10 Ways Your Drains Clog Up

10 Ways Your Drains Clog Up

Is the water in your sink or shower taking longer to drain than usual? Chances are, you’ve got a blocked drain. Don’t worry — it’s a really common problem. Here’s what you need to know about clogged drains in and around your home. Specifically, 10 ways your drain clog up.

The causes of blocked drains

From cooking oil to household debris, there are many reasons why household drains back up. That’s why plumbers use CCTV cameras to inspect drains — camera technology helps to accurately diagnose your problem and solve it as quickly as possible.

Still, although we won’t know what’s causing the problem until we look inside, there are a few common culprits. Here’s a rundown of the 10 materials we often find blocking household drains.

1. Tree roots

Sometimes, tree roots grow into your sewer line, causing cracks, leaks, and structural damage. This can become an expensive problem if it’s left untreated — call a plumber sooner rather than later.

2. Toiletries

Used tissues, sanitary pads, wipes — all these don’t belong in your toilet. Over time, they can cause significant blockages, so put them in the trash instead.

3. Foreign objects

From kids’ toys to false nails, all kinds of random objects end up lodged in your pipework. If you suspect there’s a foreign object in your drains, it’s best to call a plumber to check it out.

4. Cooking oil

Cooking oil is sticky, so it clings to your pipes when you pour it down the drain. If you happen to pour cooking oil down the sink, blast it with cold water straight after. This stops the oil binding to the pipework.

5. Food scraps

Everything from crumbs to grease gets stuck in your pipes. When the scraps congeal, it’s hard for water to pass through. It’s best to limit how much food waste you leave in your sink.

6. Mineral deposits

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium. Eventually, the minerals build-up, causing limescale. Unless you clean limescale regularly, it can block your pipes and taps.

7. Soap

Soap itself doesn’t block drains, but it sticks to hair and other debris. Just mix 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain to remove the clumps.

8. Hair

Sure, hair’s delicate, but it builds up over time and clogs the pipes in your bathroom. Make sure you clear your sink and shower drains regularly and use a drain catcher.

9. Natural debris

Everything from mud to leaves can block your external drains, causing unsightly — and sometimes smelly — overflow. Always keep a close eye on outside drains and pipes.

10. Cat litter

If you flush cat litter down your drain, it’ll clog the pipework. Your best bet is to use a plunger — or call a plumber to clean the drain for you. Also, just throw cat litter in the trash!

Unblock your drains today

As you can see, it’s pretty easy to prevent clogged drains. But if you have a drainage problem, contact a professional plumbing service to help get your water moving again.

Featured photo by Kazuky Akayashi on Unsplash