Below are the five (5) most common causes of clogged drains in our experience. Bear in mind that many clogs consist of a combination of things like hair, soap, and dirt rather than just one substance.
We will explain below each cause as well as some ways to fix and prevent them.
- Hair
Human hair, animal fur, or other stringy stuff such as dental floss are the common cause of clogs, especially in shower, laundry, bathtub, and bathroom drains. It is bad because it can knot up, combine with other substances like soap and grease, and attach itself to parts of the drain. In our experience, many of the most stubborn clogs have hair involved, especially bathtubs, showers and bathroom sinks.
How to fix
Plunging your drain often works. You might also try using a commercially available drain cleaner, however, regular use can cause damage to your pipes. Alternatively, you can make your DIY drain cleaner using baking soda and vinegar. A plumber’s snake might be needed to dislodge stubborn clogs.
How to prevent
Use a hair strainer drain guard and clean it regularly to prevent hair from going down the drain.
- Oil, grease, and fat
Oil, grease, and fat can cause serious problems to your drain system. Grease and oil solidify on pipes and cause blockages. Some believe that running hot water when pouring fat down the drain will ensure that there are no problems, but it isn’t a good solution.
How to fix
Plunging might work. If it doesn’t, mix together some detergent and hot water. Pour the mixture into the bowl and flush. This will help break down the solidified oil. If it still doesn’t work, try using a commercial drain cleaning product and follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.
How to prevent
Wipe up small amounts of oil with a paper towel and throw it on the compost. Larger amounts of fat should be left to harden in a can or jar, then thrown out with the trash.
- Food waste
Food waste clogs are the general problems that affect kitchen sinks. Food wastes can still clog up your pipes even if you have a garbage disposal. Tea leaves and coffee grounds, are especially bad because they don’t break down.
How to fix
There are numbers of places where food waste can gather. Clogged pipes should generally be tackled by drain cleaners, plunging, or a plumber’s snake. If you have a garbage disposal, that might be the issue. Detach the garbage disposal and inspect it, clean if necessary or replace.
How to prevent
Set up a compost container for food waste. Avoid putting food waste down your drains.
- Feminine products and cotton swabs
Unlike toilet paper, feminine products and cotton swabs don’t break down or dissolve. They should never be flushed down the toilet as they can block up your drains. Tampons are a particular problem as they can grow to 10 times their size once they have absorbed fluid.
How to fix
Plunging or the use of an auger can often work. If not, you will have to call an expert.
How to prevent
Never flush tampons, pads, or cotton swabs down your toilet, as they expand and don’t break down causing serious problems.
- Too much toilet paper
Moderate usage, toilet paper cannot cause issues. However, excess usage can cause clogs. Quilted toilet paper can be particularly bad for creating blockages.
How to fix
In most cases, clogs caused by toilet papers can be fixed by using a drain cleaners, plunger, or a toilet auger.
How to prevent
Toilet paper should be used in moderation. If isn’t necessary, use small batches of paper over several flushes.
SEE ALSO: Common Warning Signs of Clogged Drains
Need help on your clogged drain? Contact our experts at Top Malabanan Siphoning. We provide 24/7 Services in Metro Manila and nearby provincials.
