Clogged drains remain one of the most common household plumbing problems, because sinks wash away more than just water. If slow-moving drains are an increasing problem in your home, familiarize yourself with the worst items that can go down piping. The residential drain cleaning experts at Wright’s Septic Service in Tomah, WA, created the following guide to get you started.

Top 5 Worst Items for Household Drains

1. Hair

Hair easily accumulates in unprotected bathroom sink and bathtub drains, causing serious clogs. Long strands are especially bad for drains. Hair not only forms massive clogs on its own, but it also becomes a magnet for soap scum, water deposits, and any other particles sent through drains. Install strainers over bathroom drains to collect hair for easy disposal.

2. Coffee Grounds

Wet coffee grounds bind together to create blockages quickly, especially when they are paired with oil or grease. Keep grounds out of your sink and use them as fertilizer for your garden. You can also add coffee grounds to your compost pile or use them as natural ant, slug, and snail deterrents.

3. Oil, Fat, & Grease

Oil, fat, and grease harden within pipes, creating nearly impenetrable clogs capable of catching all other particles that follow. These cooking substances also work their way into sewer drains and combine with wastewater to create “fatbergs.” Save and reuse fat from meat and poultry, or throw it out along with oil and grease.

4. Paper Products

Only toilet paper flushes down appropriately. All other paper products—including paper towels, tissues, feminine hygiene items, and cotton balls—do not disintegrate in plumbing systems. They will simply absorb water and create detrimental clogs. Throw paper products away to keep your drains clear.

5. Cat Litter

Some cat litter is marketed as “flushable.” However, Tomah’s trusted residential drain cleaning team notes that litter has a hard time breaking down, especially if it is paper-based and expands rather than disintegrates. Additionally, cat waste contains the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which is immune to water treatment and harmful to marine life. Collect litter in paper bags before throwing it out, since paper disintegrates much quicker than plastic.

Maintain proper drainage practices to keep your pipes and sewers clear and functional. Rely on the residential drain cleaning services available through Wright’s Septic Service to prevent clogs and related issues from becoming severe, messy, and costly. This Tomah septic cleaning and maintenance company even offers after-hours services in case of an emergency. Call (608) 372-3615 to schedule a residential drain cleaning appointment today, and visit the website for more information.