Clogged drains are the number one plumbing call we get across Washington County — and the majority of them are preventable. A few simple habits can save you from the inconvenience, mess, and cost of a professional drain cleaning. Here's what our plumbers recommend.
Kitchen Drains
What causes them
Grease, oil, and fat are the biggest culprits. They go down the drain as a liquid, cool inside the pipes, solidify, and build up over months until the drain slows to a trickle. Food particles, coffee grounds, and starchy foods (pasta, rice) compound the problem.
Prevention habits
- Never pour grease down the drain. Let it cool in the pan, then pour it into a sealed container and throw it in the trash.
- Run hot water before and after doing dishes. This keeps the inside of the drain line warm and helps flush residue through.
- Use a drain strainer. A simple mesh strainer catches food particles before they enter the pipes. Empty it after every use.
- Don't rely on garbage disposals to eat everything. Fibrous vegetables (celery, artichokes), starchy foods, and eggshells should go in the trash or compost.
Bathroom Drains
What causes them
Hair is the primary cause of bathroom sink and shower clogs, combined with soap scum. Over time, hair wraps around the drain stopper and accumulates, slowly restricting flow.
Prevention habits
- Install a hair catcher in every shower and tub. They cost a few dollars and prevent the majority of bathroom drain clogs entirely. Clean them weekly.
- Clean the drain stopper monthly. Pull it out (most unscrew or lift out) and remove the hair and buildup around the shaft.
- Use liquid soap instead of bar soap. Bar soap leaves a residue that combines with hair to form the classic slow drain. Liquid soap rinses cleaner.
Toilet Clogs
Toilets are only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper — nothing else. Despite what the label says, "flushable" wipes don't break down the way toilet paper does and they cause clogs regularly, especially in older sewer systems.
- Never flush wipes (even "flushable" ones), feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, dental floss, or paper towels.
- If you have young children, consider a simple latch to prevent curious hands from flushing toys or other objects.
Signs It's Time to Call a Professional
Prevention is great, but some clogs are beyond what a plunger can handle. Call a licensed plumber if you notice:
- Multiple drains slowing at the same time — this is almost always a main sewer line issue, not an individual drain clog.
- Gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or shower when you run water elsewhere in the house.
- Sewer smell coming from your drains, especially after rainfall.
- A clog that keeps coming back within a week or two of being cleared — there's usually a deeper underlying issue like root intrusion or a collapsed pipe section.
"We see drain clogs every day. The ones that turn into expensive repairs are almost always ones that were ignored when they first started slowing down."
— Hydro Plumbing Team
What We Do When We Arrive
Our plumbers camera-inspect the line first so we know exactly what we're dealing with. We then determine the right approach: a mechanical snake for simple clogs, or high-pressure hydro jetting for heavy buildup, grease, or root intrusion. We don't guess.
If your drain is slowing down, don't wait for it to stop completely. Early action is almost always faster and less expensive.
Learn about our drain cleaning services →
Request a free estimate →