If you’re always dealing with a slow or clogged drain, it can feel like a losing battle. But a drain that keeps clogging is a sign of a bigger problem. Once you know the cause, you can find a real solution. Here are the main reasons your drains get blocked.
1. Hair and Soap in the Bathroom
This is the most common reason for clogs in showers and sinks. Strands of hair get tangled up, creating a net that catches and holds onto soap and other gunk. Over time, this tangled mess gets bigger and bigger until it completely stops water from flowing.
2. Grease and Oil in the Kitchen
When you pour cooking oils and grease down the kitchen sink, they don’t stay liquid. They cool down and stick to the inside of your pipes. This sticky layer traps food scraps and other debris, slowly building up until the pipe is choked and water can’t get through.
3. Garbage Disposal Mistakes
Your garbage disposal is designed to handle small food scraps, not everything. Putting things like coffee grounds, eggshells, or pasta down the drain can create a thick, gluey substance that is very difficult to clear from your pipes.
4. Tree Roots
A surprising cause of major clogs can be tree roots. Roots are always looking for water, and they can find their way into tiny cracks in your main sewer line. Once inside, they grow and grow, forming a thick web that can completely block the pipe and cause a major backup.
5. Old or Damaged Pipes
In older homes, pipes can become a problem. They can get rusty or coated with mineral deposits, which makes the inside of the pipe smaller. This makes it much easier for clogs to form. Also, a broken or bent pipe won’t drain correctly, leading to constant clogs.
6. Flushing the Wrong Things
Remember, the toilet is only for human waste and toilet paper. Items like “flushable” wipes, paper towels, and dental floss don’t break down like toilet paper. They can collect in your pipes and create a very stubborn clog.
If you are constantly facing clogged drains, it’s often a sign of a serious issue that home remedies can’t fix. A professional plumber has the right tools to find the real problem and fix it for good.