Top 10 Causes of Clogged Drains

Blocked drains can cause a lot of problems for households in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area. They can stop water from flowing properly and can even cause damage to your home by flooding or backing up your sewage system. If you have a blocked drain, it’s important to check if you’ve been disposing of things incorrectly in your sinks, showers or toilets. 

To help you avoid this problem, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 items that Curry and Son’s have found to cause drain blockages over time.

HAIR

Hair is one of the common causes of clogged drains, whether it’s human hair or animal fur. This happens mostly in bathroom and laundry sinks. When hair combines with substances like soap and grease, it can form knots and stick to various parts of the drain. 

Although we can’t help the fact that hair falls out naturally, there are some things we can do to prevent it from clogging our drains. You can start by removing any hair you see lying around in your sinks or shower after use. Also, make sure to clean your hairbrushes over a trash can. Another thing you can do is use a drain guard in your sinks and showers to catch hair from going down the drain. Don’t forget to clean the drain guards regularly to keep them working effectively.

SOAP

Over time, soap can leave behind a sticky film in your bathroom and laundry drains. This film can make it difficult for water to flow freely, which can cause slow draining and even clogs. Even the old-fashioned bars of soap, made with fat or grease, can leave behind this film. When dirt, hair, and other things mix with this film, it can make the problem even worse. To avoid these issues, try using soap-free washes instead.

GREASE, FAT AND OIL

Before you pour any meat leftovers or bacon grease down the kitchen sink, think twice. Grease, fat, and oil are the biggest culprits when it comes to plumbing problems. These substances tend to harden over time and clog pipes, causing serious damage to the drainage system.

To prevent these issues, it’s wise to use a paper towel to soak up any excess grease and oil before dumping it down the drain. You can also let the fat harden in a can or jar and throw it in the trash. This way, you can avoid costly plumbing repairs and keep your drainage system running smoothly.

FOOD WASTE

Did you know that throwing leftover food in the kitchen sink can cause blockages, even if you have a garbage disposal? Yes, it’s true! Food waste can clog up your pipes and create a big mess. So, it’s best not to let any food particles go down the drain. Instead, consider setting up a compost bin at home for your food waste. This way, you can dispose of your food scraps without worrying about any blockages in your sink.

DIRT

Nobody likes to have dirt all over their clothes and shoes, right? But did you know that washing off dirt in the sink or shower can cause problems in your pipes? When dirt mixes with hair, soap, and grease, it can clog your drains and cause even more trouble. So, it’s a good idea to shake or rinse off excess dirt from your clothes and shoes outside before washing them inside. This way, you can avoid unnecessary plumbing issues and keep your drains running smoothly.

HYGIENE PRODUCTS

It’s important to avoid flushing hygiene products like “flushable” wipes, diapers, cotton swabs, and feminine products down the toilet. These items don’t break down like toilet paper does, and they can cause serious problems in your plumbing. They often expand and don’t dissolve, which can lead to clogs and damage to your pipes. So, it’s best to dispose of them in the trash can instead of flushing them down the toilet.

TOILET PAPER BUILD-UP

Using too much toilet paper can lead to clogged drains and toilets that won’t flush, which is a big hassle to deal with. To avoid this problem, it’s important to use toilet paper in moderation and avoid flushing large amounts at once. Instead, try using smaller batches of paper and flushing only once to keep your pipes flowing smoothly.

SMALL OBJECTS

Sometimes small things can accidentally end up in your pipes and cause clogs. For example, things like toys, jewelry, or even keys can fall down the drain in the sink or shower if there isn’t anything to stop them. And sometimes, small objects can accidentally get flushed down the toilet too.

To make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s important to be careful about what you flush down the toilet and to use a special guard to cover the drain in your sink or shower. This way, you can keep your pipes from getting blocked and avoid expensive repairs.

MINERAL BUILD-UP

If the water in your area is hard, it can cause problems with your drains. Mineral deposits can build up and slow down the flow of water, which can lead to clogs and backups in your pipes. One way to prevent this from happening is by getting a water softener installed in your home. If that’s not possible, you’ll need to clean out your drains regularly to get rid of any buildup. If you find that your drains are completely blocked, it’s best to call a professional to help you out, as it can be tricky to remove mineral clogs on your own.

TREE ROOTS

If you have trees around your home, you may face a problem with their roots invading your pipes. The roots naturally seek water and may find their way into your pipes through even the smallest cracks. This can cause damage to your pipes and block water flow. 

To avoid this problem, it’s important to keep an eye on the trees and plants around your home, especially if you live in an area with lots of trees. You should also check your drains regularly to make sure they are working properly. 

If you hear a gurgling sound in your pipes, it could be a sign that tree roots have invaded. This can be a complicated problem to fix, so it’s best to call a professional plumber to help you.

KEEPING YOUR PIPES PROBLEM-FREE

It’s pretty common to have clogged drains, but you can prevent it from happening by taking some simple steps. Always make sure you don’t put anything down your drain that isn’t supposed to be there, and avoid using any harsh chemicals to unclog your drain. Instead, you can try plunging the drain or using a plumber’s snake to remove any blockage. However, if your drain is still clogged and you can’t fix it yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber.

We offer several options for Main Line Clearing.