Unless you enjoy the challenge of a stubborn drain or toilet clog, you’ll want to ensure that your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly. Many obstacles can bog down the free flow of your plumbing system. Sometimes tree roots grow into the seams of underground pipes. In other instances, pipes collapse and need replacement. However, the most common cause for blocked drains is because we introduce items into our drains that should never wind up in our pipes. Be sure that you avoid flushing the following items down your drains or toilet:

Grease

Never dispose of cooking grease (or any grease, for that matter) or cooking oils down your sink or toilet. Grease can harden within the pipes and eventually cause major blockages, preventing wastewater from emptying into the sewer system.

Diapers and Baby Wipes

Diapers and baby wipes are not designed to disintegrate in the sewer system like toilet tissue. A single flushed diaper can cause a stubborn clog in your line.

Feminine Hygiene Products

Pads and tampons should always be disposed of in a trash receptacle and never flushed down toilets. Like diapers and baby wipes, these products can block your pipes and cause your drains to back up.

Kitty Litter

Kitty litter is not water-soluble, so it should never be introduced into your plumbing system. Even paper-based litters should be disposed of elsewhere.

Hair

When hair is introduced down your drains, it can form a net, especially when combined with other debris that finds its way into the drain. In time, this can lead to a drain clog.

Food

If you don’t have a garbage disposal, do not flush food down drains or toilets. Food is a major culprit when it comes to drain clogs.

Paper Towels or Napkins

Paper towels and napkins are not designed to be water-soluble like toilet tissue. These items will cause a clog long before they begin to break down in the water flowing into your pipes.

Toys

While adults may know that small items like rubber balls and plastic dinosaurs should never be flushed, children don’t always understand the risks they pose to the plumbing system. Be sure your kids keep their toys out of the toilet.

Cotton Balls and Q-Tips

Avoid flushing cotton balls, Q-tips, small sponges, or other commonplace toiletries down the toilet as these, too, can cause stubborn clogs.

Cigarette Butts

Cigarette butts can release toxic chemicals into the water supply when flushed. Moreover, cigarette butts are not water-soluble and can cause clogs when combined with several items caught in the drain.

If you find yourself with a stubborn clog caused by these or other items, turn to a trained professional. Our trained plumbers have the tools and know-how to unclog your drains for a fair price. For more information about our plumbing and draining services, contact us today.