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Plumbers: Back Then, Today, and Tomorrow

When talking about any profession, most people tend to focus on the here and now. That's understandable. it's really important to know what's going on in the present tense. But you are missing out on some vital information if you never read and learn about the history of a profession. This applies to plumbing, in particular. You can really further your understanding of the profession by knowing how it began and what changes have been made over the years. That's why we sometimes reference the history of plumbing on this blog. We'll also dive into the future of the profession from time to time because, after all, you have to know where you're headed.

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Plumbers: Back Then, Today, and Tomorrow

6 Items That Will Clog Your Drains

by Madison Dean

A clogged drain can create backflow, slow drains, leaks, and water damage. Your best offense against drain clogs is a good defense. When you know what will damage your plumbing system, you will make better choices. Learn about 6 common items that will clog your drains.

1. Grease, Oil, Fat

Grease, oil, and fat probably cause water treatment centers the most trouble. While liquid when hot, the material becomes solid as it cools. Once cool, the material grows in volume and attaches to the inside of your pipes, collecting waste particles it comes into contact with due to its sticky nature. 

To dispose of grease, oil, and fat, collect the material in heat-proof containers. Throw the containers away in the garbage when full.

2. Stringy Vegetables

Stringy vegetables can get caught in the kitchen's food disposal. The stringy material becomes entwined to the point that it can cause a blockage. If the blockage prevents the garbage disposal from working as normal, it can lead to damage and expensive repairs. 

Fibrous vegetables include:

  • Celery 
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Lettuce
  • Cucumber
  • Radish 
  • Onion

3. Egg Shells/Peanut Shells

Most garbage disposals can't properly grind shells to the point that they can flow through the pipes freely. In most cases, the shells turn into small obstructions that easily attach to sticky substances inside the pipes. 

4. Wet Wipes

Wet wipes do not flush well. They do not break down into smaller pieces, making them likely to create clogs (even the flushable wipes). Even worse, the wipes will accumulate and combine with grease into a blockage known as a fatburg that can grow to shockingly large sizes that chemical drain cleaners can't dissolve. Waiting too long ensures that you will need the assistance of professional drain cleaning services, including a powered auger that will break up the clog at the source. 

5. Paint 

After an art project or home renovation, painter may unknowingly pour leftover paint down the drain. Paint has sticky properties, making it prone to sticking to the insides of your pipes. Furthermore, the toxins in the paint will get into the water supply. 

6. Cotton Balls 

People use cotton balls for makeup, first aid, and numerous other reasons for their absorbing properties. When cotton balls absorb water, they grow in size, creating a clog in pipes. Throw the cotton balls away in the trash.

In the case you still experience a clog, call for professional drain cleaning services before the problem gets worse. 

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