Most Common Scenarios for a Clogged Drain
Hair Buildup in Bathroom Drains
Hair is one of the top culprits behind clogged shower, bathtub, and sink drains. When hair mixes with soap scum, it forms sticky clumps that easily block pipes.
Why it happens:
- Loose hair falls during showers or shaving
- Soap residue binds the hair together
- The mixture catches on pipe walls and grows over time
How to prevent it:
- Install a drain screen
- Clean the drain cover weekly
- Avoid washing large clumps of hair down the drain
Grease and Oil in Kitchen Drains
Pouring grease down the kitchen sink might seem harmless while it’s hot, but as it cools, it hardens and sticks to the inside of the pipes. Over time, it creates a thick layer that blocks water flow.
Common culprits include:
- Cooking oil
- Bacon fat
- Butter
- Sauces or gravies
Preventive tips:
- Pour used grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash
- Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing
- Run hot water and dish soap after washing oily dishes
Food Scraps Accumulating in the Drain
Even with a garbage disposal, some foods should never go down the drain. Hard, fibrous, or expandable foods can cause severe clogs.
High-risk foods include:
- Rice and pasta (expand and become sticky)
- Coffee grounds (form dense clumps)
- Eggshells (create grit that traps grease)
- Vegetable peels and celery (fibrous strands wrap around parts of the disposal)
Soap Scum Buildup
Traditional bar soaps are made with fats that combine with minerals in water to form “soap scum.” This residue sticks to pipes and traps other debris, causing slow drains.
Seen most often in:
- Shower drains
- Bathroom sinks
- Bathtubs
Switching to liquid soap or installing a water softener can help reduce buildup.
Foreign Objects Going Down the Drain
Accidents happen—especially in households with children. Small objects can easily fall into sinks or toilets and cause blockages.
Common foreign objects include:
- Toothpaste caps
- Q-tips
- Toys
- Jewelry
- Small plastic items
If something falls into the drain unexpectedly, it’s better to retrieve it before running water.
Tree Roots Intruding Into Sewer Lines
Outdoors, tree roots naturally seek moisture—and they often grow toward underground sewer pipes.
Signs this may be the cause:
- Multiple drains clog at once
- Gurgling sounds in toilets
- Bad odors coming from drains
- Sewage backups in the yard
This scenario requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Mineral Buildup from Hard Water
Homes with hard water often develop mineral deposits inside pipes. Over time, these deposits narrow water pathways and cause clogs or slow drainage.
Prevention:
- Install a water softener
- Regularly flush your pipes
Improper Use of Toilets
Toilets are designed for human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing anything else can quickly cause a clog.
Items that should NEVER be flushed:
- Wipes (even “flushable” ones)
- Sanitary products
- Paper towels
- Diapers
- Cotton balls
Accumulated Dirt and Outdoor Debris
After outdoor activities or muddy work, rinsing too much dirt down a drain can create thick sludge inside the pipes.
Better solution:
- Rinse excessively dirty items outdoors
- Shake off dirt before washing clothes
Old or Damaged Pipes
Sometimes clogs aren’t caused by what goes down the drain but by the condition of the plumbing itself. Old pipes can corrode, collapse, or shift, creating narrow sections that trap debris.
A professional plumber can inspect and determine if a repair or replacement is needed.