Drain clogs can be frustrating and disgusting. You expect your pipes to flow freely with whatever you put down them, but there are many things that can cause a blockage. Without taking the drain cover off, you may not know what caused the blockage. Here are some of the top causes for a clogged drain.

From earrings to toys, many items of personal property can get lost down a drain. We have seen LEGO, engagement rings, coins, teeth and much more. If it is smaller than your drain it is almost certain to fall down it. An experienced plumber has seen some strange items stuck in a drain pipe. Keep all small items away from the edges of sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets. Pipes are meant to handle liquids and a few solid items - but most of your personal property isn't on the list!

Perhaps the most common drain clog comes from hair. Pet hair or human hair can easily get bunched up, tangled, or otherwise mixed in with other elements to clog your drain. This is especially true for older pipes whose inside surface may no longer be smooth. The inside of the pipe can corrode over time due to hard water or simple aging. That pipe corrosion can lead to barbs and other rough surface elements. When long hair goes down such pipes it can easily snag and begin to form a blockage. Try to prevent hair from going down your drains. Throwing it in the trash is the safest way to prevent a blocked drain pipe.

It is normal to assume that drains can handle all types of food, especially the kitchen sink. But beware! There are many food items that should never go down a sink. The first is grease. Oil-based items like cooking oil and food fat can destroy the seals and lubricants around drains, pipes, and garbage disposals. It can also accumulate inside a pipe, creating a huge blockage. Make sure such items are thrown away in the trash. Other items to avoid include egg shells, coffee grounds, and tea leaves. These don't break down.

Trees generally don't grow near a sink or shower, so how can they cause a blockage? The leaves and branches aren't a problem - the roots are. Over time, tree roots can grow into and through a pipe. Not only will this damage the pipe and cause a leak, it can also block the flow from your drain into your septic or sewer system. A clogged drain can be caused at any point in your plumbing system. This problem can easily avoided by planting trees (and other vegetation) away from pipes. Root barriers can also be used to ensure roots grow where you intend. A professional 5 Star plumber can help locate and resolve root damage that does occur.

You may not know that many bars of soap are made with fat or other grease ingredients. These elements can collect in your pipes and cause a blockage. Be careful when chunks of your soap bar fall down the drain. It can be difficult or impossible for them to completely dissolve once inside your plumbing. In many cases, the minerals in your water can attach themselves to the lining of pipes and combine with the soap ingredients. This will collect overtime and lead to greater and greater blockage.

There are many DIY methods for unclogging a drain. They range from small hand tools to manually spinning garbage disposal blades (after power has been turned off at the breaker!). If you find that DIY methods aren't working, call us today at 909-841-1057 and get a 5 Star plumber out promptly. Remember - we don't charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays!