Clogged drain at home is one of the most common problems homeowners have to face. While bathroom clog can be seen as a minor issue, when the toilet starts bubbling, the issue becomes urgent in a split second. The result of clogged drains can be huge: from mold and drainage to severe corrosion and sewage backup. It is always much easier to prevent a clogged drain than to deal with it. For this reason below you can find the most common reasons of clogged drains in toilets and sinks.
General common reasons of a clogged drain at home
- Hair
Women with long hair frequently let it get sunk into the drains. As a result, they build up and eventually clog the drain. Don’t let your hair into the pipes when washing and never flush it into the sink. - Soap
Soap is initially made of fat and grease. You know that you can easily create a new block of soap by combining the smaller ones. The same process goes in the pipes where the soap can build up over the time. To prevent a clogged pipe, in this case, just make sure that you never let pieces of soap slip into the drains or just switch to liquid soap. - Dirt
It’s not the point about the dirt from your hands, but rather about the pieces of mud and dirt that drain into the pipes when you clean your shoes or very dirty clothes. To prevent a dirt clogged drain just pre-wash or soak the clothes before rinsing them or clean the biggest bits of mud on your shoes outside. - Mineral buildup
Unfortunately, even water itself may cause a clogged drain. Minerals that are dissolved in hard water build up over the time and may cause drain blocking. The easiest preventative measure is the installation of a water softener. Besides that, you need to also regularly descale and remove buildup from the pipes. It’s frequently complicated to perform this procedure on your own, so it’s hardly advised to call a plumber. - Small objects
You cannot even imagine what plumbers can get out of a clogged drain! So whatever seems to be unrealistic to you, has already been dragged out. Small objects like false teeth or syringes can and often do cause the problem of a clogged drain. Whatever you do over the sink or bathroom, ensure that it doesn’t fall down the drain. You can simply cover the drain with a plug to avoid complications. - Tree roots
Tree roots are frequently attracted by the smallest cracks and leaks in the underground pipes. Once the roots get inside, they start growing fast and obstructing the water. Before you move into a new home or when you plan garden remodel this spring, make sure to review your trees root structure to ensure that your drains are in good condition.
Clogged drain in the toilet
Besides the reasons described above, toilets have specific causes that may lead to clogged drains. Here are a few of them:
- Hygiene products
All women hygiene products, napkins, ear sticks, sponges, cotton, bandages, condoms, dental floss, diapers, baby wipes, etc. cause clogged drains. Never flush any of these products into the toilet. - Toilet paper buildup
Yes, too much toilet paper does build up in the toilet drains. - Toilet problems
Dual flush and low-flow toilets experience clogged drain problems much more often than other types of toilers. Yes, these toilets use less water and are known to “save your budget”; but at the same time they don’t flush even human waste efficiently enough and as a result, they clog the drains more often. If you can avoid these toilet models, do so without hesitation. - Unusual objects
Never flush down the toilet anything but toilet paper and only in reasonable amounts. Don’t throw there watermelon rind, for instance, because it doesn’t dissolve and will always lead to a clogged drain. - Grease
This issue is common for people who use their toilet as a waste bin for the food rests. Remember that it’s not advised to drain food rests in general. Yet, in the sink, the grease can be dissolved with the dishwashing detergent that you are not likely to use for the toilet.
Clogged drain in the sink
- Grease
Grease is number one reason of clogged drains in the kitchen. When you wash the dishes, all the fat and grease from the plates are rinsed into the sink drains where it stays almost forever. Over the time it builds up and leads to the problem of a clogged drain. To avoid the issue you need to regularly clean sink pipes with special detergents. - Food rests
Unless you have a special sink grinder, never throw food rests into the sink. They remain on the walls of the drains, stick to each other and create clogged drain problem that is hard to deal with on your own. Such products as pasta, beans, and potatoes due to their sticky nature can lead to the clogging very fast. - Liquid drain cleaners
Once a slight hint of a clogged drain occurs, many homeowners rush into the stores to buy liquid drain cleaners. Professional plumbers say that there is no use in wasting your money for them. Liquid dissolving solutions don’t work at all. If you want to clean your drains as a preventative measure, go for dry detergents that require boiling water or vinegar to be activated.
And the final word on clogged drain issue. Should you face the problem of a clogged drain in your home, you can try to resolve the problem with these tips. In case none of them work, don’t hesitate to hire a professional who will easily resolve your problem. You can find a reliable plumber in your area by clicking on the button below.
