Everyone deals with clogged drains at times. They can certainly be annoying and disruptive even when they only happen occasionally. If they become a persistent problem, they’re even more frustrating.
In some cases, recurring clogs can be caused by underlying issues with a home’s plumbing system. For the most part, though, they actually stem from simple human error.
Take a look at the following five mistakes people often make to help you avoid them and prevent recurring clogs.
1) Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain
One of the most common mistakes people make is pouring grease and cooking oils down their drains. This may seem like a perfectly logical course of action; after all, those substances are liquids that should easily flow down the drain and through the pipes. Keep in mind, though, when they cool, they solidify. When they do, they form a sticky buildup that slowly grows and attracts other debris.
In time, that combination of solidified grease and other particles can cause clogs that require idaho hydro jetting to clear them up. To avoid this problem, allow grease and oils to cool and harden in a separate container. Then, discard them in the trash.
2) Overusing Chemical Drain Cleaners
Overusing chemical drain cleaners can also bring about recurring clogs. Though these substances are designed to break up clogs, they’re also composed of corrosive chemicals that can damage pipes over time.
They may wear away the inner surfaces of pipes, making them rougher and more likely to catch solid particles instead of allowing them to flow freely. Those caustic substances can also weaken pipes if they’re used repeatedly.
Using chemical drain cleaners on occasional clogs can become a detrimental cycle that leads to recurring blockages, damaged pipes, and many other issues. Consider using alternative solutions, like plungers or plumbing snakes.
Natural drain cleaners, like a combination of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water, can also be helpful without causing damage to the drains and pipes.
3) Not Using Drain Screens
Another common mistake is failing to use drain screens in sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Without a screen in place, hair, soap scum, and other debris can make their way into drains where they gradually build up and cause clogs.
Even larger items, like toothpaste caps, jewelry, and razor guards, can escape down drains and cause problems. Drain screens catch all those items before they get into the pipes, so they can be gathered up and disposed of in the trash.
4) Flushing Unflushable Items
Flushing items that shouldn’t be is also a major culprit in recurring clogs. Those include wipes, cotton, dental floss, cat litter, and many other common household items.
They don’t break down easily; instead, they accumulate. Only flush waste and toilet paper to avoid this issue.
5) Ignoring Early Warning Signs of Underlying Problems
Ignoring early warning signs of underlying plumbing problems can lead to recurring clogs as well. Keep an eye out for slow drainage, gurgling sounds in pipes, and unpleasant odors coming from drains.
Those issues could be indications of damaged pipes, collapsed sewer lines, and serious obstructions in the plumbing system, so they shouldn’t be overlooked.
Contact a professional plumber to have the problem resolved as quickly as possible. That’ll help you avoid extensive damage and other costly problems.
Keeping Recurring Clogs at Bay
Clogs are common problems that can easily be resolved in many cases. If they become persistent, though, there’s likely a serious issue involved.
These mistakes listed here are some of the most prevalent reasons people experience recurring clogs. Be mindful of what goes down the drains, and don’t ignore early warning signs of serious underlying plumbing problems. Those measures can save you a great deal of grief and money in the long run.