We’ve all been there: you’re washing dishes, taking a shower, or cleaning your teeth when you notice the water’s not draining as quickly as it should. At first, it seems like no big deal, but over time, these small slowdowns can turn into serious blockages. While most of us are mindful of the big things that can clog drains—like hair or food scraps—there are plenty of everyday items we don’t realise could be causing a problem, notes the GreaseCycle company. Let’s reveal some of the hidden culprits that could be blocking your drains, leading to more serious issues down the line.
Hair
Hair is probably the most notorious drain blocker, especially in the bathroom. While it might seem harmless to let a few strands slip down the drain after a shower or while brushing your hair, over time, it can accumulate and form stubborn clogs. Hair doesn’t break down like other debris—it sticks together and forms mats that block the flow of water, making it harder for your drains to work properly.
Prevention Tips: The best way to avoid hair blockages is by using a drain cover. These small, inexpensive devices catch hair before it enters the drain, making it much easier to clean out. And, don’t forget to regularly clean the cover and remove any hair from your drains. If you have drain troubles, call an expert in blocked drains to help.
Grease and Oil
It’s easy to pour leftover cooking oil, grease, or fat down the sink after cooking, but this is a big mistake. When hot grease goes down the drain, it might seem like it’s just going to wash away, but it cools and solidifies quickly, creating a sticky residue that gradually narrows the pipes. Over time, this can lead to slow draining and major blockages, not to mention bad smells.
Prevention Tips: Always dispose of cooking grease and oil in a container (such as an old jar or can) and throw it away in the bin. If you want to be extra eco-friendly, consider taking it to a recycling centre where it can be reused.
Food Scraps
We’ve all been guilty of washing food scraps down the drain, thinking they’ll just go away. But fibrous or starchy food, like potato peelings, rice, or pasta, can easily cause build-ups in your pipes. These scraps don’t break down easily and can create thick clogs when combined with grease, soap, and other debris.
Prevention Tips: Instead of washing food scraps down the sink, use a sink strainer to catch them and dispose of them in the bin or compost. Not only does this prevent blockages, but it’s also a more environmentally friendly option.
Toothpaste and Soap Scum
In the bathroom, toothpaste and soap scum can be major offenders. Both can create a thick, sticky film inside your pipes when they mix with other substances like hair and body oils. This sticky residue can trap debris and cause clogs that are difficult to remove without professional help.
Prevention Tips: Make a habit of cleaning your drains regularly with warm water and mild cleaning solutions to prevent build-up. Additionally, using a drain cover in the sink and shower will help catch debris before it enters the pipes.
Hard Water Deposits
If you live in an area with hard water, you might be dealing with mineral build-ups in your pipes. Over time, calcium and lime deposits can form inside your pipes, narrowing the flow and causing water to drain more slowly. These deposits can also combine with soap scum to create even tougher blockages.
Prevention Tips: Regularly descale your pipes using vinegar or a store-bought descaling solution to break down the minerals. Installing a water softener can also help prevent these deposits from forming in the first place.
DIY Drainage Methods Do Not Always Save Money
One of the main reasons why homeowners want to go DIY with drainage solutions is to save money. They don’t want the hassle of calling up a professional and receiving a large bill for their services. So, they take on the job themselves, convinced that they know what the problem is and how to fix it.
Sure, there’s plenty of information on the internet about how you can solve blockages. Some of them can work. However, you should be aware that not all will be successful, and some won’t save you money. Let’s take a look at why DIY drainage isn’t always cost-effective.
Some Products Do Not Work
There are drain unblocking products in local stores, and they can seem cheap to buy compared to professional services. So, there’s the illusion that you’re saving money. However, a lot of homeowners report that many of these products just don’t work. They might mask the smell for a while, but they don’t actually clear the blockage. Therefore, you can be wasting your money buying different products and getting no results. You still have to use professional services anyway, and all you’ve done is spend additional money.
You Can Cause Damage
Let’s also consider a very common scenario. These products are loaded with strong chemicals and some of them can be damaging to the pipes. This is particularly true if you have a material like PVC. So, what you can end up doing is thinking you’re cutting corners, but you can actually be permanently damaging the pipes. So, you’re creating a scenario where you have to get repairs carried out, which are a lot more expensive than drainage services.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a number of everyday household items that could be quietly blocking your drains. From hair and grease to coffee grounds and even plant matter, these hidden culprits can lead to major plumbing problems if you’re not careful. By following the prevention tips in this post, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly and avoid costly repairs in the future. Stay mindful of what goes down your drains, and don’t forget to share this post to help others prevent drain blockages too!