Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues faced by homes in the United States, leading to over $212 million being spent each year on drain cleaning products. These products are designed to dissolve the materials that have caused the clog—but in most cases,  they don’t do much to solve the problem.

Knowing the cause of these clogs can help prevent them from occurring frequently. Our experts have put together a list of common causes for clogged drains:

Hair

Human hair has to be the number one cause on this list. Human hair, as well as animal fur, are major contributors to bathroom clogs. Hair most commonly gets stuck in the shower and bathtub drains as it sheds while we’re washing it.

This hair tends to collect at the bottom of the drain and often forms a ball. This blockage builds up over time until the water can no longer flow down.

The best solution to this is to plug the drain. When having a shower, make sure you collect the hair and discard it in the dustbin. For times when you’re not washing your hair, tie it up to prevent hair fall.

Soap

Soap residue, also known as soap scum, isn’t as water-soluble as you may think. It accumulates over time in the drain, putting pressure on the system as the pipe’s diameter reduces. Eventually, there isn’t any place for the water to drain out, causing backups.

Pressure cleaning by a professional is the best way to remove the build-up. Unfortunately, the build-up and eventual clog may occur every few months, so it requires regular upkeep.

Skincare

Most skincare products are oil-based and don’t wash down the drain easily. They end up being deposited down bathroom pipes where the cold water solidifies it, leading to an eventual clog. You can either use oil-free products for skincare, or use washcloths to remove the products from your face. The washcloths can be cleaned in the washing machine instead.

Wipes, sanitary napkins, q-tips

Toilets are designed to flush down human waste and toilet paper only. Any other product isn’t water-soluble and therefore must not be flushed down. People make the mistake of flushing down wipes, sanitary towels, cotton wool, and diapers, which leads to clogged toilets.

Our technicians at Pro Serve Plumbing can help you get rid of these clogs. We provide sewer line repairs, drain cleaning, trenchless pipe repair, 24/7 emergency solutions, leak detection in Fort Worth. Contact us at 817-244-0614 to book a service.