Clogged Drain? Here’s What Causes It—and How to Fix It for Good
Clogged Drain? Here’s What Causes It—and How to Fix It for Good
Whether it’s a kitchen sink that won’t empty or a shower that’s suddenly a foot-deep in standing water, a clogged drain is more than an inconvenience—it’s a call to action.
But don’t reach for the harsh chemicals just yet!
At Barker & Sons Plumbing & Rooter, we believe every homeowner deserves to understand why drains clog, how to fix them safely, and when to call in the pros.
This guide walks you through it all: from everyday clog culprits to professional solutions like hydro jetting.
What Causes Clogged Drains?
We might not know where all that water goes, but drains aren’t magic portals. They’re pipes, and they have limits. When too much of the wrong stuff gets sent down the line, things back up. It’s really that simple.
Everyday Offenders: Hair, Grease, & More
You know that clump of hair circling the shower drain? It’s not harmless. Over time, hair clumps together with soap scum, forming a matted mess that water can’t push through.
In the kitchen, cooking grease might seem liquid when hot, but it cools into a sticky sludge that traps everything from coffee grounds to pasta remnants.
Even the laundry room isn’t immune: lint, detergent residue, and fabric fibers build up in utility sinks.
Unusual (But Common) Culprits
It’s amazing what can end up in your pipes: dental floss, cotton swabs, “flushable” wipes (spoiler alert: they’re not), and the occasional toy dinosaur (or whatever your toddler’s favorite thing is this week).
In older neighborhoods like many we serve in Orange County, tree roots are a major issue. They grow toward moisture (your underground pipes) and can break into joints, causing serious blockages.
How Habits Contribute to Clogs
It’s not just what goes down your drains, but how often. Flushing hygiene products, pouring leftover grease, or neglecting regular cleaning sets the stage for buildup. Prevention starts with small changes in behavior, and we’re here to help you make them.
Signs You Might Have a Clogged Drain
Some clogs make themselves known in dramatic ways. Others creep in quietly. Spotting the early signs can save you from bigger headaches (and repairs) down the road.
- Slow Draining Sinks or Showers — If your sink or shower isn’t draining like it used to, that’s your plumbing signaling trouble. Even if water eventually clears, a consistent slowdown means something’s in the way—and it won’t fix itself.
- Gurgling Sounds or Bubbles — Strange sounds coming from your drains, like gurgling or bubbling, usually mean air is trapped where it shouldn’t be. You might notice it after flushing the toilet or running water in another part of the house. It’s subtle at first, but don’t ignore it.
- Unpleasant Odors from the Drain — Foul smells coming from a sink, tub, or shower are never normal. If you notice a lingering odor that doesn’t go away after cleaning the surface, it likely points to buildup further down the line.
- Water Backups or Pooling Around Fixtures — The most obvious—and urgent—sign of a clog is when water backs up instead of draining away. If using one fixture causes water to appear in another, like a tub filling up when you run the washing machine, the blockage is likely affecting your whole system.
- Unexpected Mold, Mildew, or Water Damage — Mysterious damp spots, peeling paint, or mildew smells near sinks or walls can all be signs of hidden drainage issues. Even small leaks caused by slow-moving water can lead to costly water damage over time.
How to Unclog a Drain (What Actually Works—and When to Call In Backup)
We get it—you’re staring down a backed-up sink or tub, hoping it’ll magically clear before you have to call anyone. And sure, the internet is full of DIY hacks that sound simple enough.
Boiling water. Baking soda and vinegar. Drain snakes. Even removing the P-trap.
You’ve probably heard them all.
But here’s the honest truth: most of those tactics come with a catch. What looks harmless in a how-to video can lead to pipe damage, leaks, or bigger messes, especially with older plumbing. That’s why we don’t recommend most at-home fixes. In fact, we only stand behind one.
When to Try a Plunger (And How to Do It Right)
The plunger is the only safe and homeowner-friendly tool we can confidently recommend. If your sink, tub, or shower is draining slowly—or not at all—this is your first and only approved move.
How to use it:
- Use a cup plunger (not the kind for toilets).
- Make sure there’s enough standing water to cover the rubber dome.
- Create a tight seal and use short, fast thrusts to build pressure.
- Cover any overflow holes with a wet cloth for better suction.
If the clog is shallow and not too stubborn, you’ll know pretty quickly if this is going to work. No luck after 30 seconds? Time to stop and call in the pros.
Why We Say No to the DIY Route
DIY fixes might sound harmless, but they can do real damage. Pouring boiling water down the drain can warp PVC pipes. Homemade chemical reactions might shift a clog without clearing it, just pushing it deeper. And tools like snakes or P-trap removal come with risk: cracked pipes, stripped threads, or exposure to waste.
Even a simple mistake can cost more to fix than the original issue. That’s why we only recommend the plunger and leave the rest to licensed pros.
