Some plumbing problems make themselves known with distinct gurgling sounds or slow drainage. Sometimes, problems can build up quietly, hidden from view. Before long, your pipes become blocked, water refuses to drain, and a messy situation unfolds.
What’s behind the issue? Numerous common routines can result in blocked pipes without us even realizing it. Some culprits appear innocent, while others can surprise you unexpectedly.
Everyday Things That Are Wrecking Your Pipes
Grease and Cooking Oil
When poured down the drain while still liquid, frying fat may not stand out, it toughens and sticks to the pipe walls as it cools. Grease may trap food particles, soap residue, and other trash over time, creating a challenging-to-clear clog.
What makes grease buildup worse?
- Rinsing pans with hot water makes it flow easily but doesn’t stop it from hardening later.
- Mixing grease with coffee grounds or flour creates a thick paste that clogs pipes even faster.
- Liquid cooking oils may not solidify right away, but they coat the inside of pipes, attracting debris over time.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds seem small enough to go down the drain without causing trouble. The reality is different. Coffee grounds often cling together and produce a thick slurry, unlike other food waste that disintegrates in water.
Coffee grounds generate a sticky material when mixed with oil, soap scum, leftover food that constricts pipes and blocks water flow.
Hair
Hair remains intact in water. Rather, it forms large clumps within pipes by combining with dirt, oil, and soap. This results in sluggish drains and obstructions in bathroom sink, shower, and tub systems.
What makes hair a bigger problem?
- Long strands entwine around drain components, creating challenges in removing clogs.
- Hair mixes with shampoo and soap remnants, leading to sticky accumulations.
- Even small amounts build up over time, eventually stopping water flow altogether.
Flushable Wipes
Though they are marketed as “flushable,” these wipes break down slower than toilet paper. Unlike conventional toilet paper that breaks down in water, these wipes retain their shape and often cause plumbing problems.
Over time, they combine with oil, soap scum, and other trash to become major obstructions. Regular usage of flushable wipes causes several plumbing issues, including slow drainage and complete clogs.
Soap Scum
Soap may seem harmless, but it can leave behind a subtle residue that builds up over time. When soap meets the minerals in hard water, it creates a lasting film that clings to the insides of pipes.
This buildup narrows pipes, making it easier for hair, dirt, and grease to get trapped. Eventually, drains slow down, and water struggles to move through.
Food Scraps
There are several food items that should always be kept out of the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. Some foods expand when they absorb water, while others stick to the inside of pipes.
Common food items that clog drains:
- Rice and pasta – They swell when moistened, creating a dense, adhesive substance within pipes.
- Eggshells – The irregular surfaces hold onto grease and small food particles, leading to blockages.
- Potato peels – Starchy foods change into a sticky form, helping to hold onto particles.
Cotton Swabs and Dental Floss
Tiny items like cotton swabs and dental floss may seem small enough to flush, but don’t break down in water. Instead, they get tangled with hair, grease, and soap residue, forming clogs that trap more debris over time.
Unlike toilet paper, these materials stay intact, increasing the risk of blockages. As time goes by, even minor accumulations can hinder the flow of water.
Cat Litter
Many cat litter brands claim to be flushable, but that does not ensure they are safe for your plumbing. Many types of litter take in moisture and create clumps, which can lead to significant issues for plumbing systems.
Flushing cat litter leads to clogged pipes and creates issues in sewage systems. It doesn’t break down easily, and the clumps expand, blocking pipes faster than many other materials.
Paint and Cleaning Products
Washing away paint or strong chemicals down the drain might appear harmless, yet it frequently leads to hidden harm. The paint becomes denser as it dries, adhering to the interior of pipes. As time passes, it becomes firmer, forming layers that limit water movement.
Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm pipes, raising the risk of leaks or clogs. The effects might not show up right away, but it can weaken the plumbing system over time.
Tree Roots
Sometimes, the biggest plumbing problems don’t start inside the house. Tree roots grow toward moisture, making underground pipes an easy target. Once they find a small crack or opening, roots slip inside, growing larger over time.
Tree roots can obstruct pipes, collect debris, and lead to backups. Even if roots do not completely obstruct the pipes, they impede water flow, leading to sluggish drainage and persistent plumbing issues.
How to Keep Pipes Flowing Smoothly
Preventing clogs doesn’t have to be complicated. Little routines can significantly impact the health of your plumbing system.
Simple ways to protect your pipes:
- Responsibly dispose of grease. Let it cool down and throw it away in the trash instead of pouring it down the drain.
- Use drain strainers. They trap hair, food remnants, and debris before flowing into pipes.
- Refrain from flushing items that do not dissolve. Wipes, cotton swabs, and floss should be disposed of in the trash, not flushed down the toilet.
- Rinse the drains with hot water. This helps break up soap scum, grease, and small buildups before they become a problem.
- Limit garbage disposal use. Avoid putting fibrous, starchy, or expandable foods down the drain.
Plumbing problems can be annoying, yet many are avoidable. Knowing what goes down the drain helps maintain clear pipes, ensures smooth water flow, and prevents expensive repairs.
