A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. Whether it’s the kitchen sink, bathroom shower, or toilet, dealing with a clogged drain can be frustrating and disruptive. While some clogs may be minor and easily fixed, others may require professional plumbing assistance. Understanding the top causes of clogged drains and how to address them can help you keep your plumbing system in working order and avoid costly repairs.
At Pristine Plumbing, we specialize in providing fast, efficient, and reliable plumbing services for homeowners, small business owners, property managers, and contractors throughout the Treasure Valley area. Whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a more serious plumbing emergency, our team is here to help. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 10 causes of clogged drains and provide tips on how to fix them. We’ll also address the question: Is a clogged sink an emergency?
What Causes Clogged Drains?
Clogged drains can occur for many reasons, ranging from a simple buildup of debris to more serious plumbing issues. Here are the top 10 causes of clogged drains that homeowners commonly experience:
1. Hair Buildup in Bathroom Drains
One of the most common causes of clogged bathroom drains, especially in showers and bathtubs, is hair buildup. Hair strands, combined with soap and grease, can form thick clumps that block water flow and slow down drainage.
How to Fix It:
- Use a drain hair catcher to prevent hair from entering the drain.
- Manually remove hair from the drain using a pair of tweezers or a special drain cleaning tool.
- For tough buildup, a plumber can use snake augers or hydro-jetting to clear hair clogs.
2. Grease and Food Debris in Kitchen Drains
In the kitchen, food scraps, grease, and oil are the main culprits behind clogged drains. Over time, these substances solidify and cause blockages in the pipes, especially when poured down the sink.
How to Fix It:
- Avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in the trash.
- Use a dish strainer to catch food scraps and prevent them from going down the drain.
- For grease clogs, pour boiling water mixed with baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break up the buildup.
- If the clog persists, call a plumber for more advanced cleaning methods.
3. Tree Root Infiltration
In some cases, tree roots can invade the pipes in your yard, causing significant clogs and potential damage. Tree roots are naturally attracted to moisture, and over time, they can grow into small cracks in your pipes, blocking the flow of water.
How to Fix It:
- Tree root removal: A plumber can use specialized tools like hydro-jetting or rooter machines to remove roots from the pipes.
- In some cases, pipe replacement may be necessary if the roots have caused significant damage.
4. Foreign Objects in Drains
Sometimes, children or even adults accidentally flush or drop objects like toys, paper towels, sanitary products, or cleaning wipes down the drain. These objects can create significant blockages that prevent water from flowing properly.
How to Fix It:
- Use a plunger or plumbing snake to dislodge the object if it’s within reach.
- If the object is deep within the pipe, a plumber may need to use a drain camera inspection to locate and remove it.
5. Soap Scum Buildup
Soap scum is a combination of soap, hard water minerals, and body oils that can accumulate in shower drains, bathtubs, and bathroom sinks. Over time, this buildup can clog the pipes, leading to slow drainage.
How to Fix It:
- Clean the drains regularly with a baking soda and vinegar solution to dissolve soap scum.
- Use a pH-balanced soap to reduce buildup.
- If scum buildup is severe, a plumber can use hydro-jetting or other specialized cleaning tools.
6. Old, Corroded Pipes
As plumbing systems age, the pipes can begin to corrode, leading to rough spots where debris and buildup can get caught. Corroded pipes are especially common in older homes and can cause frequent clogs and leaks.
How to Fix It:
- Have a plumber inspect the pipes to determine if they need to be replaced or repaired.
- Pipe lining is a trenchless repair option that can be used to restore old pipes without extensive excavation.
7. Clogged Toilet
Toilet clogs are one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems. They often occur when too much toilet paper, sanitary products, or foreign objects are flushed down the toilet.
How to Fix It:
- Plunge the toilet using a plunger to create enough pressure to dislodge the clog.
- For more serious clogs, use a toilet auger to break up the blockage.
- If these methods don’t work, it’s best to call a plumber to clear the pipes.
8. Mineral Deposits from Hard Water
Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can build up inside pipes and drains, leading to blockages and reduced water flow.
How to Fix It:
- Use a water softener to treat hard water and reduce mineral buildup in your plumbing system.
- A plumber can also clean out mineral deposits with hydro-jetting or chemical descaling.
9. Collapsed Pipes
In some cases, pipes may collapse or become misaligned due to age, shifting ground, or tree root intrusion. A collapsed pipe can block the flow of water and cause serious plumbing issues.
How to Fix It:
- A plumber may need to perform an excavation to replace or realign the collapsed pipe.
- Trenchless pipe repair is an option in some cases where the pipe can be replaced without digging.
10. Improper Drainage System Installation
Sometimes, plumbing issues arise due to improper installation of drainage systems or pipes. Poorly designed or installed drains can lead to blockages, backups, and slow drainage.
How to Fix It:
- Have a plumber inspect the system to identify any installation errors.
- In some cases, the plumbing may need to be re-routed or replaced to ensure proper drainage.
Is a Clogged Sink an Emergency?
A clogged sink can be a nuisance, but is it considered a plumbing emergency? The answer depends on the severity of the clog and the circumstances surrounding it.
When Is a Clogged Sink an Emergency?
- Water backup: If water is backing up into your sink or spreading to other areas of the home, it may indicate a larger issue, such as a clogged sewer line or a serious plumbing blockage.
- Water damage: If the clogged sink leads to water damage, mold growth, or damage to surrounding areas, it’s best to treat it as an emergency.
- Multiple drain issues: If multiple drains are clogged at the same time, it could signal a significant plumbing issue that requires immediate attention.
When Can You Wait to Fix a Clogged Sink?
- Minor clogs: If the sink is simply draining slowly, you can try using a plunger or a drain cleaner to fix the problem on your own.
- Clogs in non-essential areas: If the clog is in a sink you don’t use frequently, you may be able to wait a few days to schedule a plumber.
In any case, it’s important to act promptly and contact a professional plumber if you’re unsure about the severity of the clog or if it’s interfering with your daily activities.
Conclusion
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Understanding the causes and knowing how to address them can save you time, money, and frustration. From hair buildup and grease to tree root intrusion and old pipes, plumbing issues can arise for a variety of reasons. While some clogs can be fixed with DIY methods, others may require professional plumbing services to clear the blockage and restore your system to normal.
At Pristine Plumbing, we offer expert plumbing services for homeowners, small business owners, property managers, and contractors in the Treasure Valley area. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged sink, a leaky pipe, or a plumbing emergency, our team is here to provide fast, reliable, and professional service.