A clogged drain isn’t just an annoying problem that slows you down to do

your chores. It can be a severe plumbing problem with potential health

concerns. But what causes clogs drains? Can they be prevented?

Here’s a list of ten things that and some tips of how to prevent having

clogged drains.

1. Hair

Human hair, as well as animal fur can accumulate to the point where it

causes slow flow or a total pipe blockage in shower, laundry, bathtub, and

bathroom drains. Hair can tangle and combine with other substances such as

soap or grease and get attached to the drain.

Losing hair can’t be prevented because it’s natural, but you can take

actions to protect your drain as much as possible. You can brush your hair

before you take a shower and install a shower drain hair catcher. In this

way, you can reduce the amount of hair that goes down the drain.

2. Soap Scum

Detergents and soap scum accumulated over time in the laundry, shower, and

bathroom drains. This causes the diameter of the pipe to reduce and causes

slow flow and backup.

The recommendation to avoid clogs provoked by soap scum is to use soaps

that don’t contain phosphates, and which have natural surfactants. This

means that you should try to use soap-free washes, which will also help

protect your skin.

3. Toilet Paper

Toilet paper, seriously? Yes, the excessive use of toilet paper combined

with sewage going down the drain, can make your toilet overflow. To prevent

this simply use toilet paper in moderation. Not only will you be helping

your drain, but you’ll also be more ecofriendly. Don’t use more toilet

paper than what you need, and definitely don’t flush more than what you

need to. If necessary, use small batches of paper over several flushes.

4. Food Oil, Grease, and Fat

Food oil, grease, and fat can cause severe problems to your draining

system, because they solidify in the pipes causing a blockage. To prevent

this, wipe up small amounts of oil with a paper towel and throw it on the

compost. For large amounts of fats and oils, pour your leftover cooking

oils into a melt-proof container like a can or a jar, and throw it on the

trash.

5. Food Waste

Having a garbage disposal doesn’t mean you can put anything down the drain.

Food waste can clog your piped because not everything breaks down. Make

sure to never throw eggshells, fruit peels, or large chunks of food down

the drain. Instead, set up a compost bin for food waste. In that way, you

can be green and help your sink drain.

6. Wipes

Plumbing systems only have the capacity to process water, human waste, and

biodegradable toilet paper. Even if the wipes are labeled as “flushable,”

they shouldn’t be disposed in the drain because they will not disintegrate.

Make sure to throw all the wipes in the trash can, not down your toilet.

7. Feminine Products and Diapers

Feminine hygiene products and diapers should never be flushed down the

toilet. They are not biodegradable, they expand with moisture, and contain

cotton which attracts other clogging agents. And beyond the clogging, they

can cause more severe damages like leaks or cracks in your drainpipes. So,

just make sure to follow the instructions on the package of how to properly

dispose them.

8. Objects Accidentally Flushed

If you have children, you know that small toys and small objects make their

way into all kinds of crazy places. Sinks, toilets, and bathtubs are no

exception. You can prevent having your drain clogged by placing drain

covers on sinks, showers, and bathtubs- they will catch the small objects.

But more importantly, teach your children what the toilet is used for, and

what it is not. Help them understand that flushing objects, (besides from

toilet paper), down the toilet, can lead to serious problems.

9. Tree Roots

It’s hard to believe it, but the tiniest crack in your pipe will draw

thirsty tree roots- and soon they’ll be growing inside your pipe. Tree

roots are one of the most common, and most expensive reasons for drain

problems.

To avoid tree root problems, make sure to take good care of your pipes and

drains, and be mindful of where you plant trees. Be careful to not plan

anything that could overlap with pipes.

10. Mineral buildup

Hard water is full of minerals that buildup in the pipes and reduce the

flow. Mineral deposits can lead to backups, so it if you know that there is

hard water where you live, make sure to install a water softener in your

house. That is the only way to prevent mineral buildup.

What to do if You Have a Clogged Drain

As you can notice, most clogged drains can be prevented by taking small

actions. But sometimes no matter how careful you are, you can end up with a

clogged drain. When that happens, don’t pour drain cleaners down your

drain. They will get rid of the clog, but they’ll weaken your pipes.

Instead, make sure to call a professional plumber to clean your drain.

At Plumbers in Denver, we have the expertise and the necessary

equipment to clean your drainpipes and help you keep them healthy. We are a

licensed, bonded, and insured company that offers quality and affordable

services to the Denver metropolitan area. Give us a call, you won’t regret

working with us.