Clogged drains are one of the most common—and frustrating—plumbing problems homeowners and business owners face. From slow-draining sinks to complete backups, these blockages can disrupt your daily routine, damage property, and even pose health risks if left untreated.

While a clogged drain might seem like a small issue, it’s often a symptom of a bigger problem hiding in your plumbing system. Understanding the top causes of clogged drains—and the best ways to fix them—can save you time, money, and stress.

Why Drains Clog in the First Place

Your plumbing system is designed to move water and waste smoothly away from your property. However, over time, materials can build up inside pipes, reducing water flow until a blockage forms. Some clogs develop slowly, while others happen suddenly after a large object blocks the pipe.

The key to keeping your plumbing healthy is prevention. Let’s explore the most common causes of clogged drains and how to fix them effectively.

1. Hair Buildup

Where it happens most: Bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs

Hair is one of the biggest culprits in bathroom drain clogs. Strands wash down the drain, get tangled, and combine with soap scum to form stubborn blockages.

How to fix it:

  • Remove visible hair with a pair of tweezers or a drain snake.
  • For recurring clogs, consider installing a drain screen to catch hair before it enters the pipe.
  • If hair buildup is deep in the line, a professional drain line repair service may be needed to clear it fully.

2. Grease and Cooking Oils

Where it happens most: Kitchen sinks

Grease is a liquid when hot but solidifies as it cools. When you pour it down the drain, it sticks to the inside of pipes, trapping food particles and creating a thick sludge.

How to fix it:

  • Never pour grease down the sink; instead, let it cool in a container and throw it away.
  • For small grease buildups, pour a mixture of hot water and dish soap down the drain to help break it up.
  • If grease has hardened and is blocking water flow, hydro-jetting is the most effective professional solution to blast it away without damaging pipes.

3. Soap Scum

Where it happens most: Bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs

Soap contains fats that combine with minerals in water to form soap scum—a sticky residue that builds up inside pipes over time.

How to fix it:

  • Use liquid soap instead of bar soap to reduce residue.
  • Flush drains regularly with hot water to help dissolve buildup.
  • In severe cases, professional cleaning with high-pressure water is needed to restore full pipe diameter.

4. Food Scraps

Where it happens most: Kitchen sinks

Even with a garbage disposal, some food waste shouldn’t go down your drain—especially fibrous items like celery, potato peels, and coffee grounds, which can wrap around blades or settle in pipes.

How to fix it:

  • Scrape food waste into the trash or compost bin before rinsing dishes.
  • Use a sink strainer to catch small particles.
  • If the clog persists, call a plumber for a professional plumbing service to safely remove it.

5. Mineral Buildup (Hard Water)

Where it happens most: Any drain in homes with hard water

Minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water can accumulate inside pipes, narrowing the passageway for water.

How to fix it:

  • Have a water analysis done to determine hardness levels.
  • Install a water softener to prevent future buildup.
  • Professional descaling or pipe cleaning may be required if buildup is advanced.

6. Foreign Objects

Where it happens most: Toilets and bathroom sinks

Toys, dental floss, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, and “flushable” wipes often cause severe clogs. Even items labeled flushable don’t always break down quickly enough to pass through pipes safely.

How to fix it:

  • Use only toilet paper in toilets—everything else should go in the trash.
  • If an object is lodged deep, a plumber may need to perform a sewer line repair to retrieve it.

7. Tree Root Intrusion

Where it happens most: Outdoor sewer lines

Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and even a tiny crack in a sewer line can allow them in. Once inside, they grow quickly, causing major blockages or even pipe collapse.

How to fix it:

  • Schedule annual camera inspections if you have large trees near your sewer lines.
  • Use commercial plumbing services or residential root removal to clear intrusions before they damage the pipe completely.

8. Collapsed or Damaged Pipes

Where it happens most: Older plumbing systems and high-traffic commercial properties

Pipes can break due to corrosion, shifting soil, or heavy ground pressure. When this happens, no amount of plunging will fix the problem.

