Clogged drains are a common household nuisance, causing inconvenience and sometimes even costly repairs. While hair and soap scum are well-known offenders, several surprising culprits can lead to drain blockages. From dental floss to tree roots, understanding these lesser-known causes can help you prevent future clogs and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Let's explore some root causes of clogged drains that may surprise you as well as quick tips on how to avert them.
1. Dental Floss Buildup
Dental floss seems harmless enough, but when it accumulates in drains, it can create a tangled mess that traps other debris and leads to blockages. Many people flush dental floss down the toilet without realizing the potential for clogs. To prevent this, dispose of dental floss in the trash instead.
Quick Tip: Dispose of dental floss in the trash.
2. Cooking Grease and Oil
Pouring cooking grease and oil down the drain may seem convenient, but as it cools, it solidifies and can cling to the walls of pipes, narrowing the passageway for water to flow. Over time, this buildup can lead to stubborn clogs. To avoid this, let grease and oil cool in a container and dispose of it in the trash once solidified.
Quick Tip: Let grease and oil cool in a container and dispose of it in the trash once solidified.
3. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds may seem innocuous, but when washed down the drain, they can accumulate and create a sludgy mixture that blocks pipes. Instead of rinsing coffee grounds down the sink, dispose of them in the trash or use them as compost.
Quick Tip: dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or use them as compost.
4. Small Objects
Small objects like jewelry or children's toys can accidentally find their way into drains and cause blockages. To prevent this, be mindful of what goes near your drains and keep small objects out of reach, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where drains are easily accessible.
Quick Tip: keep small objects out of reach, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where drains are easily accessible.
5. Mineral Buildup
Minerals present in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, can accumulate over time and form mineral deposits inside pipes. These deposits can restrict water flow and contribute to clogs. Using a water softener or periodically flushing your drains with a mixture of vinegar and hot water can help prevent mineral buildup.
Quick Tip: flushing your drains with a mixture of vinegar and hot water can help prevent mineral buildup.
6. Tree Roots
Tree roots are a surprising but common cause of clogged drains, especially in older homes with clay or cast iron pipes. Roots can infiltrate pipes through small cracks or joints in search of water, eventually causing blockages and pipe damage. Regular inspections and root barriers can help prevent this issue.
Quick Tip: Regular inspections and root barriers can help prevent this issue.
7. Soap Scum and Hair
While not as surprising as some of the other culprits on this list, soap scum and hair still deserve a mention. These substances can accumulate in drains over time, creating stubborn clogs that are difficult to remove. Using drain covers or screens can help catch hair before it enters the drain, and regular cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help prevent soap scum buildup.
Quick Tip: Use drain covers or screens, and regular cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help prevent buildup.
The causes of clogged drains are diverse and often surprising. Familiarizing yourself with these culprits and adhering to responsible disposal habits and preventative practices can help you maintain clear drains and sidestep the inconvenience and expense of removing clogs.
If your drains become clogged and you're unable to clear them yourself, it's important to reach out to a licensed professional plumber for assistance. They can provide the necessary service to restore your pipes to working condition.
The Great Plumbing Co.
For nearly three decades, The Great Plumbing Co. has been providing exceptional plumbing services for homeowners as well as business owners throughout Toronto and the GTA. Whether you're dealing with a leaky hose bib, a clogged drain, or a toilet repair and service you can trust The Great Plumbing Co. to deliver timely solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
Contact us or book online to schedule your residential plumbing appointment.
