We’ve all been there, standing over a sink that’s refusing to drain, watching as water swirls around like it’s having second thoughts about leaving. Sink clogs are one of those pesky household problems that seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times.
At Avid Plumbing, we’ve seen our fair share of sink clogs, and we know how frustrating it can be when your pipes aren’t cooperating. Let’s explore the sneaky culprits behind clogs and share some simple tips to keep your pipes in top shape and your kitchen or bathroom running smoothly.
4 Common Causes of Sink Clogs
Sink clogs can happen for many reasons, but most are caused by everyday habits that you might not notice until the water starts to back up. Knowing these common causes can help you take action before your pipes get fully blocked. Here are the most frequent offenders:
- Food scraps: Food waste, such as grease, coffee grounds, and large bits of food, can easily create blockages in the kitchen sink.
- Hair: In bathroom sinks, hair is a major clogging agent. Avoid combing, brushing, or trimming your hair over the sink.
- Soap: Bar soap and liquid soap can leave behind residue that sticks to pipe walls, attracting other debris and causing slow drainage.
- Small objects: Items like toothpaste caps, jewelry, or even toys can accidentally fall down the drain and create an obstruction.
Best Practices: Never Put These Items Down the Drain
Protecting your pipes doesn’t have to be hard, but it does require a little attention to what ends up down the drain. Certain items might seem harmless at first, but they can quickly lead to clogs that are anything but fun to deal with. Let’s look at the top offenders that should never make their way down the drain:
- Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds can easily collect in your pipes and cause a blockage. Always throw them away instead.
- Fat, oil, and grease: Pouring cooking oils or greasy liquids down the drain can lead to hardened clogs over time, especially in kitchen sinks.
- Eggshells: While they may seem harmless, eggshells can create gritty buildup that contributes to clogs.
- Medications: Never flush or pour medications down the drain. They can clog pipes and contaminate the water supply.
- Harsh cleaning products: Strong drain cleaners may temporarily clear a clog, but they can damage pipes over time and lead to more serious issues. Stick to natural alternatives when possible.
In the bathroom, using a drain strainer and choosing the right bath products is an easy way to keep hair and soap buildup from sneaking into your pipes.
The Importance of Regular Drain Maintenance
Taking care of your drains regularly is a simple way to avoid messy clogs and keep things running smoothly. Cleaning your drains once a year helps remove built-up grease, hair, and soap that can slow down water flow. This small step can prevent bigger problems like bad smells or water backing up.
If you’re still dealing with clogs after regular cleanings, it might be time to call a plumber. Ongoing issues could mean there’s a deeper problem, like a cracked pipe or tree roots, that needs professional attention.
Schedule Drain Cleaning Today
Don’t wait until a clog disrupts your day. Schedule a drain cleaning today and keep your pipes in great shape. Avid Plumbing offers expert service with fully stocked trucks and same-day appointments to handle your drain issues quickly and efficiently.
Plus, with our minimum one-year labor and material warranty, you can trust that your drains will stay clear long after the service. Choose Avid Plumbing for reliable, top-notch care that keeps your plumbing running smoothly and your home worry-free.
Contact us today to schedule professional drain cleaning services.