Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Clogs can cause major inconveniences, from unpleasant odors to costly repairs if left unresolved. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or even your main sewer line, clogs can disrupt your daily routine and potentially lead to water damage or unsanitary conditions.
The expert plumbers at Squeak’s have seen just about every type of drain clog imaginable in Denver homes. Explore the most common causes of clogged drains based on the issues that professional plumbers encounter most frequently, along with prevention tips.
What Causes Clogged Drains in Denver Homes?
Understanding what causes clogged drains can help you avoid them in the first place. Here are the top culprits that plumbers frequently find when addressing drain issues in Denver households.
Hair buildup
Hair in drains is a leading cause of bathroom clogs, particularly in showers, bathtubs, and bathroom sinks. When you wash your hair, loose strands fall out and get washed down the drain. Over time, these strands can accumulate and combine with soap scum, forming a tangled, sticky mess that slows drainage and can eventually cause a complete blockage.
If you notice your shower draining more slowly than usual or hear gurgling noises, hair buildup might be the issue. Left unchecked, it can lead to standing water and a frustratingly sluggish drain.
Grease and fat
Grease clogs are among the most common causes of kitchen drain blockages. When cooking oils, bacon grease, or other fats are washed down the sink, they may seem harmless in liquid form. However, as they cool inside your pipes, these substances solidify and create a sticky coating that traps food particles, soap residue, and other debris.
Over time, this buildup narrows the diameter of your pipes, making it harder for water and waste to flow freely. Plumbers strongly advise against pouring grease down your kitchen sink, even if you flush it with hot water.
Soap scum
Soap scum is another sneaky cause of drain clogs, particularly in the bathroom. Soap interacts with the minerals in Denver’s hard water, producing a filmy residue that sticks to the inside of pipes. This residue builds up gradually, narrowing the pipe’s diameter and contributing to slow drainage and blockages.
Soap scum and drain buildup can become a recurring issue unless properly addressed. This buildup reduces water flow and can also contribute to the formation of stubborn clogs when combined with hair or other debris.
Food waste
Many homeowners mistakenly think that their garbage disposal can handle all types of food waste, but this isn’t the case. Without proper care, food particles like coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, and fibrous vegetables can accumulate in your pipes.
Even with a disposal, excessive food waste can overwhelm your plumbing, leading to clogs and kitchen plumbing issues. Organic matter can compact over time, blocking pipes and creating bad odors in your kitchen sink.
Foreign objects
Sometimes, clogged drains result from items that never should have been flushed or washed down the drain in the first place. Foreign objects in drains, such as sanitary products, paper towels, wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), cotton swabs, and small toys, can cause immediate blockages or damage to your plumbing system.
Unlike toilet paper, many of these items don’t break down in water and can lodge deep within your pipes, requiring professional intervention to remove.
Mineral buildup
Denver’s hard water is notorious for leaving behind mineral deposits such as calcium and lime inside pipes. Over time, mineral buildup reduces the internal diameter of your plumbing, leading to slower drainage and an increased risk of clogs. These deposits can be particularly troublesome in older homes with aging pipes, where buildup has accumulated over decades.
Tree roots
Outdoors, tree roots in drains are a major cause of sewer line clogs. Roots are naturally drawn to the moisture inside sewer pipes and will infiltrate tiny cracks or joints in search of water. Once inside, they can expand and block the flow of waste, leading to severe backups and even pipe damage.
Tree root intrusion is a common issue for Denver homeowners with mature trees on their property. If multiple drains in your home are backing up at once, it could be a sign that tree roots are invading your sewer line.
Flushable wipes
Despite being marketed as safe for plumbing, flushable wipes don’t break down easily like toilet paper. They can accumulate in pipes, catch on rough surfaces, and create blockages that worsen over time. Many municipalities report significant problems in sewer systems due to the widespread use of these products.
Poor drain installation or slope issues
In some cases, the cause of persistent clogs isn’t what’s going down your drain but rather how the plumbing was installed. Poorly designed drain systems or improper pipe slopes can cause water and waste to stagnate rather than flow efficiently. This stagnation encourages buildup and frequent clogs.
If you experience recurring issues despite careful drain use, it might be worth having a professional evaluate your plumbing system’s design.
Pipe corrosion or collapse
Older homes in Denver may have aging pipes prone to corrosion or collapse. Over time, corroded pipes develop rough, uneven surfaces inside, which catch debris and contribute to blockages. In severe cases, the pipe itself may collapse, entirely stopping the flow of water and requiring replacement.
Prevention Tips
Clogs are easier to prevent than they are to fix. Here are some practical drain maintenance and plumbing care tips to keep your pipes clear:
- Use drain screens: These inexpensive devices catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they can enter your pipes.
- Never pour grease down the sink: Pour grease into a container, let it solidify, and dispose of it in the trash.
- Regularly clean your drains: A simple mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help break down minor buildup, clean, and unclog your drains.
- Educate household members: Make sure everyone knows what should and shouldn’t be flushed or washed down sinks and toilets.
- Install water softeners: In areas with hard water, a water softener can help reduce mineral buildup inside pipes.
- Schedule professional inspections: For older homes, regular inspections by a plumber can catch problems early and prevent major clogs.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a clogged drain. If your drain continues to clog after clearing, there may be deeper issues, such as pipe buildup, tree roots, or an improper pipe slope. A professional inspection can identify the root cause of the issue.
When To Call a Professional
While some minor clogs can be addressed with a plunger or a DIY drain cleaner, certain signs indicate it’s time to call a professional plumber for drain cleaning services:
- Persistent slow drainage or standing water that doesn’t improve with home remedies.
- Foul odors coming from drains, which may suggest deep clogs or sewer line issues.
- Multiple clogged drains, which signal a possible main line blockage or tree root intrusion.
Professional plumbers have specialized tools such as drain snakes, hydro jetting equipment, and video camera inspections to diagnose and resolve even the toughest clogs safely and effectively.
Contact Squeak’s for Clogged Drain Solutions in Denver
If your drain keeps clogging or becomes severe, it’s best to leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. At Squeak’s, we’re ready to help Denver homeowners with expert clogged drain solutions and plumbing maintenance services. Contact us today to schedule a drain cleaning or inspection to keep your home plumbing clear and functioning properly.
