Drains are an integral part of your home's plumbing system. Anything that is flushed down the toilet, sink, or bathtub travels through drain pipes and into a waste disposal system. Making sure that your drains remain clean and clear is essential if you want your plumbing system to function properly.

A clogged drain can easily cause a sewage backup or render a plumbing fixture useless. Learn more about the things that can cause drain clogs so that you will be better prepared to prevent clogs and maintain your drains in the future.

1. Dirt and Dander

Anytime you take a shower, wash your dishes, or do a load of laundry, dirt and dander are released. Dirt and dander are flushed down the drains in your home along with wastewater.

Clogs can occur when excess dirt and dander begin to build up along the interior walls of your drain pipes. Dirt and dander can combine with soap residue and then harden, creating a physical barrier that limits your drain's ability to function efficiently.

While you can't avoid sending dirt and dander down the drain, you can minimize the negative impact these substances have on your plumbing system by investing in routine professional drain cleaning.

2. Flushed Debris

There are many seemingly innocent items that can quickly clog up your drains if they find their way into your plumbing system. Every homeowner should be aware of the items that should never be flushed down a drain so that clogs can be avoided.

Debris like paper towels, baby wipes, dental floss, and facial tissues are not designed to deteriorate rapidly like toilet paper. Flushing these items down a drain can cause clogs to develop deep within your drain pipes.

Getting rid of these deep clogs can be costly, so it's best to avoid flushing any questionable items down your drains in the first place.

3. Tree Roots

The water and waste in your drain lines are a rich source of nutrients for plant life. Trees can be especially problematic for a home's plumbing system since the roots of a tree can extend deep into the soil looking for sustenance.

Tree roots have the ability to penetrate the outer walls of your drainage pipes. Eventually, the roots will create a solid mass that doesn't allow any water and waste to escape into your waste disposal system.

A plumber will have to dig up the drainage line and manually remove the roots to clear away the clog.