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Clogged Drains: What You Need to Know
Clogged Drains: What You Need to Know
4.8 RATING

Clogged Drains: What You Need to Know

Clogged drains are one of the most common household plumbing problems. Whether it's a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a completely blocked pipe

August 08, 2026
Clogged Drains: What You Need to Know

Clogged drains are one of the most common household plumbing problems. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a completely blocked pipe, drain issues can be frustrating and disruptive. Understanding what causes clogged drains, how to prevent them, and when to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning or pipe repair can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Drains can become clogged for many reasons, depending on their location in your home. Here are some of the most frequent culprits.

  • Hair and Soap Buildup: In bathroom sinks and showers, hair and soap residue often combine to create tough blockages. Soap scum hardens inside pipes over time, restricting water flow.
  • Grease and Food Debris: Kitchen sinks commonly clog due to grease, oil, and food scraps. Even with a garbage disposal, certain items like coffee grounds, eggshells, and pasta should never go down the drain.
  • Foreign Objects: Items like cotton swabs, paper towels, wipes, and small toys can cause serious blockages in toilets and drains. Unlike toilet paper, these materials do not break down easily and can cause major backups.
  • Tree Roots: If your home has older plumbing, tree roots can invade underground pipes, causing slow drainage and frequent clogs. In such cases, a plumber in Freehold Township may need to perform pipe repair or even replace damaged sections of piping.
  • Mineral Buildup: Hard water can lead to mineral deposits inside pipes, reducing the flow of water. Over time, this buildup can cause clogs that require professional drain cleaning.

How to Prevent Clogged Drains

While clogs are sometimes unavoidable, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of a blockage.

  • Use Drain Covers: Installing drain screens in sinks, tubs, and showers helps catch hair, food particles, and debris before they enter your plumbing system.
  • Dispose of Grease Properly: Never pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash. Even small amounts of grease can accumulate and cause serious blockages over time.
  • Be Careful with Your Garbage Disposal: Avoid putting fibrous, starchy, or hard food items (such as potato peels, celery, and bones) down the garbage disposal. Always run plenty of water when using it to flush food particles through the system.
  • Flush Only Toilet Paper: Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—nothing else. Flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels can lead to blockages that require a plumber to fix.
  • Regularly Maintain Your Pipes: Routine drain cleaning can help prevent buildup before it becomes a major issue. Using a natural drain cleaner, such as baking soda and vinegar, once a month can help keep pipes clear.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

How Plumbers Fix Clogged Drains

A trusted plumber has the expertise and tools to safely and effectively remove clogs from your pipes. Here are some of the common methods used.

  • Plumbing Snakes and Augers: A drain snake or auger is a flexible cable that can reach deep into pipes to break up and remove stubbo blockages.
  • Hydro Jetting: Hydro jetting is a high-pressure water technique that clears clogs and removes buildup from inside pipes. This method is especially effective for grease and mineral buildup.
  • Video Camera Inspections: If a clog is deep within your plumbing system, a plumber may use a small camera to inspect the pipes and locate the exact problem.
  • Pipe Repair and Replacement: For severe blockages caused by broken or collapsed pipes, pipe repair or replacement may be necessary. A plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing can identify and fix these issues to prevent further damage.

Clogged drains are a common but preventable plumbing problem. By understanding the causes and taking preventive steps, you can keep your plumbing system in good condition. However, when stubbo blockages occur, professional drain cleaning from an experienced plumber at Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the best solution. Whether you need a quick fix or extensive pipe repair, addressing drain issues promptly can prevent costly damage and keep your home running smoothly.

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