Understanding the most common causes of clogged drains is essential to fixing and preventing them. This guide breaks down the top offenders and when to call a professional.
Quick Answer: What Causes Most Drain Clogs?
Most drain clogs are the result of blockages caused by hair, tree roots, grease, or foreign objects. As these elements accumulate inside the pipes and sewer lines, they restrict water and waste flow. Once the buildup gets bad enough, it’ll completely block the line, leading to backups that require professional repair.
These are the usual suspects when it comes to stubborn clogs in your plumbing system:
- Hair buildup
- Grease, oils, and fats
- Soap scum
- Food scraps
- Toilet paper overload
- Wipes and hygiene products
- Dirt and debris
- Tree roots
- Hard water mineral buildup
- Foreign objects
Top 10 Common Causes of Clogged Drains
Let’s take a closer look at the most frequent causes of clogged drains and simple prevention strategies. With proactive care, you can keep your home’s plumbing flowing smoothly year-round.
1. Hair Buildup in Drains
Strands of hair naturally slip down drains in tubs and sinks. Over time, the hair tangles with soap scum and other particles, forming dense clumps that cause blockages.
Prevention: Install hair catchers or drain strainers to block hair from going into the drains. Clean the strainers regularly to make sure they keep water flowing freely.
2. Grease, Oils, and Fats
Don’t ever pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. If you do, it’ll cool and harden inside the pipes, creating clogs.
Prevention: Dispose of grease in a sealed container or the trash instead of pouring it down the drain.
3. Soap Scum
Bar soap combines with the minerals in the water, forming sticky residue (soap scum). As the residue builds up, it narrows the inside of the pipe, trapping debris and creating blockages.
Prevention: Switch to liquid soap or install a water softener to minimize scum accumulation.
4. Food Waste
Garbage disposals are meant for small food scraps and soft items. Putting waste from bones, fibrous vegetables, rice, or coffee grounds will only damage the blades and clog the drain.
Prevention: Scrape plates into the trash or compost bin before rinsing, and be mindful with the garbage disposal.
5. Excess Toilet Paper
Using biodegradable toilet paper is a great way to prevent clogs, but even too much can overwhelm the drain. This is especially problematic for low-flow toilets and older plumbing systems.
Prevention: Flush in stages rather than all at once if you need to use more paper.
6. Wipes and Hygiene Products
Be careful with wipes and feminine products that say “flushable”. These items never break down like toilet paper. Instead, they end up catching on pipe joints and creating stubborn blockages.
Prevention: Put all wipes, feminine products, and cotton swabs in the trash, not the toilet.
7. Dirt and Debris
You don’t want mud and sand to make their way into your drains. As they settle, they collect in the bends and trap other particles. Eventually, the buildup will block the line, resulting in stubborn clogs.
Prevention: Place entry mats at all exterior doors and have everyone rinse off mud or sand outdoors.
8. Tree Root Intrusion
Fort Myers is well known for having trees with roots that infiltrate pipes and sewer lines. Once they enter through small cracks, they keep spreading and often cause complete blockages.
Prevention: Plant trees away from utility lines and book yearly inspections to fix tree root intrusions in their earliest stages.
9. Mineral Buildup (Hard Water)
Even though Fort Myers has mostly soft water, some areas deal with hard water. The high amount of calcium and magnesium in the water clings to pipe walls, reducing flow and sometimes resulting in clogs.
Prevention: Install a water softener to remove mineral deposits; consider hydrojetting to clear existing buildup.
10. Foreign Objects
Sometimes a drain clog happens because a foreign object (jewelry, toys, small items) gets accidentally dropped. A plumber can use a camera inspection to find the obstruction and choose the best repair method.
Prevention: Install screens on all drains to prevent foreign items from slipping inside. Teach everyone in the home to keep small objects away from sinks and tubs.
How to Prevent Drain Clogs
Preventing drain clogs is way easier than dealing with them after they happen. Here are everyday habits you can adopt to keep your drains clear:
- Never pour grease or oil down drains
- Use strainers in sinks, tubs, and showers
- Flush only human waste and small amounts of toilet paper
- Rinse dirty items outside before using indoor sinks
- Wipe muddy shoes or paws before coming inside
- Keep small objects away from sinks and tubs
Long-term solutions to prevent recurring drain clogs:
- Install a water softener in hard water areas
- Schedule hydro jetting for stubborn buildup
- Plant trees and shrubs safely away from sewer lines
- Replace aging pipes before they fail
- Invest in regular sewer camera inspections
- Upgrade to modern, low-maintenance plumbing fixtures
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you have a stubborn drain clog that isn’t fixable with simple plunging, it’s time to call in the pros. Here are the top warning signs to give us a call:
- Water drains slowly even after plunging
- Foul odors coming from sinks or tubs
- Clogs keep coming back repeatedly
- Gurgling noises in pipes or drains
- Multiple drains backing up at the same time
- Water pooling around floor drains
- Sewage odors or backups in toilets
We offer many forms of drain cleaning, including hydrojetting, snaking, and camera inspections. With regular maintenance, your property will enjoy several benefits:
- Faster draining sinks and tubs
- Reduced risk of major clogs
- Improved overall pipe lifespan
- Lower chance of water damage
- Eliminates foul drain odors
- Prevents costly emergency repairs
- Keeps plumbing system efficient
FAQs About Clogged Drains
What is the number one cause of drain clogs?
The number one cause of clogged drains in Fort Myers is hair buildup. When it accumulates and tangles with soap scum, it leads to stubborn blockages that often require professional clog removal methods.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners safely?
Only use chemical cleaners labeled safe for household plumbing. And be very careful with how often you use them since the harsh chemicals can corrode and weaken pipes. The safest way to get rid of clogs is to use professional drain cleaning methods.
How often should I clean my drains?
Cleaning your drains once a month using a natural solution with baking soda and vinegar can make a big difference in preventing clogs. Booking annual inspections will help spot and fix small blockages before they turn into expensive, frustrating damage.
Do “flushable” wipes really cause clogs?
Yes, flushing anything besides toilet paper can lead to blockages. A small sign posted nearby will remind guests to use the trash for wipes and other items.
How do plumbers clear severe blockages?
Skilled plumbers use video inspections and hydrojetting to locate and remove tough clogs. This non-invasive way to clear pipes offers several benefits, including faster results and long-term protection.
Key Takeaways
- Most clogs in Fort Myers come from hair, grease, or roots—simple habits keep drains clear and stop backups.
- Buildup from hard water and invading tree roots causes serious long-term damage—professional plumbing solutions safeguard your pipes and save you from expensive repairs.
- Never pour grease down the drain, and always use screen covers—stopping debris improves flow and reduces future clogs.
- Professional drain cleaning is an effective way to remove stubborn clogs—expert service lets you relax instead of stressing over plumbing problems.
Get Expert Drain Unclogging Services Today in Fort Myers
Clogged drains are very common in Fort Myers. The runoff from heavy rains during the rainy season contributes to blockages, especially in low-lying neighborhoods. Staying proactive now is the best way to avoid costly backups later.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for fast, professional drain unclogging services. Known as the punctual plumbers, we serve Fort Myers and the surrounding areas with fast, dependable service every time.