March 07/2025

Clogged Drains: What You Need to Know

Clogged drains are one of the most common household plumbing problems. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a completely blocked pipe, drain issues can be frustrating and disruptive. Understanding what causes clogged drains, how to prevent them, and when to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning or pipe repair can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Drains can become clogged for many reasons, depending on their location in your home. Here are some of the most frequent culprits.

• Hair and Soap Buildup: In bathroom sinks and showers, hair and soap residue often combine to create tough blockages. Soap scum hardens inside pipes over time, restricting water flow.
• Grease and Food Debris: Kitchen sinks commonly clog due to grease, oil, and food scraps. Even with a garbage disposal, certain items like coffee grounds, eggshells, and pasta should never go down the drain.
• Foreign Objects: Items like cotton swabs, paper towels, wipes, and small toys can cause serious blockages in toilets and drains. Unlike toilet paper, these materials do not break down easily and can cause major backups.
• Tree Roots: If your home has older plumbing, tree roots can invade underground pipes, causing slow drainage and frequent clogs. In such cases, a plumber in Freehold Township may need to perform pipe repair or even replace damaged sections of piping.
• Mineral Buildup: Hard water can lead to mineral deposits inside pipes, reducing the flow of water. Over time, this buildup can cause clogs that require professional drain cleaning.

How to Prevent Clogged Drains

While clogs are sometimes unavoidable, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of a blockage.

• Use Drain Covers: Installing drain screens in sinks, tubs, and showers helps catch hair, food particles, and debris before they enter your plumbing system.
• Dispose of Grease Properly: Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. Even small amounts of grease can accumulate and cause serious blockages over time.
• Be Careful with Your Garbage Disposal: Avoid putting fibrous, starchy, or hard food items (such as potato peels, celery, and bones) down the garbage disposal. Always run plenty of water when using it to flush food particles through the system.
• Flush Only Toilet Paper: Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—nothing else. Flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels can lead to blockages that require a plumber to fix.
• Regularly Maintain Your Pipes: Routine drain cleaning can help prevent buildup before it becomes a major issue. Using a natural drain cleaner, such as baking soda and vinegar, once a month can help keep pipes clear.

How Plumbers Fix Clogged Drains

A trusted plumber has the expertise and tools to safely and effectively remove clogs from your pipes. Here are some of the common methods used.

• Plumbing Snakes and Augers: A drain snake or auger is a flexible cable that can reach deep into pipes to break up and remove stubborn blockages.
• Hydro Jetting: Hydro jetting is a high-pressure water technique that clears clogs and removes buildup from inside pipes. This method is especially effective for grease and mineral buildup.
• Video Camera Inspections: If a clog is deep within your plumbing system, a plumber may use a small camera to inspect the pipes and locate the exact problem.
• Pipe Repair and Replacement: For severe blockages caused by broken or collapsed pipes, pipe repair or replacement may be necessary. A plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing can identify and fix these issues to prevent further damage.

Clogged drains are a common but preventable plumbing problem. By understanding the causes and taking preventive steps, you can keep your plumbing system in good condition. However, when stubborn blockages occur, professional drain cleaning from an experienced plumber at Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the best solution. Whether you need a quick fix or extensive pipe repair, addressing drain issues promptly can prevent costly damage and keep your home running smoothly.