What Causes Your Drains to Clog?

01/28/2025

Clogged drains are one of the most common home maintenance issues you can encounter. They can also be among the worst. They help create an unpleasant odor in your house and cause water to pool in the bottom of your sink, bathtub, or shower, leading to flooding. In our years of providing drain cleaning, we've handled drain clogs of varying severity. One thing's for sure: a clog that's ignored can result in a lot of inconveniences, such as sewage backup and flooding.

When faced with recurring drain clogs, your best recourse is professional drain cleaning in Plano, TX, or drain cleaning in Richardson, TX. Below, our experts detail the common causes of clogs and share simple yet effective tips to help you keep your drains running smoothly.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Soap Scum

Over time soap residue builds up in your pipes, causing soap scum that can clog your drains. To avoid this problem, liquid soap is more effective than bar soap, and you can reduce potential soap scum buildup by rinsing your sink after a shower or washing dishes. For severe cases, drain cleaning services are the best option.

Scale Build Up

Scale is the buildup of minerals on the inside of your pipes which can lead to clogs down the line. Regular drain cleaning procedures from a reputable drain cleaning company are the best way to prevent drain scale.

Hair

Hair is probably the most common cause of clogs you will encounter. The more hair gets stuck in your pipes, the more they can attract other impurities until they result in a clogged drain. Fortunately, something as simple as installing a strainer can effectively help stop hair and gunk from entering your drains.

Food Oil, Grease, and Fats

Fats, oils, and grease congeal and stick to the walls of drain pipes, causing blockages that can lead to slow draining or backups. Even small amounts of grease and oil can accumulate over time and cause significant clogs. The fatty residue can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and even lead to sewer backups. Additionally, fatbergs are formed when grease and oil from kitchen sinks enter the sewer system and coagulate with other debris. There can be significant issues with the sewer system if these are allowed to develop.

Never pour grease, fat, or oils down your drain or into the disposal unit. Instead, allow grease to cool and solidify, then pour it into a sealed container or throw it in the trash bin. If you accidentally pour grease down the drain, flush it with hot soapy water ASAP. Depending on the severity of the buildup, drain snaking or hydro jetting will help remove oil and grease from your pipes.

Flushing Non-Degradable Items

One common cause of clogged drains is flushing inappropriate materials down the toilet. Some everyday items that should not be flushed are cotton balls, dental floss, baby wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products. These materials do not break down and can quickly become trapped in the bends of the pipe and form a clog. These blockages can cause unhygienic conditions, because of wastewater going back into your home.

Oftentimes, hydro jetting will be required to dislodge such debris from your drain lines. This high-pressure water effectively clears out the pipes of any debris or accumulation. The absence of toxic chemicals and solvents makes this an eco-friendly option.

How to Prevent Clogged Drains

Use Drain Guards and Strainers

One of the easiest ways to prevent a clogged drain is by using drain guards. Also known as drain protectors or drain covers, these inexpensive devices act as a barrier, catching debris, hair, and other small objects before they enter your drainage system. They are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials in order to fit snugly into all drains, and they are simple to set up and clear out after usage. By using drain guards in your sinks, showers, and bathtubs, you can significantly reduce the risk of clogs forming.

Dispose of Food Waste Properly

Food scraps are often the leading cause of clogged drains in the kitchen. To prevent clog development, always dispose of food waste properly. Avoid pouring coffee grounds down the sink, as they can create stubborn clogs. Instead, scrape food scraps into the trash or compost bin, and use sink strainers to catch any small particles that might slip through.

Flush Your Drains Periodically

Try as you might, impurities will always find their way down your drains. The trick is to flush them out routinely with hot water and prevent them from accumulating. Otherwise, clogs will develop sooner rather than later.

Have Regular Drain Cleanings

Over time, debris and other materials can accumulate in drain pipes, causing blockages that can lead to slow draining, backups, and even damage to the plumbing system. Regular drain cleaning services can help prevent these issues by removing built-up debris and keeping the pipes flowing smoothly. Neglecting this maintenance routine can lead to more frequent clogs and costly repairs.

Drain cleaning methods such as hydro jetting can remove all types of deposits and pipe debris. Drain snaking is another effective method. This method involves the use of a specialized tool known as a drain snake. This is a long cable with a spiral-shaped tip that is inserted into a drain and rotated to remove debris.

Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Lastly, always seek out a reputable plumber whenever you have drain clogs. There may be underlying issues that need to be addressed that DIY solutions just won't be able to solve.

While these maintenance tips are beneficial, it is also crucial to partner with a professional drain cleaning company like 1st Class Plumbing for regular drain maintenance. With years of experience, our team has been providing top-notch plumbing solutions in Plano, Richardson, and surrounding communities. As a fully insured and bonded local and family-owned company, we take pride in ensuring long-lasting results.

Our Master Plumber Will Get the Job Done Right

At 1st Class Plumbing, we understand how vital your plumbing system is to your day-to-day life, which is why our plumbers strive to provide you with the high-quality service you deserve as quickly as possible. We provide same-day appointments and 24/7 emergency service for your convenience. No matter the scope or severity of your plumbing problem, you can count on our licensed professional plumbers to get the job done right.

Our team is standing by to restore your home's plumbing. Call us today at (972) 810-7445 or fill out our quick and easy online form.

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