The Most Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How To Prevent Them

Few things are more frustrating than a clogged drain! A clog can disrupt your day and lead to bigger problems like flooding, corrosion, or even sewage backups, whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathtub, or toilet. Clogs are one of the main reasons people have to call a plumber, but the good news is that many clogs are preventable.

By understanding what causes clogged drains, you can avoid damage and costly repairs to your plumbing system. Check out our guide to the most common causes of clogged drains and some simple tips to keep them flowing smoothly!

1. Hair

Hair is one of the most common causes of bathroom drain blockages. While shedding hair during a shower or bath is normal, the problem arises because hair contains keratin.—a tough, flexible protein that resists water and most cleaning products.

If not removed regularly, hair can mix with soap scum, grease, and other debris, forming clumps that stick to your pipes and eventually cause slow drainage or full-on blockages.

To keep your drains clear, try these tips to prevent hair from causing clogs:

• Install a drain cover to catch hair before it enters the pipes
• Rinse your drains with hot water regularly
• Use distilled white vinegar and baking soda to dislodge grease and scum holding hair clumps

2. Soap Scum

Have you ever noticed a dull whitish or grayish film on your sink or bathtub? That residue is soap scum. It forms when the oils and fats in soap react with the minerals in tap water. When soap scum solidifies, it forms a hard layer that can clog the inside of your drains. Homes that use traditional bar soap instead of liquid products and areas with hard water are more prone to this issue.

If you notice soap scum on your sink or bathtub, your drains are at risk of clogging. Soap scum not only narrows the inside of your pipes but is also sticky enough to trap other debris, making clogs even worse.

Here’s how to keep soap scum from becoming a problem in your drains:

• Switch to liquid soap
• Install a water softener to prevent soap scum from forming
• If your drain is slow, wear a protective mask, then pour a solution of 2 cups water and 1 cup ammonia to break up the scum in your drain

3. Cooking Residue

If you frequently wonder, “Why do my pipes keep clogging?” The culprit might be FOGs: fats, oils, and grease. When these cooking residues cool down, they solidify into hard, rock-like masses that can block and damage your pipes, often leading to the need for professional repair services.

Prevent greasy buildup in your pipes by:

• Scraping dishes and cooking gear before dishwashing
• Not disposing of FOGs down the drain; pour them into separate containers and place them in the trash
• If you love cooking at home, consider installing a grease trap under your sink

4.Other Food Waste

It’s not just cooking grease you need to be cautious of—many types of food waste can also clog your kitchen sink. When washing dishes and cleaning up, be mindful of these common offenders and keep them out of the drain:

• Celery, asparagus, artichokes, corn husks, and other fibrous vegetables
• Coffee grounds
• Bones, pits, seeds, eggshells, seafood shells, and other hard food waste
• Fruit and vegetable peels
• Cheese, butter, and other dairy products

Even if you have a garbage disposal, it’s important to be cautious. Disposals are not built to handle large amounts of food waste at once. Instead, toss food scraps in the trash or compost them. You can also install a drain strainer to catch larger particles and prevent clogs.

5. Toilet Paper Buildup

Toilet paper is meant to break down in water, making it safe to flush. However, using too much at once can cause it to bunch up, making it difficult for water to break it apart. These TP clogs can also trap other debris, quickly turning a slow-draining toilet into a plumbing nightmare.

If you often wonder, “Why is my bathroom drain clogged?” excessive toilet paper use is likely the cause. Here are some tips and methods to prevent this issue:

• Switch to low-ply TP
• Flush the toilets more frequently
• Avoid flushing anything other than TP to prevent clogs from worsening, such as cotton balls or feminine hygiene products.

6. Toothpaste

Ever wondered, “Does toothpaste clog drains?” It might not be top of mind during your daily brushing routine, but the answer is yes! While toothpaste clogs are less common than other plumbing issues, they can still lead to blockages over time.

Most toothpaste-related clogs occur because of insufficient rinsing and cleaning after brushing. When toothpaste residue isn’t properly washed away, it can harden inside your pipes, forming layers that can combine with soap scum, hair, and other debris from shaving or washing your hands. To prevent toothpaste clogs, consider these helpful tips:

• Rinse the sink thoroughly after brushing your teeth
• Only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste each time you brush
• Don’t leave any toothpaste in the sink, and clean any residue before it can harden

7. Small Objects

Misplaced or accidentally dropped items, such as jewelry or toothpaste tube caps, can end up inside kitchen or bathroom drains. If you have young children at home, their small toys and parts can end up in unexpected places like the drain.

Despite their size, they can potentially cause severe obstructions and blockages, leaving you no choice but to call a plumber. Protect your plumbing by:

• Installing sink stoppers or drain covers to prevent small objects from falling in
• Making sure everyone in your household (especially your kids) understands the importance of keeping toys out of the sink or the toilet bowl.

8. Mineral Buildup

Can dirt clog a drain? If you frequently use your utility or kitchen sink to clean outdoor items, it’s definitely worth considering. Dirt contains tiny particles and minerals like clay, silica, and calcium that can stick to your pipes and create deposits. When dirt mixes with water, it can form mud, increasing the risk of a blockage.

Even your tap water can play a role in clogs. If it’s high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, these can build up in your pipes over time, leading to hard deposits. If you think mineral buildup might be causing your clogs, it’s a good idea to call a plumber for advice. In the meantime, try these preventative measures:

• Install a water softener to remove minerals and prevent the formation of clogs
• Regularly clean your drains and pipes with vinegar or descaling agents
• Don’t allow dirt, clay, sand, slit, or outdoor soil in your sinks

When To Call a Professional

While these tips can go a long way in keeping your drains clear, they’re primarily for prevention. If you’re dealing with persistent clogs, foul odors, or sewage backups, it’s best to call a plumbing professional to tackle the issue before it gets worse.