Drain clogs are a frustrating and messy problem, but not all blockages come from the usual suspects, like hair or food scraps. Many homeowners don’t realize that everyday products, natural buildup, and even poor plumbing habits can silently create stubborn clogs. If your drains seem slow despite your best efforts, you might be dealing with some unexpected culprits.
Let’s take a look at the less obvious culprits that often wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Plus, we’ll cover how our drain cleaning services at Lords of Plumbing can help remove stubborn clogs and ensure smooth water flow.
The Sneaky Soap Scum
You use soap to clean, right? Ironically, it can also dirty your pipes. Traditional bar soaps, especially those containing fats and talc, leave behind a residue that coats the inside of your pipes. This sticky substance, known as soap scum, accumulates over time, trapping hair, dirt, and other debris. Eventually, it creates a thick, stubborn blockage. Switch to liquid soaps or those with natural ingredients to minimize this buildup. Regularly flush your drains with hot water to help dissolve any existing residue and prevent future blockages.
Hard Water’s Hard Impact
Hard water is a major contributor to slow-moving or clogged drains. When water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, it leaves behind mineral deposits that accumulate on the inside of pipes. This buildup, called limescale, gradually restricts water flow, making clogs more likely. Homeowners with hard water should consider installing a water softener to prevent excessive mineral accumulation and keep pipes running smoothly.
Flushable Wipes– Not as Flushable as You Think
Despite the marketing claims, “flushable” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. Unlike traditional paper products, they stay intact and can easily snag on existing buildup in your pipes. Over time, these wipes accumulate, forming stubborn blockages that require professional intervention. The safest approach is to dispose of them in the trash instead of flushing them.
Hygiene Products– A Drain’s Worst Nightmare
Cotton swabs, dental floss, and even small bits of tissue paper can cause significant plumbing issues. These items don’t dissolve in water and often get tangled with hair or other debris inside pipes. Over time, they create dense drain clogs that standard plunging can’t fix. Even products labeled “septic-safe” or “biodegradable” can take a long time to break down and should always go in the trash.
Cooking Grease Down The Drain
Pouring grease down the drain seems harmless when it’s still warm and runny, but as it cools, it hardens into a thick, sticky substance that traps other debris. Over time, this buildup can completely block the pipe, leading to drain clogs and costly repairs. Instead of rinsing grease down the sink, collect it in a container and dispose of it properly in the trash.
Coffee Grounds Can Block Your Sink
Many people assume coffee grounds will wash away easily, but they actually clump together when wet. Over time, they create dense, sludgy blockages that can be difficult to remove. It’s best to throw used coffee grounds in the trash or add them to a compost pile instead of washing them down the sink.
Don’t let a slow or blocked drain disrupt your daily life. At Lords of Plumbing, we offer comprehensive drain cleaning in LA designed to quickly and effectively restore your plumbing system’s optimal performance.
Our experienced team utilizes advanced techniques, including high-pressure hydro-jetting, to eliminate even the most stubborn drain clogs, ensuring a clear and efficient flow. Whether you’re dealing with a kitchen sink that’s slow to drain, a bathroom shower that’s backed up, or a main sewer line experiencing significant blockages, our skilled technicians possess the tools and expertise to address any drain-related problem.