Sink clogging is an annoying problem that comes up again and again, even though we keep saying we’ll be more careful of what we put down the drain in the future. Yeah, right.

But did you know the current U.S. national average cost to have a plumber unclog a drain is between $146-206 and can go as high as $500?

What’s especially aggravating about this is that most of us know exactly what to do to prevent the most common sources of blocked pipes. We just get lazy and think, “it won’t clog this one time, and we’ll be more careful next time.”

Common Causes of Sink Clogging

We’re going to give you a little help with your resolution to stop doing things that cause drain problems. What follows is a list of what we see as the seven worst causes of clogged pipes.

We’re also sharing some wisdom on how to prevent these causes and some drain cleaning tips to try if a sink clogs despite your reasonable efforts–before you call a plumber, that is.

1. Human and Pet Hair

This one is hard to avoid. After all, most of us have at least some hair on our bodies. Our pets do too. And we all shed it–especially when we bathe–so hair inevitably winds up in the drains.

Prevention

This one’s easy. Do two key things: Brush your hair before bathing and use a drain strainer

That’s it!

Remedy

If the drain clogs anyway, try these things:

• Use a plumber’s snake or wire hanger to pull out the clog
• Add baking soda and vinegar to the drain, let it sit for an hour, then run hot water.
• Try to extract the clog using a shop vac with a plunger head attached.

If these don’t work the first time, try again.

2. Small Objects

Your sink could be clogged by a little toy or toy part. It could be a piece of jewelry or anything small enough to fit into the drain.

Prevention

Have a basket or bowl next to the sink, shower, or tub and encourage people (who surely don’t want to risk losing their small items) to place the items in this receptacle while they wash or bathe.

Remedy

Here’s what to do:

• Get under the sink and loosen the P-trap by unscrewing the nuts at each end of the loop of the trap, but don’t unscrew completely.
• Get a bucket and place under the trap.
• Slide out the trap. Any water in the sink will fall into the bucket.
• Empty the contents of the P-trap into the bucket. Note: it will be filled with dirty water and sink debris. Retrieve anything that might have fallen down the drain. Be sure to disinfect whatever you’ve retrieved.
• Wash out the P-trap in another sink. Screw the P-trap back in place. Keep the bucket under the trap. Then cover the sink drain. Fill the sink with water and then, let it all drain out. Check for leaks. If the P-trap is leaking, re-tighten the nuts and test again.

If all else fails, call a plumber.

3. Grease, Fat, and Other Food Residue

This is a disgusting mess. Unfortunately, that’s why we tend to toss the stuff down the kitchen drain and forget about it. Bad idea! It will come back to haunt you–and in a far worse state than it was when you put it there.

Grease and fat, especially, are drain clogs waiting to happen. They might be liquid when you pour them down the drain, but in no time at all, they will harden and cause clogs that only worsen as other food particles become attached.

Prevention

The best thing to do is to collect used fat in a container in the freezer. When the container is filled and solid, put the block into a disposable bag (preferably one that’s already been used) and put it in the outside garbage.

Remedy

Combine one part hot water with one part vinegar. Pour this mixture down the drain and let it stand for a few minutes. Flush with warm water. If this doesn’t obliterate the clog, use a mix of hot water and anti-grease dish-washing liquid.

4. Rubber Bands, Balloons, and Other Stretchy Objects

These are the next worst thing to hair when it comes to drain clogs, though not as common. These materials or objects will snag other things going down the drain and cause a tangle that is hard to remove.

Prevention

Any small rubber products should go directly into the garbage when used. When unused, they should be kept in closed containers. Why? If swallowed by pets or children, they can cause choking or other serious health problems.

Remedy

We recommend using either the procedure outlined in number 2 above or a plumber’s snake.

5. Clay Cat Litter

The reason this is called clay cat litter is that it’s made from clay. It might not look like the clay you used in art class because it’s powdered, but when moist (as it would be when put into a sink), it can reform and harden into a nasty clog.

Prevention

You can either bury the cat litter or put it in the trash for the landfill. There are no other options. Used cat little can harbor dangerous bacteria and parasites.

Remedy

You’ll need to work this one from both ends. First, use a plunger to extract the litter into the sink itself. Then, if necessary, remove the P-trap and push out the clog from there.

6. Tree Roots

Unfortunately, this is a clog that goes all the way to your sewer line, and it needs to be handled by professionals.

Prevention

Read this article for suggestions on preventing tree roots from invading your sewer system. We also suggest consulting with a professional tree service before beginning a tree-root prevention project.

Remedy

Call a professional drain cleaning service.

7. Calcium Build-Up

Also known as limescale, calcium build-up can be frustrating to deal with in areas where the municipal water supply has high mineral content. Fortunately, this isn’t hard to deal with.

Prevention and Remedy

If the scale issue is mild, you could routinely pour vinegar into the drains. If it is more severe, a water-softening system is recommended.

Take Care of Your Drain Pipes

And they’ll take care of you.

Of course, there are some “surprise” reasons for blocked pipes that would be hard to foresee–tree roots are a good example. But most routine drain problems are pretty easy both to prevent and handle when they occur.

Don’t hesitate to take simple fixes into your own hands. Then call a plumber when you need one. They’re always ready to help! And check out some of the advice in our blog as well. We’re sure you’ll find it helpful.