Clogged drains are common plumbing problems shared by millions of homeowners.
Everyday use is one leading cause of clogs, as drains become caked by soap and detergent scum over time. When residential plumbing shifts, it can disrupt water flow, resulting in clogs. Hard water also increases mineral buildup in pipes, causing clogs.
You can't avoid using your sink. However, you can avoid putting certain materials down the drain that lead to repairs.
Here are ten things that quickly lead to drain problems.
1. Hair Falling Down Your Bathroom Drain
Brushing your hair is part of your everyday bathroom routine. Yet, you may want to avoid using a brush over the sink.
Some hair is bound to fall out while brushing. Over time, enough hair will become a clogged drain that may require professional plumbing help.
The same problem applies to your shower drain. Start brushing your hair over a mat or in your bedroom before showering to avoid clogs.
2. Hair Ties
Uh-oh, where did that last hairband go?
Check the drain because hair ties are another common culprit behind bathroom sink drain clogs.
This accident typically happens while you're brushing your hair over the sink.
3. Never Pour Cat Litter Down the Drain
Stop before you pour that used pan of kitty litter down the drain!
Despite the availability of "flushable" cat litter, such brands are also known to cause terrible toilet clogs. No litter brands, flushable or otherwise, should go down the drain.
Always put used kitty litter in a garbage bag and throw it in the trash.
4. Maxi Pads and Tampons
It's all too easy to accidentally flush feminine hygiene products down the toilet, especially when you're in a rush. Unfortunately, these products are not designed to flush and are a common cause of clogs.
Always wrap your pads and tampons with toilet paper or provided wrappers before tossing them in your wastebasket.
5. Diapers and Baby Wipes
Like feminine hygiene products, baby wipes and diapers go down the drain due to lack of time.
These products quickly clog drains, often requiring plumbing services.
Instead, keep a separate wastebasket handy for these items to avoid clogs.
6. Dirt and Debris
Like soap scum, clogs from dirt also fall under the "everyday use" category. However, you can reduce repair costs by washing away as much dirt as you can outdoors.
Leave bathroom sinks for handwashing only. Use an outdoor hose to wash away dirt from shoes.
7. Clogged Drain from Food Waste
One of the most common clog culprits is food waste.
Having a garbage disposal may encourage you to put leftovers down the drain. However, food particles from waste clog kitchen drains over time.
Invest in a kitchen compost bin or start composting outside to dispose of food waste sustainably.
8. Small Objects
Do you have little kids in the home?
Teach them to avoid flushing small toys down the toilet or putting tiny objects down the drain. This problem will require professional intervention as oddly-shaped toys quickly obstruct water flow.
9. Wax Products
Did you just snuff out a large candle?
Stop before you pour any liquid wax down the drain!
Wax immediately hardens when coming in contact with cold water. This applies to any wax product, including crayons and body wax.
10. Paper Towels
Did you just run out of toilet paper?
You may be tempted to use paper towels instead. However, they clog toilets pretty quickly.
Always have plenty of toilet paper on hand for emergencies. Consider installing a bidet, as well.
Avoid Drain Clogs Starting Today
One of the best ways to avoid costly plumbing repairs is to watch what you put down the drain (and toilet!)
Keep this list visible in your home as you turn over a new leaf.
Give Service Plus Experts a call today to fix your drain problem!