How to fix it:

  • A camera inspection can pinpoint the damage.
  • Minor issues may be fixed with targeted repairs; severe damage may require water line repair or replacement.

How to Prevent Clogged Drains

While occasional slow drains are normal, most serious clogs are preventable. Here’s how to keep your plumbing clear year-round:

  1. Use drain strainers to catch debris before it enters pipes.
  2. Avoid chemical drain cleaners—they can corrode your pipes and harm the environment.
  3. Flush drains monthly with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water.
  4. Schedule annual professional inspections to catch early signs of buildup or damage.
  5. Consider hydro-jetting every 1–2 years, especially for high-use or commercial properties.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

DIY methods work for minor clogs, but if you experience:

  • Recurring clogs in the same drain
  • Multiple drains backing up at once
  • Foul odors from drains
  • Slow drains despite cleaning attempts

…it’s time to bring in a pro. Persistent clogs may be a sign of a deeper problem in your sewer system.

At Advanced Heat AC & Plumbing, our team uses advanced tools like video camera inspections and hydro-jetting to clear blockages quickly and effectively—without damaging your pipes.

Professional Solutions for Stubborn Clogs

When plungers and store-bought cleaners won’t work, professionals can provide lasting solutions:

  • Drain Snaking – A flexible auger is inserted into the drain to break up and remove clogs.
  • Hydro-Jetting – High-pressure water is used to clean pipe walls and flush away debris.
  • Camera Inspections – Identify the exact cause and location of the blockage.
  • Sewer Line Repairs – For clogs caused by damaged or collapsed pipes, our sewer line repair service ensures safe, lasting restoration.

Final Thoughts

Clogged drains are more than just an inconvenience—they can be warning signs of deeper plumbing issues. By understanding the most common causes and taking preventive measures, you can protect your home or business from costly damage.

Whether it’s hair in your shower drain, grease buildup in your kitchen sink, or tree roots invading your sewer line, the key is to address the issue promptly and correctly.

If you’re struggling with a persistent clog, don’t wait for it to turn into a plumbing emergency. Contact us today at Advanced Heat AC & Plumbing for fast, professional service that gets your drains flowing freely again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clogged Drains

1. What is the most common cause of clogged drains?

Hair and grease are two of the most common causes of clogged drains. In bathrooms, hair combines with soap scum to create blockages, while in kitchens, grease solidifies inside pipes, trapping food particles.

2. Can chemical drain cleaners damage my pipes?

Yes. Over time, chemical drain cleaners can corrode metal pipes and weaken PVC joints. They can also kill beneficial bacteria in septic systems. Professional solutions like hydro-jetting are safer and more effective.

3. How can I prevent hair clogs in my shower drain?

Install a drain screen or hair catcher to trap strands before they go down the drain. Clean it regularly and avoid flushing large amounts of hair after haircuts or grooming.

4. Are “flushable” wipes really safe for drains?

Despite their name, “flushable” wipes don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper. They can accumulate in your pipes or sewer line, leading to clogs that require sewer line repair.

5. How do I know if my drain clog is serious?

If multiple drains are slow or backing up, you may have a main line blockage rather than a simple localized clog. This often requires a camera inspection and drain line repair.

6. How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?

For most homes, once every 1–2 years is sufficient. High-use or commercial properties should consider professional cleaning every 6–12 months to prevent buildup.

7. Can tree roots cause clogged drains?

Yes. Tree roots can enter sewer lines through small cracks, growing inside and blocking water flow. Routine inspections and commercial plumbing services can detect and remove them early.

8. What’s the best DIY method to clear a minor clog?

For small clogs, try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. Avoid chemical cleaners and call a plumber if the clog persists.

9. Why does my drain smell bad even after cleaning?

Persistent odors may be caused by buildup deep in the pipes or a dry P-trap. In some cases, the problem could be a partial sewer line blockage requiring professional service.

10. When should I call a plumber for a clogged drain?

Call a professional if the clog is recurring, affects multiple fixtures, or causes water backups. Contact us today for fast, reliable help in clearing even the toughest blockages.

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