Few things are more frustrating in a household than a clogged drain. Whether it’s a slow-draining kitchen sink, a bathtub that backs up, or a toilet that just won’t flush properly, clogs are inconvenient, messy, and sometimes expensive to fix. Fortunately, most clogged drains can be avoided with a little awareness and routine care.
In this blog, we’ll explain what causes household drain clogs, share easy tips for preventing them, and let you know when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Causes of Drain Clogs
Understanding what causes clogs is the first step in preventing them. The most common culprits vary slightly depending on the room, but here are a few of the biggest offenders:
In the Kitchen:
- Grease and fat: Pouring bacon grease, oil, or fatty sauces down the drain is a leading cause of clogs. As these cool, they solidify and stick to the sides of your pipes.
- Food particles: Coffee grounds, pasta, rice, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables like celery or potato peels often get washed down the sink and cause blockages.
- Soap scum: Dish soap and detergent can build up over time, especially when mixed with grease and food residue.
In the Bathroom:
- Hair: Hair is one of the biggest clog contributors in tubs and bathroom sinks. It binds with soap residue and forms a stubborn clog.
- Soap and toothpaste: These leave behind residues that build up over time.
- Toiletries and hygiene products: Flushing wipes, cotton balls, or feminine hygiene products can cause toilet and sewer line blockages.
In the Laundry Room:
- Lint: Washing machines release lint that can accumulate in drain pipes.
- Detergent residue: Over time, soap scum can clog laundry drains, especially if combined with lint and dirt.
Tips to Prevent Drain Clogs
Thankfully, a few simple habits and preventive measures can drastically reduce your chances of experiencing a clog.
1. Use Drain Strainers
Place them over your kitchen and bathroom drains to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter your plumbing system. Clean them regularly to keep water flowing smoothly.
2. Dispose of Grease Properly
Let grease cool and solidify in a disposable container, then throw it in the trash.
3. Avoid Using the Garbage Disposal as a Trash Can
Avoid grinding fibrous vegetables, starchy foods, eggshells, or coffee grounds.
4. Brush Hair Before Showering
It helps reduce how much hair ends up down the drain.
5. Flush Only Toilet Paper
Your toilet is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—nothing else.
6. Run Hot Water After Each Use
Flush out soap, grease, and other residue before it can settle and harden in your pipes.
7. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar Monthly
It’s a natural cleaner that helps keep drains clear without harsh chemicals.
8. Clean Drain Stoppers Regularly
Take a few minutes every week to remove and clean stoppers or drain plugs.
9. Install a Lint Trap on Your Washing Machine Hose
It helps prevent lint and debris from entering your home’s drain system.
Signs a Clog May Be Forming
- Slow drainage
- Gurgling sounds from drains
- Water backing up in sinks or tubs
- Foul odors from drains
- Water pooling around floor drains
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call a licensed plumber:
- Multiple clogged fixtures at the same time
- A backed-up toilet that plunging can’t fix
- Frequent clogs in the same drain
- Foul sewage smells coming from multiple drains
- Water pooling around floor drains or in the yard
Preventing clogs isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your home. Regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected messes and costly repairs.
Clogged drains are one of the most common (and preventable) plumbing issues homeowners face. With a few small changes to your daily habits and a little attention to your drains, you can keep your plumbing flowing smoothly year-round. Whether you’re brushing your hair before a shower, keeping grease out of the sink, or doing monthly drain cleanings with vinegar and baking soda, every little bit helps.
PF Plumbing is a trusted name in the plumbing industry, serving residential and commercial properties across North Carolina. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we have built a reputation for delivering high-quality plumbing solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We proudly serve Greensboro, NC, High Point, NC, and their surrounding areas.
Maintaining healthy drains through regular care and smart habits can help you avoid the need for professional services—but should an issue arise, PF Plumbing is always here to provide prompt, expert assistance. Contact us today at 336-891-4706.
