What Causes Frequent Drain Clogs, and How Can They Be Prevented?

You’ve finally cleared that stubborn clog, but now it’s back. What’s causing it, and how can you stop it for good? 

Read more for expert tips on preventing recurring drain clogs.

Oil and Grease: Notorious for Causing Stubborn Clogs

After cooking bacon for breakfast, it may seem easy to pour the grease down the drain and move on with your day. But while it’s less messy than tossing it in the trash, grease, oil, and fats should never go down your sink. As they cool, they solidify and can quickly cause a major clog. 

To avoid this, pour the grease into a container, such as a coffee can, and dispose of it in the trash instead.

Food Debris That Doesn’t Belong in Your Drains

Your garbage disposal is designed to chop up food scraps, but there are some items it just can’t handle. Potato peels, rice, pasta, and bread, for example, turn into a sticky paste when ground up, which can clog your pipes, much like pouring glue down the drain.

As for the myth that eggshells can sharpen your disposal blades and prevent clogs, that’s simply not true. The membrane inside eggshells can wrap around the blades, causing the disposal to jam. Avoid putting them in the disposal to keep it running smoothly.

Using Your Toilet As a Dumping Ground

Plenty of people use their toilets as a dumping ground for foreign objects, paper towels, dental floss, and even cat litter. Your toilet is designed to handle waste and toilet paper; everything else needs to go in the trash.

That includes baby wipes. Don’t be fooled by the “flushable” label on some baby wipe packages. Even so-called flushable wipes take longer to break down than toilet paper. Flush too many, and you’ll have a serious clog.

Hard Water Wreaks Havoc on Pipes

Hard water doesn’t just make your hair and clothes feel grungy; it also does a real number on your plumbing system. Over time, mineral deposits from calcium and magnesium in the water can build up in your pipes, forming a hard, rock-like scale.

You can dissolve mineral deposits with a mixture of hot water and baking soda. Unless you do something to remedy the problem, though, they’ll come back soon enough. Consider installing a water softener if you regularly struggle with mineral buildup.

Sick of Dealing With Frequent Clogs? Call Our Expert Plumbers

Recurring drain clogs can cause more than just frustration—they can lead to serious blockages and even pipe damage if not addressed. If you’re hearing gurgling or noticing slow drainage, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. 

Contact Superior Plumbing and Drains at (980) 372-7151 for professional drain cleaning services today!