A clogged drain can be an uncomfortable, annoying issue that has the potential to obstruct you and your loved ones’ day-to-day water use. There are several common culprits that have a tendency to cause bothersome blockages.
Here are the objects and substances you’ll want to avoid keep your pipes running smoothly:
- Hair: Whether human, animal, or faux, hair buildup is one of the most common offenders when it comes to a clogged drain. If you suffer often from blockages caused by hair, you may want to invest in a drain protector — a simple device with holes or slots that allows water to flow through but hinders pesky hairs from intruding.
- Dirt: While most drains can handle small amounts of dirt or grime, it’s best to not overload your pipes with large amounts of debris that can restrict water from flowing freely.
- Food waste: When it comes to kitchen sinks, excessive amounts of organic material can cause a clogged drain. Steer clear of flushing grease or oil, vegetable peels, egg shells, coffee grounds, or items with pits or seeds. It’s also best to keep bones, rice, pasta, stringy vegetables, or anything in bulk from going down your drain.
- Soaps: While it may be hard to believe, certain soaps can actually be the cause of the clogs in your shower or laundry drains! Some soaps are known to contain fats and minerals that can meld with other obstructive objects and create a blockage. If you notice soap scum developing in your sinks or showers due to the type of soap you’re using, it’s likely that this soap scum is also impacting your pipes — a switch in soap is recommended in these cases.