Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Avoid Them

Clogged drains are one of the most common household headaches. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a tub that refuses to drain, or a toilet that backs up, dealing with clogs is never fun. But here’s the thing: many of the reasons drains get clogged can be avoided with a bit of awareness and simple maintenance. So, if you’ve been struggling with stubborn drains, or you just want to avoid the hassle altogether, let’s talk about the common culprits behind clogs and how you can prevent them.

Grease and Oil Build-Up

It’s easy to think that pouring grease down the sink is harmless—after all, it’s liquid when it’s hot, right? Well, that’s where the trouble begins. Once grease cools, it hardens and sticks to the walls of your pipes, forming a thick layer that catches food particles, hair, soap scum, and other debris. Over time, this accumulation builds up, narrowing your pipes and causing water to drain more slowly. In some cases, it can completely block your drain.

To avoid grease-related clogs, experts like Milestone Electric, A/C, & Plumbing will tell you that you should never pour fats or oils down the drain. Instead, let them cool and dispose of them in the trash. You can also collect leftover grease in a container and throw it away. If you have a garbage disposal, make sure you run hot water while it’s in use, as this helps wash any remaining grease down the pipes before it has a chance to solidify.

Hair, Hair, and More Hair

You’ve probably experienced the frustration of standing in a shower with water slowly rising around your ankles. Chances are, hair is the culprit. Whether it’s from your head, pet fur, or soap scum, hair can quickly build up in drains, forming a tangled mess that prevents water from flowing freely.

To prevent hair-related clogs, use drain covers in your sinks and tubs. These inexpensive little tools catch hair before it can go down the drain and cause problems. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, a hair-catching device can be your best defense. Regularly clean out the drain cover to ensure it’s doing its job.

Food Scraps and Debris

If you have a garbage disposal, you might assume it can handle anything you throw at it. While garbage disposals are great for breaking down food scraps, they’re not designed to handle everything. Large pieces of food, especially fibrous items like celery or potato peels, can jam the blades, causing them to break down and clog the pipes. Even smaller bits can accumulate over time, leading to clogs in the drain.

To prevent this, scrape leftover food into the trash rather than relying solely on your garbage disposal. If you do use the disposal, make sure you run plenty of cold water during and after use to help flush any particles down the drain. It’s also important to avoid putting grease, oil, coffee grounds, and non-food items down the disposal.

Soap Scum and Mineral Buildup

Soap scum is that slimy, often stubborn residue left behind after you use soap. Over time, it can build up on the walls of your pipes, especially in areas with hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. This combination can lead to a significant clog. While soap scum can affect sinks and tubs, it’s particularly problematic in showers.

To avoid soap scum build-up, consider switching to a liquid soap or shower gel, which tends to leave less residue behind than bar soap. If you’re dealing with hard water, you may want to install a water softener to reduce mineral deposits. Regularly clean your pipes and showerheads to keep everything flowing smoothly.

Foreign Objects in the Toilet

Clogged toilets are a common household issue, and often, it’s because something that shouldn’t have been flushed made its way down. Items like wipes (even if they’re labeled “flushable”), cotton balls, dental floss, and paper towels are notorious for causing blockages. These items don’t break down the way toilet paper does, so they can easily cause a jam in the pipes.

The easiest way to avoid toilet clogs is to be mindful of what you flush. Stick to just toilet paper and human waste, and make sure any other items go in the trash. It’s also a good idea to keep a wastebasket nearby for items like sanitary products, wet wipes, and other disposable products.

Tree Roots Intruding Into Pipes

You might not think about it often, but the roots of nearby trees can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. As trees grow, their roots search for water, and sometimes they end up infiltrating your pipes. If you have older pipes or pipes that are already cracked, roots can make their way in, causing blockages and even pipe damage. While this is more common with underground pipes, it’s something to keep in mind if you’ve noticed frequent clogs and your plumbing is on the older side.

To avoid root damage, keep trees and shrubs well-maintained and monitor their growth near any plumbing lines. If you suspect roots are already a problem, it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect your system. They can use specialized tools to clear out roots and prevent further damage.

How to Maintain Healthy Drains

Now that you know the most common causes of clogged drains, let’s talk about some easy maintenance steps to keep everything running smoothly.

1. Use a Drain Guard – As simple as it sounds, installing a drain guard can prevent hair, food, and other debris from clogging your pipes. It’s an inexpensive way to save yourself a lot of frustration in the long run.
2. Regularly Flush With Hot Water – Pouring boiling water down your drains once a week helps break down any oils or grease that may be lingering in your pipes. This is especially effective in the kitchen sink.
3. Use Natural Cleaning Solutions – Instead of harsh chemical drain cleaners, try using a mix of baking soda and vinegar. It’s an effective and eco-friendly way to clear up minor clogs and maintain clean drains.
4. Be Mindful of What You Flush – As mentioned earlier, flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste can lead to major problems. Encourage everyone in your household to be aware of what goes down the toilet.
5. Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections – Regular inspections by a plumber can help catch potential issues before they become serious. A professional can check for signs of tree root infiltration, cracked pipes, or other problems that might be hard to spot yourself.

Keeping Your Drains in Tip-Top Shape

Clogs are frustrating, but with just a little bit of care, you can avoid most of them. Whether it’s being mindful of what goes down the drain or taking steps to clean and maintain your pipes, preventing clogs doesn’t have to be difficult. Just keep an eye on the common causes we’ve discussed and take proactive steps to protect your plumbing.