Experiencing clogged drains is a common problem in Toronto and its environs. It is one of the leading plumbing problems that most plumbing companies deal with almost every day. However, most homeowners have no idea on what really clogs their drains and the best prevention measures to avoid it. Well, we have rounded up 5 major causes of blocked drains and preventive measures you can take to avoid them. Check out this list:

1. Grease and Fat

Grease and fat are the major causes of blocked drains in most households. They are also the toughest clogs to remove due to their stick properties. What makes grease and fat clogs difficult to identify is the fact that it builds up over time before manifesting itself. As you wash dishes, the greasy material from cooking fat and soap is attached on to the inside of the pipes, gradually clogging the drain. The signs include a reduced flow of water before the drain completely block. The most effective preventive measure is to watch out the kind of liquid you wash down the drain.

2. Hair

You may assume that one hair strap going down the drain while bathing but it is listed as one of the major causes blocked drain. Just like fat and grease, hair builds up over time to form a stubborn clog. In most cases, hair mixes with the greasy material from the washing soaps to for a tangle that is difficult to unclog using the DIY solutions. The clogs are common in bathrooms. However, it is one of the easiest clogs to prevent. There are various products that you can use to catch hair before it goes down the plug hole. However, it does not completely avoid blockage. You must also check the trap regularly to remove trapped hair.

3. Foreign

There is a range of foreign objects that can find their way into your drain and form stubborn clogs. They include nappies, sanitary items, toys, and soaps amongst others. Most of the foreign objects may not fully block the drain but will build up by trapping solid wastes going down the drain to form a serious clog. Avoid flashing such objects down the drain. If you have got kids in the house, keep an eye on where they are playing with toys.

4. Toiletries

The most common toiletries include baby wipes, face wipes, and other baby items are not designed to be flushed down the toilet. The reason is because they do not disperse even when in water and thus will only serve to block your drain. Too much of toilet paper is not good for your drain as well. To prevent such blocked drain, avoid flushing baby items, face wipes, and too much toilet paper.

5. Leaves and dirt

Autumn is associated with leaf dropping and if your compound is not cleaned thoroughly, these leaves are like to cause serious clogs your drain. When rain falls, it collects the leaves and dirt into your drainage systems thus causing blockages. Therefore, clean your compound thoroughly to avoid these kinds of blockages.

These are the 5 major causes of blocked drains. However, most of them can be prevented if proper measures are taken. If you are experiencing a blocked drain in Toronto and its environs, call a certified and professional plumber in Toronto such as Caldwell Plumbing to help you solve the problem. Please book an appointment with Caldwell Plumbing today or get a free online estimate. We provide plumbing service to Oshawa, Courtice, Bomanville, Uxbridge, Pickering, Ajax, and the rest of Durham Region.