What’s Really Clogging Your Drains? Common Culprits and How to Stop Them

There’s nothing more frustrating than a sink that won’t drain or a shower that turns into a puddle. Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues Southern California homeowners face—and while they might seem minor at first, they can quickly lead to backups, pipe damage, and expensive repairs.

At Hank & Sons Plumbing, we’ve seen every kind of drain clog imaginable. Some are caused by bad habits, others by aging plumbing. But the good news is that many of them are preventable.

Here’s a closer look at what’s really clogging your drains, and what you can do to keep water flowing smoothly throughout your home.

The Usual Suspects: Top Causes of Drain Clogs

1. Hair

Hair is one of the most common culprits in bathroom drains, especially showers and sinks. Over time, strands bind with soap scum to form tough clogs that slow or completely block water flow.

Prevention Tip: Install hair-catching drain screens and clean them regularly.

2. Grease and Oil

Pouring grease down the kitchen sink is a recipe for disaster. Even if it’s liquid when hot, grease solidifies as it cools, sticking to pipe walls and building up over time.

Prevention Tip: Dispose of grease in a container, let it cool, and throw it in the trash.

3. Soap Scum

Traditional bar soap contains fats that combine with minerals in hard water to form soap scum. This residue coats pipe walls and contributes to clogs.

Prevention Tip: Use liquid soap or install a water softener to reduce buildup.

4. Food Waste

Even with a garbage disposal, certain foods should never go down the drain—coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous vegetables (like celery), and starchy items like pasta and rice can all lead to clogs.

Prevention Tip: Scrape food waste into the trash or compost bin before rinsing dishes.

5. “Flushable” Wipes

Despite the label, most wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They clump together in pipes and sewers, causing blockages and even damaging municipal systems.

Prevention Tip: Only flush toilet paper—nothing else.

6. Tree Roots

In older homes, tiny cracks in underground sewer lines can allow tree roots to infiltrate pipes in search of moisture. Over time, roots expand and block or even collapse the pipe.

Prevention Tip: Have your sewer line inspected periodically if you have mature trees near your home.

How to Know You Have a Drain Problem

Early warning signs of a clog include:

• Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or showers
• Gurgling noises coming from drains
• Foul odors, especially from kitchen sinks
• Water backing up into sinks or tubs
• Toilet bubbles or overflows when other fixtures are used

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to address the issue before it gets worse.

Why DIY Isn’t Always Enough

While a plunger or store-bought drain cleaner might provide temporary relief, they don’t always solve the root problem—and in some cases, chemical cleaners can even damage your pipes.

At Hank & Sons Plumbing, we use professional-grade tools like:

• Drain snakes (augers) to break up clogs
• Hydro jetting for deep, high-pressure cleaning
• Camera inspections to see inside your pipes and identify recurring issues

We get your drains cleared quickly—and help you understand how to prevent future clogs.

Keep Your Drains Flowing Free

Regular maintenance and mindful habits go a long way toward preventing clogs. Consider scheduling annual drain cleanings, especially if you’ve had issues in the past or live in an older home.

At Hank & Sons Plumbing, we offer expert drain cleaning services for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and sewer lines. Whether you’re dealing with a slow sink or a complete backup, we’ll clear the blockage safely and effectively.

Call Hank & Sons Plumbing today at 909-524-2906 to schedule a drain inspection or cleaning. Don’t wait for a full-blown backup—keep your plumbing flowing the way it should.