Discovering the source of a clogged drain can often feel like solving a mystery. Common household habits may inadvertently lead to blockages that disrupt your daily routine and could cause significant plumbing issues if not addressed. The same issues can also affect commercial properties, where heavy daily use often puts extra strain on plumbing systems. Below, we explore the most common causes of drain clogs and how you can avoid them.
Food Waste and Kitchen Scraps
Garbage disposals are helpful, but they are not designed for all types of food waste. Coffee grounds, eggshells, starchy foods, and fibrous scraps can damage disposal blades and create clogs. At home, this means being cautious with what you put down the disposal. For commercial kitchens, strict disposal practices and regular drain cleaning are essential to avoid costly downtime due to clogged drains.
Hair and Soap Residue
One of the most frequent causes of drain clogs is the combination of hair and soap residue. During showers and baths, hair sheds and tangles with soap scum, forming a sticky, hard-to-remove mass inside your pipes. In commercial businesses, such as gyms, salons, or hotels, the volume of hair and soap buildup can be even greater. Regular cleaning of drain stoppers and installing drain guards can help reduce these types of clogs.
Grease, Oils, and Fats
Grease is another notorious drain-clogging culprit. While rinsing grease down the kitchen sink may seem harmless, once it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of pipes, creating major blockages. This is especially problematic in restaurants and food service businesses where grease disposal is a daily challenge. Instead, grease should be collected in a container and thrown away with the trash, or businesses should install grease traps to manage the issue.
Flushable Wipes and Hygiene Products
Despite what packaging may claim, so-called “flushable” wipes are a leading cause of sewer and drain clogs. Feminine hygiene products and cotton swabs also do not break down in water, making them equally problematic. These items should never be flushed, whether at home or in a commercial restroom. In business settings, providing clear signage and adequate trash bins can help prevent customers or employees from flushing these items.
Tree Roots and External Factors
Outdoor factors can cause clogs as well. Tree roots naturally seek moisture and can invade sewer lines through cracks or weak spots, leading to serious blockages. Commercial properties with larger plumbing systems or older sewer lines are especially at risk. These cases require a professional plumber to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.
How to Prevent Clogs in Your Drains
The best way to prevent clogs is through mindful disposal habits. Avoid putting grease, wipes, or excess food waste down your drains. Commercial businesses should consider scheduled professional drain cleaning to keep systems working efficiently under heavy demand. If you notice slow drainage or suspect a clog, addressing it quickly can save you from larger and more costly plumbing problems later.
Ready to Clear Your Clogs? Contact Pipe It Up Plumbing Today!
Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner in Aurora, CO, Pipe It Up Plumbing is ready to help with stubborn drain clogs. With advanced equipment, skilled technicians, and years of hands-on experience, we provide reliable solutions for both residential and commercial plumbing systems. Call us today at (720) 361-0200 or fill out our online form to schedule service.
