Although a clogged drain is considered to be a minor issue, it can fester into a major plumbing problem if ignored. Here are some of the most common causes of clogged drains.
Hair
Hair is one of the biggest offenders. Whether it be human hair or pet fur, it can fall into the drain and combine with grease or some other form of sticky substance, forming a clog. Adding drain guards to your sinks and tub can help prevent this problem.
Mineral Deposits
Hard water is notorious for mineral build-up. These mineral deposits block your drain and reduce the flow of water. Having a water softener installed can help with this issue.
Excess Toilet Paper
Just about everyone knows that excessive use of toilet paper, particularly quilted varieties, can clog your toilet and cause it to overflow. If a plunger can’t resolve the issue, give Sullivan Super Service a call.
Cotton Products
Wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products and paper towels: What do these items have in common? None of them should be flushed down your toilet because they do not break down and can easily clog your drain.
Soap
Soaps are made up of minerals and fats that can accumulate over time and mix with hair, mineral build-up, or other debris in your drain to create serious clogs.
Food Waste
Tiny bits of food waste can accumulate in your drain along with solidified oil, grease, or even tea leaves, causing your kitchen sink to clog. Setting up a compost bin can help eliminate some of the food waste buildup.
Dirt
Excess dirt can build up in your drain and just like soap and hair, will combine with other greasy substances to create a blockage in your pipes.
Cat Litter
Some homeowners opt to flush their cat’s droppings rather than put them into a bag and throw it into the trash. This is a horrible idea for your plumbing system. Cat litter can easily combine with other debris in your pipes creating hard-to-fix clogs.
Small Objects
We’ve all seen the cartoon where the toddler tries to flush every toy he owns down the toilet. Sadly, this happens quite often in the real world, too. Tiny objects such as a toy car or even crayons can easily clog your plumbing system.
Tree Roots
Even the tiniest crack in your pipes can make way for nearby tree roots to wiggle right into your plumbing system. The roots continue growing while in the pipe causing a clogged drain that can be tricky to fix.
