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What Keeps Clogging My Drain?

Most drain problems remain undetected. Some people think that since “it’s always been that way” their sink just doesn’t drain well, and others don’t realize that a there are more signs to a clogged drain that an overflowing sink, shower, or toilet. So, it’s time for a quick lesson!

If you are smelling foul odors or hearing gurgling noises emanating from any of your drains, these are additional signs you may have a clog in your pipes. The common drain clogging culprits differ depending on where your drain is located. We are here to shed light on what should not be rinsed down your drains, so your drains can keep on draining. Here is a list of common clog causing culprits, so you can protect your plumbing and avoid an annoying drain fiasco in the future!

Why your kitchen sink keeps clogging

Your kitchen sink keeps clogging because grease solidifies in the pipes and the following foods latch on and become obstructions:

1. Anything fibrous

2. Rice or pasta

3. Eggshells

4. Coffee grounds

5. Fruit or vegetable pits

6. Fish or chicken bones

7. Vegetables and fruit peels

8. Fatty foods

When there are masses of food present in your pipes, water cannot pass through, causing your drain to, well, not drain. Your water waste will begin to pool in your sink. This is a good indication that there is a clog in your kitchen sink that requires professional attention. To prevent a clogged kitchen sink, avoid putting grease or oil into the drain and throw food scraps into the trash instead of pushing it down the garbage disposal.

The Bathroom Sink?

Toothpaste is a common clog-causing item, and you use it multiple times a day. Toothpaste residue actually sticks to the inside of your bathroom pipes. After a while, build-up obstructs water from passing through.

Hair is also a common culprit. Refrain from shaving or brushing your hair over your sink. If you must--remove the hair before using the sink and place it into a trash can. Just don’t rinse it down the drain, as it will create serious clogs and may result in backups. Drain covers can be purchased to prevent hair from going down your sink; however, if you are already experiencing slow drainage, water is not flowing freely through your pipes--it’s time to call a plumber.

The Toilet?

This is the most dreaded clog. Flushing anything apart from waste and an appropriate amount of toilet paper may cause blockages in your toilet. Refrain from flushing feminine products, foreign objects, baby wipes, hair, dental floss, or too much toilet paper down the drain, as it is unable to break down within the pipes and will cause a clog.

Why is my shower drain clogged?

Your shower drain is clogged probably because of hair. To prevent your shower drain from becoming clogged, put a drain cover over your drain to catch hair and other dirt particles! If you're wondering "Why is my shower drain clogged,"call in a plumber and they'll figure it out.

If one or more drains are not functioning as expected, you can probably point the finger of blame to the person in your home with the longest hair. Hair can travel pretty far in your pipes, and cause clogs in more substantial drain lines. If clumps of hair travel far enough in your drain line, they may come in contact with grease and other residue originating from your kitchen sink. This causes tough clogs that can affect all your drains, even your toilet.

Call (503) 342-7782 and DoneRite Plumbing and Drain will alleviate all your drain maintenance woes.

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