Top 5 Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Prevent Them

Drain blockages are a common frustration, whether in homes, businesses, or large facilities. They disrupt daily activities, lead to unpleasant odors, and can cause costly plumbing issues if not addressed. Understanding the root causes of these blockages and learning how to clean drain pipes effectively can save time, money, and stress. Even better, adopting eco-friendly solutions like ABS’s SLUDGEZAP can help keep your drains clear without harming the environment.

Here are the top five causes of drain blockages and how you can prevent them:

1. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

The Problem:
When fats, oils, and grease are poured down the drain, they may initially flow freely. However, as they cool, they solidify and stick to the sides of pipes, gradually narrowing the pathway and leading to blockages. This is a common issue in kitchens, especially in commercial settings like restaurants.

How to Prevent It:

• Avoid pouring FOG into sinks. Instead, collect it in a container for proper disposal.
• Use strainers to catch food particles before they enter the drain.
• The Eco-Friendly Fix: ABS’s SLUDGEZAP is an effective solution for breaking down FOG. Its natural bacterial formula digests grease buildup, keeping your drain pipes clear and functional.

2. Hair and Soap Scum

The Problem:
In bathrooms, hair and soap scum are frequent culprits of clogged drains. Hair can accumulate and tangle, creating a mesh that traps other debris, while soap scum solidifies over time and coats pipe walls.

How to Prevent It:

• Install drain covers to catch hair and clean them regularly.
• Use liquid soaps instead of bar soaps to minimize soap scum.
• The Eco-Friendly Fix: SLUDGEZAP’s microbes consume organic matter like hair and soap residue, preventing build-ups in sinks, showers, and toilets.

3. Food Waste

The Problem:
Even with a garbage disposal, food scraps can clog kitchen drains, especially starchy or fibrous foods like rice, pasta, and potato peels. These materials expand when exposed to water, worsening blockages.

How to Prevent It:

• Scrape food waste into the trash or compost bin before washing dishes.
• Run plenty of water when using a garbage disposal to flush waste through.
• The Eco-Friendly Fix: SLUDGEZAP proactively breaks down organic food waste, ensuring it doesn’t accumulate and cause clogs.

4. Mineral Build-Up

The Problem:
In areas with hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate inside pipes over time, reducing water flow and causing blockages.

How to Prevent It:

• Install a water softener to reduce mineral content in your water supply.
• Regularly clean fixtures to remove visible mineral deposits.
• The Eco-Friendly Fix: Use SLUDGEZAP to combat scale build-up without the need for harsh chemical descalers, keeping your plumbing system functioning efficiently.

5. Foreign Objects

The Problem:
Small objects like sanitary products, wet wipes, or even kids’ toys often find their way into drains, causing severe blockages. These items don’t break down in water and can quickly create major clogs.

How to Prevent It:

• Educate household members or employees about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain.
• Place waste bins in bathrooms to discourage flushing inappropriate items.
• The Eco-Friendly Fix: If a blockage occurs, SLUDGEZAP can help by digesting organic components around the foreign object, making it easier to remove.

Why SLUDGEZAP is the Best Solution for Drain Cleaning

ABS’s SLUDGEZAP is a bacterial drain cleaning solution designed to tackle the root causes of blockages. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, which often harm plumbing and the environment, SLUDGEZAP uses natural microbes to:

• Break down organic matter like grease, hair, and food waste.
• Prevent recurring clogs by maintaining clear pipes.
• Eliminate odors at the source, leaving your drains fresh and functional.
• Protect the environment with a biodegradable, non-toxic formula.

How to Clean Drain Pipes Safely and Sustainably

1. Regularly use SLUDGEZAP to prevent blockages from forming.
2. Flush your drains with hot water weekly to remove minor build-ups.
3. Avoid chemical cleaners, which can corrode pipes and harm the environment.
4. Schedule periodic professional inspections for long-term maintenance.

Drain blockages are preventable with the right knowledge and tools. By understanding the common causes—like FOG, hair, and mineral deposits—and adopting eco-friendly solutions like SLUDGEZAP, you can keep your plumbing system efficient and your environmental impact minimal.