Why Do Drains Get Clogged?

Clogged drains can be a major nuisance for homeowners. Not only can they slow down your daily routines, but they can also lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. Understanding the common causes of clogged drains is the first step toward preventing them and maintaining a healthy plumbing system. This guide will provide a detailed look at the usual culprits and offer practical advice on drain cleaning to keep your plumbing running smoothly.

Drains often become clogged due to the buildup of debris, waste, and other materials over time. While some causes are avoidable with proper maintenance, others are the result of everyday use. Below, we’ve outlined the most common culprits behind clogged drains.

1. Hair Buildup

Hair is one of the top contributors to clogged bathroom drains, particularly in showers, bathtubs, and sinks. Strands of hair easily get tangled and mixed with soap scum, creating stubborn blockages.

Prevention Tip: Use a drain cover to catch hair before it goes down the drain. Regularly clean the cover to prevent buildup.

2. Grease & Oil

Kitchen sinks often face clogs caused by grease, oil, and fats. These substances may seem harmless in liquid form, but they can solidify as they cool, creating sticky blockages in the pipes.

Prevention Tip: Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Instead, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash.

3. Soap Residue

Soap, when combined with minerals in water, can form a hard residue known as soap scum. Over time, this residue can accumulate and narrow your pipes, leading to slow drainage.

Prevention Tip: Switch to liquid soap or soap-free cleansers, and periodically flush your drains with hot water to break down buildup.

4. Food Waste

Even with a garbage disposal, large food particles or fibrous scraps like potato peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells can clog your sink.

Prevention Tip: Use a sink strainer to catch food particles, and dispose of scraps in the trash or compost instead of the sink.

5. Paper Products

Toilets are designed to handle toilet paper, but flushing items like paper towels, wipes (even “flushable” ones), and feminine hygiene products can lead to blockages.

Prevention Tip: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Dispose of all other items in a wastebasket.

6. Mineral Buildup

If you have hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate inside your pipes over time, reducing water flow and causing clogs.

Prevention Tip: Install a water softener to reduce mineral buildup and use descaling solutions to clean your pipes periodically.