Common Causes of Clogged Drains and How to Fix Them

Few things are more frustrating than a clogged drain. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a toilet that won’t flush properly, drain blockages can quickly disrupt your daily routine. While some minor clogs can be temporarily relieved with household methods, persistent or severe blockages require professional attention to prevent bigger Hillsdale sewer and drain issues down the line.

For homeowners in Hillsdale, NJ, drain problems can be caused by everything from grease buildup to tree roots in underground pipes. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common causes of clogged drains and why calling a professional plumber like Gladiator Services is the best way to ensure a lasting fix.

Understanding Why Drains Get Clogged

Your home’s plumbing system is designed to efficiently carry wastewater away from sinks, tubs, and toilets. However, over time, debris, grease, and foreign objects can build up in pipes, leading to slow drainage and full blockages.

Ignoring a clogged drain can lead to bigger plumbing issues, including pipe corrosion, foul odors, and even sewage backups. Regular drain maintenance and professional cleanings can help prevent costly plumbing emergencies.

If you’re dealing with frequent or stubborn drain issues, it’s time to call a professional plumber before the problem worsens.

The Most Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Hair Buildup in Bathroom Drains

Hair is one of the most common culprits of clogged drains, especially in showers and bathroom sinks. When hair combines with soap scum and other debris, it creates a thick blockage that’s difficult to remove with basic home remedies.

Prevention Tip: Use a drain strainer to catch hair before it enters the pipes and clean it regularly.

Grease and Food Waste in Kitchen Sinks

Grease and oil may go down the drain as a liquid, but as they cool, they harden and stick to the inside of pipes. Over time, this leads to thick blockages that trap food particles and restrict water flow.

Common offenders include:

• Cooking oils, butter, and bacon grease
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells and starchy foods like pasta and rice

Prevention Tip: Dispose of grease in a container instead of washing it down the drain. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles.

Soap Scum and Mineral Buildup

Soap residue and hard water minerals accumulate in pipes, gradually reducing water flow. In areas like Hillsdale, NJ, where hard water is common, mineral deposits can accelerate the clogging process.

Prevention Tip: Switch to liquid soap or soap-free body washes and install a water softener to minimize mineral buildup.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Toilets are not trash cans, yet many people flush items that don’t break down properly. Some of the worst offenders include:

• Baby wipes and disinfecting wipes (even “flushable” ones)
• Paper towels and feminine hygiene products
• Cotton swabs and dental floss

These items don’t dissolve like toilet paper and can cause major blockages in sewer lines.

Prevention Tip: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Place a trash bin near the toilet for other items.

Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, and if there’s even a small crack in your sewer pipes, roots can grow inside and cause major blockages. This is a common issue for homeowners in Hillsdale, NJ, especially in older homes with clay or cast-iron pipes.

Signs of tree root intrusion include:

• Multiple slow or backed-up drains
• Gurgling sounds from toilets
• Patches of extra-green grass or soggy spots in the yard

Solution: Tree root blockages require professional plumbing services. Gladiator Services offers video camera inspections to detect root damage and hydro jetting to clear roots from pipes.

Foreign Objects Accidentally Entering Drains

Small objects like jewelry, bottle caps, or kids’ toys can accidentally fall into drains and become lodged in pipes. These clogs won’t clear with chemical drain cleaners and often require professional removal.

Prevention Tip: Install drain covers in bathroom and kitchen sinks to catch small items before they go down the drain.

How to Fix Clogged Drains the Right Way

Why DIY Methods Often Fall Short

Many homeowners try to fix clogged drains with plungers, baking soda and vinegar, or chemical drain cleaners. While these methods may provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root cause of the clog.

Chemical drain cleaners, in particular, can corrode pipes over time, leading to costly plumbing repairs.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If a clog keeps returning or affects multiple drains, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. Professional drain cleaning services ensure your pipes are fully cleared and free of long-term damage.

At Gladiator Services, we use:

• Video Camera Inspections – Locates blockages without unnecessary digging.
• Hydro Jetting – Uses high-pressure water to remove grease, hair, and roots from pipes.
• Professional Drain Snaking – Clears deep clogs without damaging your plumbing.

For fast, reliable drain cleaning services in Hillsdale, NJ, Gladiator Services is the top choice.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

A clogged drain is more than just a minor inconvenience—it can lead to major plumbing issues if left untreated. While some small clogs can be handled at home, persistent or severe drain blockages require professional expertise.

For Hillsdale, NJ, homeowners, Gladiator Services provides expert drain cleaning, clog removal, and sewer line inspections. Our licensed plumbers use state-of-the-art technology to clear your drains quickly and safely.