What Causes Clogged Drain Lines?

There’s nothing more frustrating than clogged drain lines—whether it’s the kitchen sink filling up with water after doing dishes or a slow-draining shower turning your morning routine into a hassle. These pesky problems can disrupt your day and cause unnecessary stress. But what causes clogged drain lines in Albuquerque homes, and how can you avoid them? 

Understanding the common culprits can save you time, money, and the headache of dealing with plumbing disasters. With a bit of prevention and expert help from Steward’s Plumbing, you can keep your drains clear and your home running smoothly.

Problems with Bathroom Drains

Your bathroom is one of the most used areas in your home, so it’s no surprise that it’s a hotspot for clogged drain lines. From showering and shaving to brushing your teeth, everyday activities can lead to blockages. Let’s break down the most common bathroom drain issues and how to prevent them.

Clogged Bathtub Drain

Hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits are the usual suspects when it comes to a clogged bathtub drain. Hair is a particularly tricky problem, as it tends to tangle and trap soap residue, making it harder for water to flow freely. Over time, this buildup creates a nasty blockage.

Prevention Tip: A drain cover can catch most hair before it reaches the drain. Run hot water after each bath or shower to help flush out soap and mineral buildup.

Bathroom Sink Clogged

A clogged bathroom sink usually happens because of toothpaste, shaving cream, and hair—all things we use daily. These substances can solidify or clump together, forming a barrier in your pipes that slows down the water flow.

Prevention Tip: Clean your sink using a simple vinegar and baking soda solution to dissolve buildup. And make it a habit to throw away hair instead of washing it down the drain.

Clogged Shower Drain

Much like the bathtub, a clogged shower drain is often caused by hair, soap scum, and even debris from your feet. Over time, these things combine, blocking the drain and causing water to pool around your feet during showers.

Prevention Tip: Install a mesh cover over the drain to catch hair and debris. Clean the drain regularly to avoid buildup.

Toilet Drain Clogs

Toilet clogs usually occur when people flush things they shouldn’t, such as wipes, sanitary products, or too much toilet paper. These items don’t break down and can cause a serious clog in the plumbing.

Prevention Tip: Stick to flushing only toilet paper and human waste. Keep a trash bin nearby for anything else.

Bathroom Floor Clogged Drain

Floor drains can easily get clogged with dirt, grime, and soap scum. Since these drains are often out of sight, they can get neglected, leading to blockages that prevent water from draining.

Prevention Tip: Sweep the floor regularly to prevent debris from washing into the drain, and occasionally flush the drain with hot water to keep things moving smoothly.

Clogged Sewer Line

Tree roots, grease buildup, and flushed debris can all contribute to sewer line blockages. If you notice multiple drains backing up or unpleasant odors in your home, it could be a sign that your sewer line is clogged.

Prevention Tip: Schedule regular sewer line inspections and maintenance to catch issues early. If you suspect a clog, don’t wait—contact the experts at Steward’s Plumbing for a thorough sewer line inspection. 

What Causes Kitchen Drain Clog?

Clogs can quickly form in your kitchen due to constant cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing. A clogged sink drain occurs when food particles, grease, and soap build up over time, making the drain especially prone to blockages. Here are the main reasons your kitchen sink or garbage disposal might get clogged and how to prevent it.

Clogged Kitchen Sink

Food particles, grease, and soap residue often collect inside your kitchen sink drain. Grease, in particular, can harden and stick to the inside of the pipes, creating a stubborn blockage that restricts water flow.

Prevention Tip: Be mindful of what goes down the sink. Scrape food scraps into the trash, avoid pouring grease down the drain, and run hot water through the drain after washing dishes to clear out residue.

Garbage Disposal Drain

Your garbage disposal is handy, but it’s not a catch-all for every type of food waste. Items like coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetables can get stuck in the disposal, causing clogs.

Prevention Tip: Only put small amounts of food waste in the disposal, avoid fibrous or hard foods, and always run cold water to help grind everything down.

Grease Trap Drain

If you’ve accidentally poured grease down your sink, you know how easily it can build up in your pipes. Over time, the grease hardens, leading to stubborn clogs that can be hard to remove.

Prevention Tip: Collect grease in a separate container and dispose of it properly. To prevent blockages from forming, schedule regular grease trap cleanings.

We use advanced tools and techniques at Steward’s Plumbing to perform comprehensive drain inspections, ensuring we can locate and assess any clogs before they become significant issues. Check out our customer testimonials to learn why we’re Albuquerque’s trusted plumbing experts.

Your Go-To Drain Cleaning and Repair Experts in Albuquerque, NM

Steward’s Plumbing is your trusted partner for all drain cleaning and repair needs. We conduct a thorough inspection using advanced pipe inspection cameras to identify and assess the clog accurately. From minor kitchen sink blockages to more complex sewer line issues, we have the tools and expertise to handle everything. Our services are accessible to every homeowner, and we offer custom maintenance schedules and competitive pricing to keep your drains in top condition.

With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Steward’s Plumbing is your go-to plumbing expert in Albuquerque. Don’t wait for the clog to worsen—let us help you maintain smooth plumbing and peace of mind. Contact us today!re your plumbing system to optimal condition quickly and efficiently.

Contact Steward’s Plumbing today for expert drain cleaning and plumbing services you can trust.