What Causes Drains to Clog

In most homes, the kitchen and bathroom drains handle a lot of use every day. Over time, small debris and residue start to build up inside the pipes. In the kitchen, grease and cooking oil are major culprits. When hot grease is poured down the sink, it cools and hardens inside the pipes, trapping food particles and creating stubborn blockages.

In the bathroom, hair and soap scum are frequent offenders. Hair easily binds with soap residue and forms dense clumps that block water flow. Toilets can clog when items that should never be flushed — such as wipes, paper towels, feminine products, or cotton swabs — get stuck in the plumbing.

Another common cause is mineral buildup from hard water. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate inside pipes, reducing their diameter and making them more prone to clogging. In older homes, tree roots can even invade sewer lines through small cracks, causing severe backups and damage.

How to Prevent Clogged Drains

Prevention starts with good habits. In the kitchen, never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. Use sink strainers to catch food scraps before they enter the drain, and run hot water after each use to help flush away small particles.

In the bathroom, install hair catchers in showers and sinks to trap hair before it enters the drain. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can corrode pipes and harm the environment. Regularly cleaning your drain stoppers and flushing drains with a mixture of hot water and vinegar can help dissolve soap residue and minor buildup.

For toilets, remember that only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Even products labeled “flushable” can cause clogs over time. If you have trees growing near your sewer line, consider scheduling periodic inspections to ensure roots aren’t intruding into your system.

Keeping Your Plumbing Flowing Freely

While DIY maintenance helps, nothing beats professional drain cleaning. Over time, debris and buildup can accumulate deep inside your plumbing where home remedies can’t reach. A professional plumber can perform a thorough cleaning using safe, high-powered equipment that restores full flow and prevents recurring issues.

At Bob Turner Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Madison Heights and the Metro Detroit area keep their drains clean, clear, and problem-free. Our experts can identify the source of any blockage and recommend the best long-term solution — whether that’s hydro jetting, drain snaking, or routine maintenance.

If your drains are running slow or clogging frequently, contact Bob Turner Plumbing today for a professional cleaning you can count on.