Drain clogs are usually the result of everyday materials building up inside of your pipes. Eventually, the flow of water will stop completely, leading to pipe strain, leaks, and potential backups. Correcting bad plumbing habits now can help protect your home from drain clogs and expensive repairs.
Particles of Food
Even if you have a garbage disposal, you should try to minimize the amount of food particles that go down your drain. Avoid putting starchy foods down your drain, including potatoes, rice, and pasta. These foods can break down and create a thick layer of sludge in your pipes. This will attract other debris, quickly leading to clogs. Also, avoid fruit and vegetable peels, fibrous foods, coffee, oils, and eggshells going down your drains.
Grease, Fats, and Oils
When grease, fat, or oils move into your pipes and cool, they solidify. This sticky coating then attracts other debris and food scraps. Even soap residue can accumulate and cause a problem. Over time, a clog can form and stop the flow of water and waste.
Soap Scum and Beauty Products
Not all soaps and products break down easily when they go down your drain. Instead, they may contain fats and ingredients that form a hard residue. This residue easily sticks to the interior of your pipes and drains. As hair goes down your drains, it will get trapped in this residue and create a dense blockage.
Wipes, Cotton Balls, and Feminine Products
Some products claim to be flushable, but they’re not. Don’t put wipes, cotton balls, cotton swabs, dental floss, or feminine products down your drains. Instead, keep a garbage can in each bathroom of your home. Encourage your family and friends to use the garbage can instead of flushing items that can cause a blockage.
Cat Litter and Pet Fur
Pet messes should go into the garbage. Flushing fur, litter, and waste will clog your pipes very quickly. Litter clumps don’t break down or break apart inside of your pipes.
Concentrations of Minerals
If you live in an area with high levels of minerals in the water, you may experience limescale on the interior of your pipes. This reduces the size of the opening in your pipes, preventing water and waste from easily being able to pass through.
Drain clogs are usually the result of different materials accumulating inside of your pipes over time. Knowing which items to avoid putting down your drains is key to preventing clogs. Contact our team at A-1 Plumbing and Heating in Farmington, ME to learn more about the benefits of professional drain cleaning.