While water draining slowly or the occasional drain back-up may seem like a small problem, it can quickly turn into a bigger issue. If left untreated, it could even harm your plumbing system. Get ahead of these common culprits before having to call the plumber with the following tips. 

Hair and fur can be hard on drains. The strands of hair bond to any grease coating the pipe, causing backups and slow drainage. This kind of clog is mainly seen in the shower, but it can also affect a bathroom or basement sink, especially if it’s been used to wash pets. To avoid hair clogs, use guards on all your drains, and brush your pets or hair beforehand to catch any loose strands. 

It can be tempting to throw everything down the garbage disposal, but not all foods break down properly in the drain. Tea leaves and coffee are common problems, as well as any oily, fatty, or greasy foods. The fat and oil will stick to the sides of the drains and cause big blockages. Luckily, a plumber can generally clear this type of clog by using a drain snake. To prevent this problem in the future, start a composting bin for food waste like eggshells and coffee, and always throw cooking grease or oils in the trash instead of the sink.

The soap scum in the shower or around the edges of your sink builds up in your pipes. Soap often has an oily or greasy base that causes it to stick to pipes; over time, it can trap particles and hair, leading to clogs. Professional drain cleaning can help clear any blockages. Between cleanings, try pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain to naturally break down the scum.