The last thing you want is to deal with clogged drains in your home. What may start out as a minor issue that you can DIY or call a plumber to fix in no time may escalate to a serious concern that could ruin your entire plumbing system. Before it leads to sewage backup, flooding, or even corrosion, it is crucial to know what causes clogged drains and how to avoid them.
Hair
One of the leading causes of clogged drains is fur and human hair. There is a high chance that your hair or that of your pet will fall off in the bathtub, pile up, and block the drains. It gets even worse when the hair mixes up with other sticky substances like soap residues. To avoid this, consider using drain screens in your bathroom to collect the hair before they end up in the system.
Fat, Oil, and Grease
Also commonly known as F.O.G., these substances don’t belong in your drainage system because when they do, they easily solidify and form a stubborn blockage. They are infamous for damaging your plumbing system and leading to expensive repairs. Experts advise that you avoid pouring cooking byproducts into the sinks and garbage disposals. You can also soak up excess oils from pans before cleaning them.
Paper and Hygiene Products
One of the major causes of a clogged drainage system is paper and other non-flushable items. Besides toilet paper, nothing else should be flushed down the toilet. Unless the hygiene product has been labeled as “flushable,” it doesn’t belong in the drains. Since it cannot fully break down, it will end up mixing with gunk and other materials, leading to a nasty clog. Always throw hygiene products and other materials in the trash, not force them down the drain.
Food Scraps
One of the biggest problems when it comes to sink drainage is the accumulation of food scraps. When these chunks of food find their way into the drains, they keep building up and create huge clogs, especially in the kitchen drainage. The most common types of food to avoid throwing in the garbage disposal include tea leaves, eggshells, pasta, and rice. These mix with soap scum and obstruct the pipes. Using a drain cover will help prevent the scraps from washing down the drain.
Seek Professional Help
Are you frequently dealing with clogged drains and need professional plumbing in Tipp City? Reach out to Ed’s Heating Cooling Plumbing Electric for all your repair and installation needs and tips on how to avoid clogging your drains.
Mike Bratton is the Plumbing Manager at Ed’s Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric and a licensed State of Ohio plumbing contractor with 14 years of experience in the plumbing and home services industry. He specializes in residential plumbing services and selects commercial projects, including repairs, replacements, system upgrades, and new installations, helping customers keep their plumbing systems running safely and efficiently.
Throughout his 14 years with the company, Mike has worked closely with homeowners, builders, and business owners across the Miami Valley, guiding projects from initial diagnosis through completed installation and ongoing maintenance. Known for his quality workmanship, dependable solutions, and exceptional customer service, Mike draws on his hands-on experience to create educational content that helps property owners better understand their plumbing systems, catch small problems before they become big ones, and make confident, informed decisions about their homes.
