Few encounters are more disheartening than discovering a blocked drain. In addition to making it difficult for you to use sinks and showers, they can make life unhygienic. At Fluid Plumbing, we're here to help you learn more about the ways your drains clog up.

Tree roots

Some blockages will require a licensed plumber to clear and tree roots are amongst them. Deep tree roots are sometimes powerful enough to penetrate your pipes. When this happens, your plumber will use industry-specific tools to identify and remove them.

Toiletries

We all love toiletries, but some are worse for your drain than others. Baby wipes and makeup removal wipes are amongst some of the biggest culprits. Avoid flushing them and bin them instead.

Foreign objects

Kids can be a lot of fun, but not so much if yours is in the habit of placing their toys in the toilet. You may be able to fish it out yourself, but don't attempt this if it's too far down, though.

Cooking oil

Do you pour your cooking oil down the sink? Well, now's the time to stop. It's too thick to flow as easily as water, so it builds up and causes clogs. If you suspect this is the problem, try using a drain de-clogging solution to shift it.

Much like cooking oil, food scraps don't budge easily. As they begin to gather in the bends in your pipes, they'll cause a clog that stops water from flowing freely. Depending on how far down the clog is, you may need a professional plumber to help you with this one.

Mineral build-up can affect anyone's pipes, but it's particularly problematic in areas where there's hard water. If you're starting to notice limescale in appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, this may be the cause of your blocked drain. Common home remedies include pouring vinegar down your sinks to break away minerals. For a more effective result, you'll need to engage a plumber.

There's no avoiding the fact that you need to shower. But over time, a combination of soap and hair can cause superficial clogs. You can try fishing the clogs out yourself and using de-clogging solutions for quick results. If your drains still aren't draining, consider asking a plumber to do the work for you.

Your cat's litter does not belong in your toilet. As a heavy substance that becomes even heavier when saturated with urine, it doesn't flush easily. Dispose of your cat's litter with your usual garbage instead.

Despite your best efforts to prevent drain blockages, you may find that natural debris causes problems anyway. If you can't identify the cause of your clog and it's making your life difficult, it's time to call on a professional to do the work for you.

Even seemingly innocent habits can cause your drains to block. From flushing makeup wipes to just living in a hard water area, there are lots of ways to accumulate a blockage. By making a few lifestyle changes, you can make sure everything flows freely in your household. When that doesn't work, call on a professional plumber for help.