Save Yourself the Headache. Call a Professional.
If the plunger didn’t work (or you don’t even want to risk it) give us a call. We’ve got the tools, training, and backup to handle the mess, no guesswork required.
And we promise: No judgment. Just solutions.
Is It Safe to Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?
Short answer: not really. While they might seem like an easy fix, chemical drain cleaners come with some serious trade-offs—and in many cases, they can do more harm than good.
What’s Actually in Chemical Cleaners
Most commercial drain openers contain sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid: highly corrosive substances designed to dissolve organic material quickly. While they can clear light clogs near the surface, they don’t always reach the source of the problem. And because they’re designed to “burn through” obstructions, they don’t discriminate between clogs and your pipes.
How They Can Damage Pipes or Fixtures
Here’s the thing: Your plumbing wasn’t built to withstand repeated chemical assaults. Overuse of harsh cleaners can degrade PVC joints, eat away at metal pipes, and weaken seals around fittings.
In older homes with aging plumbing, this can escalate into cracks, leaks, or full-on pipe replacement. The temporary fix ends up creating a more expensive problem, and often faster than people expect.
When to Skip the Chemicals and Call In Pros
If the clog comes back within a few days, affects more than one drain, or gives off a foul odor, there’s likely a bigger issue below the surface. Chemical cleaners won’t solve deeper blockages, especially those involving grease, tree roots, or collapsed pipes.
And if you’ve already tried a cleaner once and it didn’t work? Don’t pour in more—give us a call. We’ll pinpoint the problem and clear it safely, without risking damage to your plumbing system.
Advanced Solutions: When DIY Drain Cleaning Isn’t Enough
When home remedies fall short, it’s time to bring in tools and techniques that go beyond the basics. At Barker & Sons, we use professional-grade solutions to not just break through clogs, but eliminate them for good.
What Is Hydro Jetting Plumbing?
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away grease, sludge, roots, and buildup from inside your pipes. Think of it as a deep clean for your plumbing. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and ideal for recurring clogs or full-pipe cleaning.
Hydro Jetting vs. Snaking
Snaking is great for breaking through isolated clogs, especially close to the surface. Hydro jetting, by contrast, scrubs the entire pipe wall clean, removing debris and reducing the chance of future backups. For mainline or commercial issues, hydro jetting is often the better long-term fix.
Which Is Safer for Older Pipes?
We always inspect before we act. In homes with older or fragile pipes, we may recommend snaking first or a gentler hybrid approach. Our goal is to clear the clog without compromising your system.
When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain
| Scenario | DIY Might Be Enough If | Call a Plumber If |
| Slow Draining Sink or Shower | It’s the first time and only affecting one drain. | It keeps happening or multiple drains are affected. |
| Toilet or Single Drain Clog | A plunger clears it, and it stays clear. | It comes back frequently or affects more than one area. |
| Bad Smells from a Drain | The smell goes away after cleaning or using natural remedies. | Odor lingers or is paired with other symptoms, like slow draining. |
| Water Backing Up or Pooling | It’s a one-time issue that clears with plunging or snaking. | Water backs up across multiple fixtures or happens repeatedly. |
| Using Chemical Cleaners | You haven’t tried them yet and want a last resort. (Still not ideal.) | You’ve already tried one and it didn’t work—or you’re hesitant. |
| Visible Sewage or Flooding | ❌ Never a DIY fix. | Always call a plumber—this is a serious health and plumbing risk. |
| Not Sure What’s Causing the Issue | You’re comfortable trying a basic, non-invasive method first. | You’re uncertain, it’s unresolved, or you just want peace of mind. |
How to Prevent Future Drain Clogs
We’ve seen every kind of clog imaginable, and more than a few that could’ve been prevented. Here’s how to keep your drains flowing clear.
Drain Screens, Cleaning & Hot Water Flushes
Use drain screens to catch hair, food scraps, and debris before they go down. Clean them regularly and flush your drains with hot water once a month to help break up light buildup before it hardens.
What Not to Put Down the Drain
Skip the grease, coffee grounds, “flushable” wipes, and stringy produce like celery or corn husks. These are all clog magnets—and once they settle, they’re tough to clear.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Think of it like a tune-up for your plumbing. Our quick, no-stress maintenance visits help catch small issues early and prevent the kind of backups that turn into weekend emergencies.
Got a Stubborn Drain Clog? Call Barker & Sons Today
We’re not your average plumber. Our techs don’t show up late or leave muddy footprints. We text when we’re on the way and let you track our arrival in real-time (like Uber—but for expert plumbing).
We’re local, family-owned, and committed to doing things right. No shortcuts. No pressure tactics. Just honest solutions that work, and people who care about your home as much as you do.
If your drain’s not draining, you don’t have to guess your way to a solution. Call us. We’ll take a look, give it to you straight, and clear things up, literally and figuratively. You go about your day. We’ll handle the clog.
