Clogged drains are a common issue for plumbers who get calls from residential customers. This problem can be prevented and costly repairs avoided if homeowners know what should never be put down their drains. While hair is the most easily recognized culprit, other things are the most common causes of clogged drains.
Grease is the worst culprit of drain clogs because it becomes solidified once it cools, effectively blocking the drain. Even liquid grease such as vegetable oil can cause issues, but solids are the biggest problem. Grease should be stored in a container such as a metal or glass jar and thrown away once it has cooled.
Another problem for clogged drains is food, especially with a garbage disposal. Certain foods are thick and do not grind up as fine and can get stuck in the disposal. Foods such as celery, potato or apple peels should be thrown away instead of tossed down the disposal. Coffee grounds and eggshells are actually good for a disposal and do not cause problems with the drain.
Soaps and body lotions can cause problems for drains. The ingredients in these items cause them to stick to the sides of the drain and build up in the pipes. If you notice the soap scum that accumulates on your shower walls, this is what it does on the inside of the pipes as well.
If you have a clogged drain, you may be thinking about using a chemical product to remove the clog. However, you should be careful when using these types of products because they can cause damage to your system over time. In addition, if they don’t work you will have a sink full of caustic chemicals to deal with. The better option is to call a professional plumber to unclog the drain and avoid putting things in it to cause problems.
