A drain clog is one of the most common plumbing issues. A drain clog typically starts off by slowing the flow of water through your drain. But, if you ignore the slowing, the clog can get worse, and eventually, the drain may not allow water to pass through it. Any drain within your home can clog, including kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers and bathtubs and toilets. If your drain is clogged, you may ask yourself why your drain is clogging. Here are some of the common reasons and what you can do to prevent a drain clog. 

Bathroom Drains

If the clog is in a bathroom, including your sink, bathtub or shower, you may be wondering what has caused the clog to form. The most common cause of clogs in this space are caused by hair, skin cells, dental floss, or soap and shampoo that hardens in the drain. The most common cause of clogs in your toilet includes using too much toilet paper or flushing items that should not be flushed, such as wipes or feminine hygiene products.

Kitchen Drains

If you have a clog that is present is in your kitchen or utility sink, the most common cause of your clog is sending items down the drain that you should not have. This includes sending cooking oils and fats down the drain. These oils and fats may appear to be a liquid when they are hot, but once they cool, they will begin to harden, which can cause a clog. Sending food particles down a sink that you should not can also lead to a clog forming. Items such as rice, pasta, coffee grounds, eggshells and flour are all commonly send down the sink, but these are items that should be placed in the trash instead. 

Drain Clog Prevention

The best way to prevent a drain from clogging is to be aware of what you are sending down the drain. Avoid sending down items that can lead to a clog. Consider using drain guards or protectors to help catch particles that are too large and items such as hair before they go down the drain. In addition to this, regular maintenance, such as drain cleaning or regularly snaking a drain to remove small clogs, can help to prevent your drains from clogging in the first place. Finally, if you see the water starting to drain slowly, consider using a drain cleaning product or snaking your line right away to remove any clogs that may have formed. 

Clogs within a drain are fairly common. In most cases, you can use a snake, a plunger or home drain cleaning remedies, such as baking soda and vinegar, to clear the clog on your own. If you find yourself with a clog that will not budge, or you have frequent clogs in the same drain, it is time to call in a plumber. When you need a plumber to help with your clog prevention or clog removal, Amanda Plumbing Sewer & Drain can help you. Don't be stuck with a drain that doesn't work! Call Amanda Plumbing Sewer & Drain today!