Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Understanding what causes them can help you prevent them.
Kitchen Drains: The biggest culprits are grease, oil, and fats. When poured down the drain, they solidify in the pipes, trapping food particles and creating stubborn clogs. Coffee grounds and expandable foods like rice or pasta can also cause blockages.
Bathroom Drains: Hair is the primary cause of clogs in shower and sink drains. Soap scum can combine with hair, making the clog worse. For toilets, flushing items like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, 'flushable' wipes (which often aren't truly flushable), and cotton swabs will inevitably lead to clogs.
Main Sewer Line Clogs: These are more serious and can be caused by tree roots invading the pipes, collapsed or misaligned pipes, or a buildup of all the items mentioned above from multiple drains in the house.
Prevention Tips: Scrape food scraps into the trash before washing dishes. Never pour grease down the drain. Use drain screens to catch hair and debris. Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Consider periodic professional drain cleaning as preventative maintenance.
If you're dealing with a persistent clog, avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes. Call Key Plumbing for safe and effective drain cleaning solutions.