The summer is a time for family, friends, and food. But unfortunately, it’s also prime time when your drains are more likely to become clogged. From cooking oil, grease, food scraps, and hair, there are several things that can cause a drain to get clogged. At Kettering Plumbing & Drain, we’re here to help you avoid a drain clog this season. Whether it’s water heater repair, drain cleaning, water heater installation, or garbage disposal installation, we are your #1 local plumbing company.
Here are some of the most common causes of drain clogs and how to prevent them:
Is Cooking Oil and Grease Clogging Your Drain?
Cooking oil and grease are one of the leading causes of drain clogs. When these substances cool, they can solidify and cling to the sides of your pipes. Over time, this can build up and create a blockage. To prevent this, never pour oil or grease down the drain. Instead, let it cool in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Do You Need a Garbage Disposal?
Food scraps are another common cause of drain clogs. When these items go down the drain, they can get caught in the pipes and create a blockage. To prevent this, always dispose of food scraps in the trash instead of down the drain.
How Can You Tell If You Have a Hair Clog?
Hair is another common culprit when it comes to drain clogs. When hair sheds, it can fall into the sink or shower and then get washed down the drain. Over time, this can build up and create a blockage. To prevent this, always sweep hair up off the floor and dispose of it in the trash. In addition, you can install a drain cover to catch any hair that does make its way into the drain.
Do You Let Floss Go Down the Drain?
If you use floss to clean your teeth, always be sure to throw it in the trash instead of down the drain. This can cause a clog in the pipes and require professional drain cleaning services.
Do You Use Paper Towels at the Sink?
Paper towels are another item that shouldn’t go down the drain. When they get washed away, they can stick together and create a blockage in your pipes. To prevent this, always put paper towels in the trash instead of down the sink or toilet. In addition, you may want to consider switching from regular bathroom tissue to brown paper towels or rags since these tend to break down better when flushed.
Do You Flush Feminine Hygiene Products?
Feminine hygiene products are another thing that should never go down the drain. When they get washed away, they can stick together and create a blockage in your pipes. To prevent this, always dispose of them in the trash instead of down the sink or toilet.
Do You Do Your Make-Up at the Sink?
It’s important to also avoid flushing other personal hygiene items like cotton balls and make-up remover pads down the drain. These materials can also build up and cause clogs. Instead, throw them out in the trash when you’re done with them.
Are Your Downspouts Clogged with Leaves?
Cleaning leaves from your gutters is also a must to avoid a clog. When the rain washes leaves and dirt into your gutters, it can eventually make its way into your downspouts and cause a blockage. To prevent this, always keep your gutters clean and free of debris.
Do Your Kids Play with Toys in the Bathtub?
Toys are another common cause of clogs, especially if they have small parts that can break off. Kids are at home during the summer season, and their toys can end up being washed down the drain. To prevent this, always put toys away when the kids are done playing with them and make sure they don’t end up going down the drain.
Do You Give Your Pets Baths in the Bathtub or Sink?
If you have pets, their hair can also contribute to drain clogging. The situation gets worse during the summer season when you’re cooking and cleaning more often. To prevent this, always pay attention to where your pets are shedding hair so you can clean it up right away. You may also want to keep a lint brush in the bathroom or kitchen just for pet hair.
If you’re ever in need of professional plumbing service, be sure to contact Kettering Plumbing & Drain. We provide top-notch drain cleaning, emergency plumber services, water heater repair, and more for homeowners and businesses in the Dayton area. So call us today at (937) 764-3788, or schedule an appointment online by clicking here!