10 Causes of Clogged Drains (And How to Prevent Them)

Clogged drains are a frequent household nuisance that can lead to significant inconvenience and costly repairs. Identifying the causes of clogs and knowing how to prevent them can save you from future headaches. This article covers ten common causes of clogged drains, offering practical tips and highlighting effective solutions. We also feature Drain Strain products to help you maintain clear and efficient drains.

1: Hair

Cause:

Hair significantly contributes to clogged drains, especially in bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs. As hair accumulates in the drain, it can entangle with other debris, forming a dense mass that obstructs water flow. Hair clogs can result in slow drainage or complete blockages, causing water to back up and potentially damage plumbing fixtures.

Prevention:

Use Drain Strainers: Installing drain strainers or hair catchers in your sink and shower drains is an effective way to prevent hair from entering the pipes. These devices catch hair before it can accumulate and cause a clog.
Regular Maintenance: Clean the drain filters to remove trapped hair and debris. This simple step helps ensure that water flows freely and prevents buildup from becoming a significant issue.
Drain Strain Products: For added protection, consider using products from Drain Strain, such as the Drain Buddy. These innovative tools are designed to catch hair and other debris while allowing water to flow smoothly, reducing the risk of clogs and keeping your drains in top condition.

2: Soap Scum

Cause:

Soap scum is a residue that forms when soap interacts with minerals in hard water. Over time, soap scum builds up on the interior surfaces of pipes, narrowing the passage and leading to clogs. If not addressed, this buildup can cause slow drainage and contribute to more severe blockages.

Prevention:

Use Liquid Soap: Switching to liquid soap instead of bar soap can help reduce soap scum buildup. Liquid soap produces less residue and is less likely to contribute to clogs in your plumbing system.
Regular Cleaning: Clean your drains regularly with vinegar and hot water. The acidic properties of vinegar help dissolve soap scum and other residues, keeping your pipes clear and reducing the risk of clogs.
Water Softener: Installing a water softener can reduce the mineral content in your water, which helps to minimize soap scum formation. Softened water is less likely to leave behind residues that contribute to clogs.

3: Food Waste

Cause:

Food waste is a common cause of clogged kitchen drains. Even if you have a garbage disposal, some food particles and grease can still make their way into the drain, where they can accumulate and form blockages.

Prevention:

Avoid Pouring Grease: Do not pour grease, oil, or fat down the drain. These substances can solidify and cause blockages. Instead, collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Use a Sink Strainer: Install a sink strainer to catch food particles before they enter the drain. This simple device helps prevent more significant pieces of food from causing clogs.
Compost Food Waste: Instead of disposing of food waste in the sink, consider using a compost bin. Composting food scraps reduces waste entering your plumbing system and helps prevent clogs.

4: Mineral Buildup

Cause:

Mineral buildup, limescale, or mineral deposits can occur in pipes due to hard water. Over time, minerals such as calcium and magnesium accumulate on the interior surfaces of pipes, narrowing the passage and leading to clogs.

Prevention:

Water Softener: Install a water softener to reduce the mineral content in your water. Softened water helps prevent the formation of mineral deposits, keeping your pipes clear and reducing the risk of clogs.
Regular Maintenance: Clean your pipes regularly with vinegar and baking soda. This natural remedy helps dissolve mineral deposits and maintain water flow through your plumbing system.
Professional Cleaning: For severe mineral buildup, consider hiring a professional plumber to clean your pipes thoroughly. This service can remove stubborn deposits and restore optimal water flow.

5: Small Objects

Cause:

Small objects, such as jewellery, toys, or hygiene products, can accidentally fall into the drain and cause blockages. These items can become lodged in the pipes, obstructing water flow and leading to clogs.

Prevention:

Use Drain Covers: Install drain covers or guards to prevent small objects from entering the drain. These covers help catch items before they become a problem.
Be Cautious: Keep small objects away from sinks and bathtubs to avoid accidental drops. Be mindful of what you place near drains to prevent items from falling in.
Regular Checks: Periodically check the drains for any items that may have accidentally fallen in and remove them promptly to prevent blockages.

6: Toilet Paper Buildup

Cause:

Excessive use of toilet paper or flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes or sanitary products, can lead to toilet clogs. Toilet paper can accumulate and form blockages, while non-flushable items can create significant pipe obstructions.

Prevention:

Moderate Usage: Use a reasonable amount of toilet paper and avoid flushing large quantities simultaneously. If necessary, flush in smaller increments to prevent overloading the pipes.
Flushable Products: Only flush items that are labeled as flushable. Avoid flushing wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels, as these can cause severe clogs.
Educate Household Members: Ensure that everyone in your household understands the importance of proper toilet paper usage and what should and should not be flushed.

7: Tree Roots

Cause:

Tree roots can invade underground pipes, causing blockages and damage. Roots are naturally drawn to the moisture in pipes, and as they grow, they can obstruct water flow and even break or collapse pipes.

Prevention:

Regular Inspections: Have a professional plumber inspect your pipes regularly to detect and address root intrusion early. Routine inspections can help identify potential issues before they become significant problems.
Tree Placement: Avoid planting trees or shrubs near your sewer lines to prevent root growth into the pipes. If you have existing trees near your pipes, consider removing them or taking measures to protect your plumbing system.
Root Barriers: Install root barriers around your sewer lines to prevent roots from encroaching on your pipes. These barriers can help protect your plumbing system from root damage.

8: Dental Floss

Cause:

Dental Floss can contribute to clogs when flushed down the toilet. The Floss can wrap around other pipe debris, creating blockages restricting water flow.

Prevention:

Proper Disposal: Dispose of dental floss in the trash instead of flushing it down the toilet. Dental floss is not designed to break down in water and can cause clogs in your plumbing system.
Educate Household Members: Ensure that everyone in your household understands the proper way to dispose of dental floss and other non-flushable items.
Alternative Products: Consider using floss picks or other dental hygiene products that can be disposed of more quickly and are less likely to cause plumbing issues.

9: Soap Residue from Laundry

Cause:

Laundry detergents can leave soap residue that builds up in the pipes over time. This residue

can contribute to clogs, mainly if you use too much detergent or have hard water.

Prevention:

Use the Right Amount: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct amount of laundry detergent. Using the appropriate amount helps prevent excess soap residue from accumulating in the pipes.
Liquid Detergent: Consider using liquid laundry detergent, less likely to leave residue than powder detergent. Liquid detergents dissolve more easily in water and are less likely to contribute to clogs.
Regular Maintenance: Clean your washing machine and pipes regularly to remove soap residue and prevent buildup. Running a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner can help maintain optimal performance.

10: Broken Pipes

Cause:

Due to age, corrosion, or shifting soil, pipes can break or collapse. Broken pipes can lead to blockages and leaks, causing significant damage to your plumbing system.

Prevention:

Regular Maintenance: Have your plumbing system inspected regularly by a professional to identify and address any issues before they become significant problems. Routine maintenance helps ensure the integrity of your pipes and prevents unexpected failures.
Quality Products: Use high-quality pipes and fittings to reduce the risk of breakage. Investing in durable materials can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and reduce the likelihood of issues.
Monitor for Signs: Be aware of signs of pipe problems, such as unusual noises, leaks, or slow drainage. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the continued efficiency of your plumbing system.

Final Words

Understanding the common causes of clogged drains and taking proactive measures to prevent them can help you maintain a smooth and efficient plumbing system. By using quality products, such as those available from Drain Strain, you can further protect your drains and enjoy a hassle-free plumbing experience. Regular maintenance, mindful usage, and the right tools are essential for preventing clogs and keeping your drains in optimal condition.