10 Surprising Causes of Blocked Drains and Preventing Them Blocked drains could be a main inconvenience in virtually any house They can lead to foul odors, drinking water backup, and actually potential harm to your plumbing system While it may end up being tempting to reach for the plunger or contact a professional for help, it�s important to understand the causes of blocked drains and how to prevent them https//wwwgooglecom/mapscid=4420996689180455346 Surprisingly, some common household items and methods may end up being the culprits behind your clogged pipes In this article, we will explore 10 surprising causes of blocked drains and provide proactive tips to preserve your plumbing flowing smoothly 1 Cooking food Grease Pouring oil or grease down the drain may seem easy in the instant, but it may cause a major blockage over time Grease solidifies as it cools, creating a sticky buildup in your pipes Instead of pouring grease down the drain, consider using a sealed container for removal or allow it to solidify and then scrape it into the garbage 2 Hair Long strands of locks easily obtain tangled collectively and combine with other substances in your drains, ensuing in a persistent blockage To prevent hair from clogging your pipes, use a drain cover or display screen to capture loose strands Frequently remove any collected locks to prevent accumulation 3 Flushable Wipes Despite their name, flushable wipes should not be flushed down the toilet Unlike bathroom paper, these wipes perform not break down quickly and may accumulate, leading to blockages in both toilets and sewer lines Dispose of flushable wipes in the trash instead 4 Dental Floss While dental floss may appear harmless, it is usually not biodegradable and can become entwined with other debris in your pipes As a result, it may create tangled blockages that are hard to remove Dispose of teeth floss in the garbage to prevent potential drain problems 5 Coffee Grounds Coffee grounds may appear safe, but they may quickly accumulate in your drains and create a sludgy mess Avoid pouring coffee grounds down the sink by using a mesh strainer or just tossing them in the garbage 6 Cleaning soap Scum Cleaning soap scum may seem like a natural byproduct of washing, but it can contribute to blocked drains Over period, soap scum can build up in your pipes and create a sticky hurdle that traps other substances Regularly clean your drains and use a cleaning soap scum remover to prevent buildup 7 Tree Roots It may come as a surprise, but tree origins can be a major cause of blocked drains Over time, tree roots can invade and crack your underground pipes, leading to clogs and leakages To prevent tree main damage, avoid planting trees too close to your sewer lines and consider regular inspections to capture any issues early on Right now that you have a better understanding of the surprising causes of blocked drains, it�s crucial to take proactive measures to prevent them By implementing these ideas, you can reduce the risk of clogs and keep your plumbing program in top condition In this next section, we will further explore preventative methods for common causes of blocked drains 8 Food Scraps Leftover meals can easily discover its method into your drains, leading to unpleasant and hard-to-remove blockages Instead of rinsing plates directly in the sink, scrape meals scraps into the garbage or compost bin before cleaning dishes Using a kitchen sink strainer may also help catch any stray meals contaminants 9 Mineral Buildup Hard water can business lead to mineral buildup in your pipes, resulting in reduced water circulation and eventual clogs Consider setting up a water softener to decrease mineral content material and regularly clean your faucets and showerheads to prevent buildup 10 Small Items Accidentally falling small objects like playthings, jewelry, or bottle caps down the drain can be not uncommon but can cause severe blockages Stay vigilant and keep an attention out for any products that may accidentally fall into the sink or toilet If an object does move down the drain, avoid using it until the object is definitely safely taken out 11 Flushing nonbiodegradable Products Flushing non-biodegradable items down the bathroom can be a surefire method to trigger blocked drains Items such as feminine hygiene items, cotton swabs, and baby wipes should always end up being disposed of in the garbage to prevent potential clogs 12 Overgrown Backyard If your outdoor drains appear to be often blocked, an overgrown garden could end up being to blame Leaves, branches, and additional debris can easily clog outdoor drains Frequently clean out any debris and trim back plant life to prevent blockages 13 Faulty Plumbing related Installations Poorly installed or outdated domestic plumbing systems can be another surprising cause of blocked drains Aged pipes can corrode and collapse, leading to severe blockages Ensure your domestic plumbing is regularly inspected and up to date by a professional to prevent potential problems As you may see, blocked drains may have various unexpected causes, from cooking grease and locks to tree root base and faulty domestic plumbing installations By becoming proactive and applying preventative actions, you can prevent the inconvenience and expenditure of working with blocked drains in your house Remember to stay vigilant in your daily habits and frequently maintain your plumbing system to maintain everything flowing efficiently