There are a few feelings worse than stepping into a much-needed shower only to realize the water isn’t draining from the basin. Relaxing shower ruined, and now you have to add one more task to your already long list. Luckily, we’re here to help. To find out what the common causes of clogged drains are as well as simple ways to clear them, keep reading for our helpful guide!
Top Causes of Clogged Drains
It’s important to remember that these change depending on the location of the drain, so that’s how we’ve broken it up here.
Toilet Clogs
You are likely familiar with the rules about what should be flushed down the toilet, but here’s a gentle refresher: only flush organic waste and toilet paper.
These items should never get flushed, but commonly are:
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Feminine care products
- Q tips, cotton pads, or cotton balls
These products won’t break down in the water the same way that toilet paper and organic waste do, so they will cause clogs in your toilet over time.
Kitchen Sink Clogs
You might think that your kitchen “garbage” disposal is for all garbage and that it can handle any waste you toss down the drain. You would be incorrect. Your disposal is meant to handle scraps of food in small quantities, the pieces that wouldn’t come off of the plate when you dumped the leftovers into the trash can.
Here are some food items you should always avoid tossing into the garbage disposal:
- Fats, oils, and grease. Even if you pour them in while they’re liquids, they will solidify and clog your pipes.
- Fibrous foods, like celery, tend to tangle around your garbage disposal hammers or get caught around other debris and form clogs.
- Eggshells and coffee grounds, with their sand-like texture, get caught in the nooks and crannies of your pipes and can cause clogs with other debris.
- Starchy foods like pasta and rice expand when they contact water and can lead to blockages.
Bathroom Clogs: Sink and Shower
The number one cause of shower and sink drain clogs is hair. All of the times that you brush your hair at the sink shampoo your hair, and style your hair leaves a lot of strands strewn throughout your bathroom. And all of those loose strands form perfect clogs in your bathroom drains.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
When you find yourself with a clogged drain at home, it might be tempting to reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner, but hopefully, we can change your mind about that.
Chemical drain cleaners are an incredibly corrosive substance which is what helps them cut through all of the debris; however, the other side effects include damaging your pipes and potentially even harming your skin.
At-Home Clog Remedies
Instead of chemicals, next time you encounter a clogged drain, try one of these remedies:
Drain Snake
A drain snake is a great tool that you can use to clear a clog. It has barbs running up the shaft that will latch onto any hair and pull it all out of the drain in one fell swoop.
Baking Soda & Salt
There are also a variety of household ingredients you can use to clear clogs. Pour equal parts baking soda and salt down your drain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then flush it down with piping hot water.
Vinegar, Salt, & Lemon
Another mixture is equal parts salt and vinegar, then half a part of lemon juice. Pour it down the drain and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes, and flush it with hot water.
The coarseness of the salt helps to cut through any grime and slime you encounter. You might need to try these mixtures a few times before you see any major results. If they’re still not getting the job done, it’s time to call in the pros! Give our team a call at (702) 710-7388 or visit our website for scheduling information!
