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10 Everyday Items That Might Clog Your Sink

Calgary, CA

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10 Common Household Items You Didn't Know Could Clog Your Sink

Are you unknowingly clogging your sink with everyday household items? Many homeowners in Calgary encounter sink blockages caused by items they thought were safe to dispose of down the drain. This guide will highlight the top 10 surprising culprits, helping you prevent costly plumbing issues and keep your drains flowing smoothly.

 

What Causes Sink Clogs in Calgary Homes?

The Role of Hard Water and Everyday Waste

Hard water, common in Calgary, combines with everyday waste to form stubborn deposits in your pipes. Over time, minerals and debris accumulate, narrowing the passage and causing blockages.

Common Misconceptions About Sink-Safe Items

Items like coffee grounds or cooking grease may seem harmless but are notorious for clogging sinks. Mislabeling, like "flushable" wipes, adds to the confusion, resulting in frequent plumbing problems.


10 Surprising Household Items That Clog Your Sink

1. Cooking Grease and Oil

Grease and oil may slide down the drain easily, but they solidify as they cool, forming sticky deposits that trap other debris.

Why Oil and Water Don’t Mix in Your Pipes

Oil repels water and clings to pipe walls, creating layers of buildup that can block your sink entirely.

2. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds may appear small and harmless, but they clump together in pipes, creating thick, stubborn blockages.

How Coffee Grounds Create Build-Up Over Time

When mixed with water, coffee grounds expand and form a dense sludge that’s difficult to remove.

3. Eggshells

Eggshells are sharp and granular, which makes them cling to other waste and contribute to clogs.

Why Eggshells Cause More Harm Than You Think

Despite their brittle nature, eggshells combine with grease and soap to form tough clogs.

4. Pasta and Rice

These starchy foods expand when exposed to water, causing blockages that worsen over time.

The Expanding Danger of Starchy Foods in Drains

Even small amounts of pasta and rice can swell and obstruct your pipes.

5. Flushable Wipes

Despite the label, flushable wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause severe plumbing issues.

Why ‘Flushable’ Doesn’t Mean Sink-Friendly

These wipes remain intact in pipes, combining with other debris to form massive clogs.

6. Hair

Hair binds with soap and grease, creating a web-like blockage in your pipes.

How Hair Combines with Soap to Create Drain Clogs

Hair strands trap soap scum and other particles, creating dense clogs that require professional removal.

7. Dental Floss

Dental floss may seem small, but it tangles with other debris to create blockages.

The Unexpected Plumbing Hazard

Floss is non-biodegradable, so it stays intact in pipes and causes long-term issues.

8. Paper Towels

Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are designed to stay strong when wet, making them problematic for drains.

Why Paper Towels Are Tougher Than You Think

Their durability makes them resistant to breaking down, causing serious blockages.

9. Paint and Paint Thinner

These materials solidify and stick to pipe walls, damaging both your plumbing and the environment.

Environmental and Plumbing Risks of Improper Disposal

Paint residues can combine with other waste, forming stubborn clogs while polluting water systems.

10. Medications

Flushing medications not only risks clogging pipes but also contaminates water supplies.

Clogging Risks and Environmental Impact of Pills in Sinks

Pills can dissolve unevenly, creating gummy residues that clog pipes and harm ecosystems.


Tips to Prevent Sink Clogs in Calgary

Proper Disposal Methods for Household Items

  • Dispose of grease in a sealed container in the trash.
  • Compost coffee grounds and eggshells.
  • Throw paper towels and wipes in the garbage.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Schedule routine drain inspections and cleanings to catch issues early and prevent buildup.

Signs You Need a Professional Plumber

Slow-draining sinks, gurgling sounds, or persistent clogs are clear signs that it’s time to call in the experts.


How My Calgary Plumber Can Help with Sink Clogs

Emergency Drain Cleaning Services in Calgary

Our team provides 24/7 drain cleaning to tackle even the toughest clogs, ensuring your plumbing is back to normal quickly.

Affordable Rates for Preventative Maintenance

We offer affordable, proactive solutions to keep your pipes in excellent condition, saving you time and money.


FAQs About Common Sink Clogging Items

What are the most common causes of sink clogs in Calgary?

Grease, food waste, hair, and non-degradable items like wipes and floss are frequent culprits of sink clogs in Calgary homes.

Are flushable wipes really safe for drains?

No, "flushable" wipes often do not break down and can cause severe blockages.

How can I safely dispose of cooking grease?

Allow grease to cool, place it in a disposable container, and discard it in the trash instead of pouring it down the drain.

When should I call a plumber for a clogged sink?

If DIY methods like plunging fail or your sink drains very slowly, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Can regular maintenance help prevent clogs?

Yes, scheduling regular inspections and cleanings can prevent clogs and reduce the risk of costly repairs.


By recognizing these common clogging culprits and taking preventive measures, you can save yourself from unnecessary plumbing headaches. For professional assistance, trust My Calgary Plumber to keep your drains flowing smoothly.

 

 

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