures, etc.)
• Coins (even one quarter could contribute to a clog)

If these items enter your toilet, sink, or other drain, it can cause a serious clog. Even if you think an object is small enough to flush, it's best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it properly. Trust us – your pipes will thank you!

Preventative Maintenance is Key to Avoid Clogged Drains

Taking precautions by engaging in regular preventative maintenance and being mindful of what is flushed and disposed of can help to reduce the occurrence of common clogs and blockages, improve drainage capacity and longevity, and ultimately save on costly repair or replacement fees down the line.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing wants to be your go-to source for drain services in Wilmington and Brunswick County. We can handle your clog removal to get your drains flowing again, plus the routine drain cleaning services needed to prevent clogs like these in the first place!

Don’t wait for your clog to grow – contact us or request your clogged drain services in Wilmington online!