Is your daily routine compromising your plumbing? That leftover grease from dinner, the hair in your shower, or those “flushable” wipes? They’re all working behind the scenes to clog your pipes. And when the water starts backing up, it’s already too late unless you sign up for drain cleaning in Glen Ridge, NJ.
Grease: A Leading Drain Destroyer
Grease cools as it hardens. This is why pouring hot grease down kitchen sinks is problematic, causing a sticky mess that coats the pipe’s interior. Over time, the flow slows down as debris is caught by the cooled grease and eventually stops.
To keep grease out of your pipes:
- Pour leftover grease into a container and throw it in the trash.
- Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before rinsing.
- Install a mesh screen in your sink to catch food scraps.
“Even a little bit of grease poured down the drain each day can cause major blockages in just a few months,” says a technician from drain cleaning services.
Hair and Soap Scum: A Shower Drain’s Worst Combo
Long hair strands may seem harmless piece by piece, but when enough is collected, they clump together in pipes. Over time, the combination of clumped hair and soap forms dense clogs that no amount of plunging will fix. If your tub is draining slower than usual, it could already be happening.
Stop shower clogs with these tips:
- Use a drain catcher to trap hair before it goes down the drain.
- Clean out the catcher weekly.
- Once a month, pour hot water and vinegar down the drain to break down buildup.
The Truth About “Flushable” Wipes
One of the top causes of residential sewer blockages, “flushable” wipes are misleading at best. This variety of wipes, unlike the packaging claims, does not break down like toilet paper. Instead, they can catch on rough pipe surfaces, creating a major drain backup. Even paper towels and facial tissues are a no-go.
Better habits to follow:
- Only flush toilet paper—nothing else.
- Keep a wastebasket in the bathroom for wipes and paper towels.
- If you have guests, post a gentle reminder near the toilet.
Slow Drains = A Big Red Flag
It’s tempting to ignore a sink or shower that’s draining a little slowly. But this is your plumbing’s way of asking for help. The earlier you act, the easier and cheaper the fix.
Signs of a developing clog:
- Gurgling noises in the drain
- Water pools around the drain before it disappears
- Foul odors coming from the drain
Use a simple baking soda and vinegar flush if you notice these symptoms—or call a pro if things don’t improve.
Kitchen Habits That Hurt Your Plumbing
Think twice before rinsing food scraps down the drain. Certain foods—like rice, pasta, and eggshells—expand and get sticky. Even if you do use your garbage disposal, these easily create clogs over time.
Avoid sending these down your sink:
- Coffee grounds
- Pasta and rice
- Eggshells and fibrous veggies like celery
- Cooking oil and grease
When using a disposal, do your part in preventing clogs by scraping plates into the trash before rinsing.
What to Do If You Already Have a Clog
There’s no need to panic when dealing with a clog. Although not all clogs need to be resolved by a plumber, note that using the wrong tool can make the problem worse. Skip chemical drain cleaners—they can corrode your pipes.
Try this DIY approach first:
- Use a plunger on sinks and tubs with standing water.
- Try a drain snake for deeper clogs.
- Run hot water with a mix of baking soda and vinegar.
If the clog returns or gets worse, it’s time to call in a professional plumber who can hydro jet the line or inspect it with a camera.
Local Knowledge Matters
Not all plumbing problems are the same. Homes in older towns often have cast iron pipes that have already succumbed to corrosion. Knowing the quirks of your home’s plumbing system can save you a ton of money.
Talk to a local plumber if you’re unsure about:
- Pipe material
- Drain cleaning frequency
- Safe products to use for your home’s plumbing
One careless moment in the kitchen or bathroom can lead to a flooded floor or a busted pipe. But the good news? Most clogs are preventable with a little awareness and the right tools.
Don’t wait for water to back up into your sink. Talk to an expert from drain services and get ahead of the clog-induced damage.
