If your drains keep slowing down, it’s probably not just hair or food scraps. From grease to tree roots, the real culprits are sneakier—and far more damaging. Ignoring them leads to blockages, backups, and costly repairs. Knowing the causes of drain clogging is the first step to keeping your plumbing flowing smoothly.
So, let’s find out for expert drain cleaning.
1. Soap Scum: A Sticky Problem Hiding in Plain Sight
Most people don’t realize that regular bar soap contains animal fats. When combined with minerals in hard water, this forms a chalky residue—soap scum—that sticks to the inside of your pipes. Over time, it hardens, reducing water flow and catching other debris. Liquid soaps help reduce the problem but don’t eliminate it completely.
Tip: A professional plumbing contractor can perform routine residential drain cleaning to remove hardened buildup before it becomes a serious blockage.
2. Food Grease: Liquid Now, Clog Later
You might think that hot grease poured down the drain will stay liquid. It won’t. As it cools, it solidifies and clings to pipe walls. It doesn’t take much for grease buildup to trap crumbs, coffee grounds, or pasta—leading to a clog.
Tip: Always pour cooled grease into a container and toss it in the trash. For kitchen lines that see a lot of cooking, eco-friendly plumbing solutions like enzyme-based drain treatments can help keep things flowing.
3. Tree Roots: A Hidden Threat from the Outside
Roots naturally seek moisture—and a tiny crack in your sewer line is an open invitation. Tree roots can grow inside your pipes, causing blockages and even pipe collapse. Many homeowners don’t know there’s a problem until sewage backs up into the home.
Tip: If you notice slow drains throughout your home or gurgling toilets, call a plumbing contractor immediately. A camera inspection can confirm if roots are the issue.
4. Hygiene Products: Not Meant for the Drain
Wipes labeled “flushable” aren’t pipe-friendly. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can tangle with hair, dental floss, or cotton swabs, forming solid clumps that block wastewater flow.
Tip: Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Keep a trash bin nearby to avoid tempting shortcuts.
5. Mineral Buildup: A Hard Water Hazard
If your home has hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium build up inside pipes, especially in older plumbing systems. This restricts flow and reduces the effectiveness of everyday drain cleaning efforts.
Tip: Consider installing a water softener or water filtration system as part of your eco-friendly plumbing solutions to extend the life of your pipes and appliances.
Clogged Drain Cleaning From J&B Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Service
Are you tired of battling the same clogged drains over and over? Let J&B Drain Cleaning and Plumbing Service tackle the real issue. Our experienced team of plumbing contractors identifies and removes the causes of drain clogging—from grease to roots—before they turn into expensive repairs. Contact us today for affordable, professional drain cleaning backed by smart solutions and friendly service.