Have you noticed the drains in your home are clogged? You should know that this is one of the most prevalent plumbing issues you will likely face as a homeowner. However, no matter how minor, a malfunctioning drain can cause significant disruption in your home. This is because it prevents the kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and faucets from performing as intended. 

In addition, it can cause more severe problems, such as flooding, if left unattended for too long. The good news is you can save yourself the inconvenience of a clogged drain if you take care of what goes down the system. Here are substances you shouldn't allow down your drains. 

Fats, Grease, and Oil

You must note that these substances can cause severe problems if you allow them through your drains. This is because they are sticky and form a coat on the walls of pipes, causing them to clog. More importantly, the clogs will be tougher when they collect leftover food particles. Given this, you should never ignore the small amounts of grease on your utensils when cleaning. So, before you wash your dishes, wipe them with a paper towel to remove grease and food particles. 

Hair

Human and pet hair is another primary cause of drain problems. In most cases, hair will end up down your shower and sink drain if you don't have a hair catcher in place. More so, the issue worsens when the hair combines with other substances, such as grease. The good news is you can keep hair out of your plumbing system by installing drain guards. 

Food Waste

The food waste that passes through the kitchen sink is also another culprit of clogged drains. This happens because some food wastes, like tea leaves, do not break down easily. As such, they will collect in your drains and obstruct water passage. With this in mind, you should dump all food waste in a garbage can before washing the dishes. 

Toilet Paper

Since toilet paper is designed to crumble and mix with water, you can easily dispose of it in the toilet. However, using far too much toilet paper on each visit can clog your toilet. In other cases, excessive toilet paper will catch on to other items and cause a severe clog. Hence, if you notice your toilet is not functioning as it should, you may have a toilet paper clog. 

If you experience frequent clogs in your home, you want to avoid using DIY methods to clear the obstruction. Instead, hire a reputable plumber to unclog it to prevent further problems down the line.

Reach out to a plumbing contractor to learn more about this type of plumbing repair.