Keeping drains free of clogs is a top priority for many property owners, and one approach may be more effective than you had assumed: Simply changing your daily habits. Many of the common causes of drain clogs involve simple habits that some people carry in their daily lives, and tweaking these ever so slightly can help you avoid clog risks and save money.
At City Creek Plumbing, we’re proud to offer the best drain cleaning services available around Kaysville and Layton, plus tips on avoiding drain clogs to begin with. Here are some examples of bad habits that can serve as common causes of drain clogs, plus how to prevent them and some general drain cleaning maintenance tips to keep in mind.
How Drain Clogs Form
Before we get into some of the specific bad habits that can lead to drain clogs, it’s important to understand the general process of how these clogs form. When debris such as hair, grease, or food particles goes down a drain, it can get stuck on the walls of the pipes.
Over time, this buildup can become larger and create an obstruction that prevents water from flowing freely. In some cases, these obstructions may even cause major blockages that require professional plumbing services to remove.
Bad Habits That Serve as Common Causes of Drain Clogs
Here are certain habits that some homeowners carry, which can often serve as causes of clogs in various plumbing drains:
Pouring Grease Down Drains
Some people may pour hot grease or oil down the kitchen sink drain, thinking that it will just wash away. However, when this grease and oil cool down and solidify in the pipes, it can create a thick layer of buildup that prevents water from flowing freely. This can also attract other debris, leading to even bigger clogs.
To prevent this issue, always dispose of grease and oil in a separate container and throw it in the trash instead.
Flushing Inappropriate Items Down Toilets
Many homeowners make the mistake of flushing items such as wipes, tissues, cotton swabs, and feminine hygiene products down their toilets. These non-biodegradable items do not dissolve easily like toilet paper does – even the ones that are labeled “flushable” in many cases!
This means that they can easily get stuck in pipes and cause blockages. Not only can this lead to unpleasant backups, but it can also damage your plumbing system and result in costly repairs.
To avoid this problem, always dispose of these items in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet. It’s a simple change that can save you from potential headaches and expenses down the line.
Food Scraps
While it’s true that garbage disposals can be helpful in breaking down food scraps, this does not mean that all scraps should be disposed of in this way. Certain types of food, such as fibrous vegetables, bones, and coffee grounds, can cause damage to your garbage disposal and even clog your pipes.
To prevent this, it’s best to scrape excess food into the trash before washing dishes or using a sink with a garbage disposal. This will help keep your plumbing system running smoothly and avoid any potential issues.
Hair Down Drains
Another common bad habit that often leads to drain clogs is washing hair down the drain. While it may seem harmless, hair can easily tangle and accumulate in your pipes, causing blockages that prevent water from flowing freely.
To avoid this issue, consider using a mesh drain cover in your sink or shower to catch any loose hairs before they make their way into your plumbing system. It’s also important to regularly clean out these covers to prevent buildup and maintain proper drainage.
Other Drain Clog Prevention Tips
In addition to avoiding the bad habits we just went over above, here are some other simple ways to avoid drain clogs:
- Use drain strainers: These small, inexpensive devices can be placed over your sink or shower drain to catch any debris before it has a chance to cause a clog.
- Utilize hot water flushes: Periodically, run hot water through your drains to help melt away any potential buildup.
- Use natural drain cleaners: Instead of harsh chemical cleaners, opt for natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar to dissolve clogs and keep your drains clean. Enzyme cleaners, for instance, can also be effective in breaking down organic materials that may lead to clogs.
- General maintenance: From general drain cleaning to periodic professional drain cleanouts, it’s important to regularly maintain your drains and keep them in proper working condition. This can help prevent major clogs from forming and ensure that your plumbing system stays in good shape.
At City Creek Plumbing, we’re here to offer drain cleaning services and other expertise to help you avoid or remedy any drain clog issues in the Layton or Kaysville areas. For more here, or to schedule service with our expert plumbers, contact us today!