There are many reasons why a drain might become blocked. Here is a list of the top six causes of drain blockages.

Food substances

Small bits of food waste dumped down the drain in the same location add up over time. Eventually, food debris clogs the drain and could be very difficult to dislodge.

Fat, Grease, and Oil

Never pour oil, grease, or fat down the drain. Oil and grease solidify in the drain and create very stubborn clogs. If you have large amounts of oil and grease after cooking, you should remove these before cleaning dishes. These should be put in a container and dumped in your garbage instead to avoid clogging your pipes. Many certified plumbers have the tools and expertise to clean grease and oil from your drains. Some can also provide video camera inspections.

Dirt

You have to be very careful when letting dirt flush into your drain. Dirt doesn’t readily break down and can build up in pipes if it isn’t properly cleaned away. This leads to clogged drains and other complications.

Soap

Soap builds up inside the drain if excessive amounts are used since soap can bind with other materials and then cause a blockage. If your shower starts backing up, this is most likely the problem.

Wipes

Flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet can cause serious clogging in your pipes. If your plumbing is older or has frequent blockages, using certain types of toilet paper could make the issue worse.

Hair

Hair naturally builds up in the drain after being washed in the tub or shower. It’s important to have a drain protector to keep debris out of your pipes.