What Causes a Clogged Drain?

Tired of standing ankle-deep in murky water at the end of your shower? Or do you worry the water in the toilet will overflow each time you flush? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be dealing with clogged drains. Clogged drains are one of the most common residential plumbing problems. Whether you are facing a complete blockage and can’t use the fixture at all, or you can tell a partial block is worsening, it’s a good idea to seek professional plumbing services immediately. So, let’s take a closer look at what causes a clogged drain and what you can do to fix the problem and get your household plumbing back to normal.

Most Common Reasons for a Drain Clog

In most cases, a drain clog goes one of two ways. Either you know exactly what went down the drain to create the clog, or you have no foggy idea.

Here are some top causes:

• Grease and fatty foods buildup in kitchen sinks—bacon grease should never go down the sink drain!
• Dead skin cells and hair in shower and bathtub drains
• Cotton balls and Q-tips
• Feminine hygiene products
• Baby wipes or even too many “flushable” wipes
• Soap buildup
• Cleaning chemicals
• Toys

And, although foreign objects may be the cause of a drain clog, there are other potential reasons. For example, tree roots can take over the plumbing pipes and block off the drains. They may wrap tightly around the pipes and break them or grow to prevent proper water flow in the drains. So, if this is your issue, you’ll need the help of a professional plumber and maybe even pipe replacement.

And, in some cases, drain clogs can result from having older, degraded pipes. As pipes age, they can crack or break, leading to clogs that no amount of plunging will loosen. A video inspection from a plumber will help you identify exactly what’s going on and whether you need a repair or replacement.

Achieve Clog-Free Drains with Progressive Plumbing

From drain video inspection to hydro jetting for effective drain cleaning, Progressive Plumbing has the services you need. Our licensed and insured plumbers will help you identify the source of your clogged drain and perform reliable plumbing repair services.

As the Atlanta area’s trusted plumbing repair professionals, Progressive Plumbing is a small, family-owned business that treats each customer like family. We care about getting to the bottom of your clogged drain issue. Most of all, we want to help you restore your household to optimal functioning.

And, with over two decades of plumbing experience, you can count on Progressive Plumbing to provide excellent service that exceeds your expectations. So, what causes a clogged drain? We have the answers and services you need! Get in touch with our friendly, qualified team of plumbers today to schedule plumbing inspection, repair, or replacement services.