As a homeowner, clogged drains are perhaps one of the most challenging and frustrating issues that you can encounter, especially when your home's drains aren't flowing the way that they are supposed to and you're not sure why. Understanding some of the most common reasons for clogged drains can help you to determine the source of your drain problems and deal with those problems accordingly. Here's a look at some of the most common reasons for drain clogs to help you combat the problems.

Solid Fats

Most people hear about fats creating drain clogs and think that their pipes are safe from this because they only pour liquid fats down the drain. What many don't think about is that most of those fats are only liquid when they are hot. As they cool, which they will do as they're flowing down the drain, they solidify again. This applies to all sorts of fats, such as hamburger grease, bacon fat, melted butter, coconut oil, and shortening. While you might not notice a problem right away, repeated draining of these types of things will cause buildup in your pipes, leading to an eventual clog that must be broken up by a plumber.

Wipes (Of All Kinds)

There are so many different types of disposable wipes on the market these days, from cleaning wipes to baby wipes and even flushable toddler and adult bathroom wipes. Unfortunately, many people wrongfully assume that these wipes are safe to flush. The fact is that even the ones labeled as flushable wipes often don't break down in septic and sewer systems the way that toilet paper does. Eventually, this leads to clogs that can be hazardous to your entire plumbing system.

Excess Or Thick Toilet Paper

Whether it's a matter of using too much or choosing a brand that's just too thick, toilet paper is another culprit for clogged drains. In most cases, toilet paper is designed to break down quickly and dissolve in the plumbing system. However, with an increased demand for softer, thicker toilet paper for comfort purposes, many toilet tissues on the market now don't break down nearly as easily as the lesser-expensive, thinner varieties do. If your family prefers the thick, quilted toilet tissue, you could be unknowingly contributing to a potential blockage in your plumbing system.

No matter what the cause, you'll want to talk with a plumber right away if you're seeing signs of a clogged drain. Your plumber can help you isolate the source and address the problem right away.