Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a common, frustrating, and inconvenient household problem, infuriating homeowners with their frequency, severity, and expense. However, they are some of the most manageable plumbing issues to diagnose and fix, especially with a knowledgeable, reliable plumber.

Here are a few common causes behind annoying blockages, signs of clogs, and how to prevent and remedy severe clogs with professional assistance.

1. Hair Buildup: A Major Cause of Clogged Drains

Did you know the average human sheds 50 to 100 hair strands daily? And most of that comes off with water in the shower, becoming a leading cause of clogged drains worldwide. Hair can combine with soap scum and water minerals like calcium and magnesium, becoming a stubborn, tangled blockage that prevents proper water flow and increases the likelihood of dirty water buildup at the bottom of your tub.

Helpful tip: Use a drain guard to prevent hairs from falling into the drain.

2. Food Waste, Grease, and Fat: How Improper Disposal Leads to Kitchen Clogs

Many people believe that where there’s a drain, there’s a reliable method for waste disposal. However, not every drain and plumbing system is suitable for food waste, and no drain and plumbing system is ideal for discarded (often melted) fat and cooking grease. Food waste, grease, and fat can harden, sticking the pipe walls and becoming a sticky trap for food particles and hard water minerals.

Are you using a garbage disposal? Adhere to strict instructions and schedule routine plumbing inspections to prevent clogs. Some food waste, like coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables, and fruit peels, can build up over time to cause severe clogs.

Helpful tip: Use a strainer to catch food scraps, and never pour grease or fat down the drain.

3. Soap Scum Accumulation and Mineral Buildup: Understanding Its Effect on Your Pipes

When you shower, tiny particles of shampoo and soap can create a long-term, gradual buildup in your tub drain. This can lengthen and harden over time, affecting your pipes by slowing water flow and reducing drain efficiency.

Helpful tip: prevent soap scum and mineral buildup with a water softener to minimize hard water deposits. You can also use liquid soap instead of bar soap.

4. Tree Roots: How They Can Invade and Block Your Plumbing

Tree roots? Really? You bet!

Tree roots spread underground, encountering plumbing systems and main lines. Roots naturally seek water sources, which may push into your pipes, causing cracks that can eventually cause gashes and geysers. Not only will roots cause a significant blockage, but they can break or collapse pipes, resulting in expensive repairs or plumbing replacements.

Signs of a Clogged Drain You Shouldn’t Ignore

Here are a few examples of what to look for when you suspect a clogged drain:

• Slow drainage from sinks, tubs, and toilets.
• Gurgling or bubbling noises after water use.
• Foul odors due to rotten food particles and debris buildup.

Minor clogs can typically be resolved DIY with a drain snake or plunger, but it is always a good idea to contact a professional plumber for long-term solutions to clogged drain dilemmas.