When it comes to clogged drains, there are more culprits than you could possibly count… basically anything that can fit down a drain, can clog drains… But there are 5 things that seem to clog drains more than anything else. Here’s our list – gathered from our long experience as plumbing professionals – of the Top 5 things that clog drains.
Top 5 Drain Clogs
Hair: This is obvious for… anyone who’s ever taken or owned a shower (ha!). Hair is the number one cause of drain clogs in showers and bathroom sinks. To reduce (or eliminate) clogged drains from hair, install drain filters or strainers that will catch hair and other solids and only let water through.
Grease: In the kitchen, the most common cause of clogged drains is grease build up from pots, pans and dishes. We’ve all seen what grease looks like when it’s hot (transparent liquid) as compared to when it cools and gets wet (solid white). After time, all the grease from your dishes that isn’t completely broken down by soap, will begin to build up in the plumbing system and clog the drain. Be sure never to pour liquid oils from pans (from bacon or other meats esp.) down the drain. Pour them into a can or jar and dispose of them that way so that you don’t end up with a clogged drain.
Food: Food is another huge cause of clogged drains in the kitchen. Even small food particles will build up over time and eventually become so large that they clog drains. We recommend always having a strainer in place in the drains in your kitchen, or buying special wire mesh filters to keep over the drain when you don’t have stoppers in place.
Paper: Toilet paper and paper from feminine products are a major cause of clogged drains in toilets. Toilet paper is designed to be quickly and easily broken down by water so that it will flush easily. If too much paper, or thicker paper like paper towels are thrown into a toilet, it might not break down and you’ll end up with a clogged drain. Make sure your family knows not to put anything but toilet paper into the toilet.
Toys: Kids! We all love them, and as much as they love their toys, their curiosities can get the best of them sometimes when they get to wondering… “I wonder what would happen if I put this in there.” Toys aren’t the most common cause of clogged drains, but we do see it frequently enough to add it to this list. Make sure you tell your kids NOT to put stuff down drains – they might not understand plumbing, but let them know it’s not good for the toy and you’ll get their attention.
