Clogged drains are the worst. A clogged drain is one of the most common household issues that people face. While it may seem like something simple, this problem can cause major disruption in your day to day life. If you ignore it, you may face bigger issues as time goes on. It is important to recognize the causes of clogged drains and what to do if you have a clog. Never ignore the problem as it could get worse if you do. 

Here, we will share some of the most common drain issues to help you better understand what you may be facing. 

1. Sneaky Hair Accumulation

One of the most common issues that leads to clogged drains is hair in the drain. The good news about this issue is that you can typically be proactive to prevent a clog from hair. The most common areas for hair clogs are sinks, showers, or tubs in the bathroom. This is particularly true of a tub or shower as hair typically accumulates after someone washes their hair the most. It can also combine with soap residue that causes it to clump and stick more. 

To be proactive against clogs, try cleaning hair from drains on a regular basis. You can also use hair traps to reduce the amount of hair going down the drain. 

2. Soap and Shampoo Residue

Piggybacking on the hair issue, soap and shampoo can sometimes also cause drain issues. While it will take time for that to build up, it does over time. Cleaning the drains regularly can help to prevent buildup. Soap and shampoo leave behind residue or soap scum that is sticky and tacky. Most of it will go down the drain and be gone. Over time, the residue will start to add up and may cause a blockage. 

3. Food or Grease Remnants

The kitchen drain, in particular, can be a major culprit for clogged drains. Grease, food, oils, and more have a tendency to build up over time. Knowing when to clean the grease trap is one of the most important things for keeping your kitchen drain clear. 

It’s a good idea to avoid pouring grease down the drain as the buildup can cause extensive issues in the future. However, even when you don’t pour grease down the drain, there will still be buildup from natural residue that does go down the kitchen drain. Cleaning the grease trap and being proactive with drain care will go a long way to prevent clogging issues. 

4. Don’t Drain the Wrong Things 

Too many people take for granted their drains and toilets and put things down that they shouldn’t. They think that because something goes down a few times it won’t cause them issues. You would be surprised how many things get flushed or put down the drain that shouldn’t be. There are certain things that should never go down the drain. A good rule of thumb is to only flush toilet paper and bodily waste. In the regular drains, keep it to residue, water, and soap and commit to regular cleaning. 

5. Tree Root Invasion

Tree roots have a bad habit of penetrating pipes. While this doesn’t necessarily affect the drain within your home right away, it can lead to clogged pipes. The result of clogged pipes outside will eventually be clogged or backing up drains inside. Be aware of the signs of tree roots and work with a professional if you suspect this is an issue in your structure. 

You can attempt to be proactive by regularly flushing or cleaning your pipes, but it may not always prevent a tree root invasion. 

Conclusion

Understanding the common reasons behind drain clogs helps you to be prepared and aware if you start to notice an issue. Do your best to be proactive with regular maintenance and proper usage of your drains. Know when to call a plumber in and never ignore the issue to avoid bigger problems.