When water stops moving the way it should, life does too. A clogged drain can bring the morning routine to a standstill or turn dinner clean-up into a stressful chore. And yet, not all clogs are created equal. The causes, and the solutions, often vary depending on where the drain is located.
At Plumb-Tech, we’re experts in helping homeowners across Missoula and beyond navigate these inconvenient moments with grace. Today, we’re sharing what actually causes your kitchen or bathroom drain to clog, and how to handle it with confidence.
Why Kitchen Drains Clog
Between meal prep, clean-up, and the day-to-day rhythm of rinsing, scrubbing, and washing, it’s no wonder the kitchen sink is one of the most common sources of drain trouble.
Here’s what tends to cause blockages:
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Fats, oils, and grease (known as FOG): These substances may pour down as liquids, but they solidify as they cool, coating the inside of your pipes like plaque in an artery.
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Food particles: Coffee grounds, pasta, rice, eggshells, things that garbage disposals don’t always fully break down, can get trapped and accumulate.
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Soap scum and dish detergent buildup: Especially in households with hard water, minerals combine with soap and create residue that clings to pipe walls.
What to do:
For kitchen sinks, prevention is everything. Wipe excess grease into the trash before rinsing dishes. Use a sink strainer to catch food debris. And every so often, flush the drain with hot (but not boiling) water.
If a clog forms, resist the urge to pour chemical drain cleaners down the sink. They often cause more harm than good, especially in older homes. Instead, try a gentle plunger or call in a pro who can clear the line safely and thoroughly.
Why Bathroom Drains Clog
Bathroom drains may seem low-key in comparison, but they bring their own challenges. From showers to sinks to tubs, the bathroom is a constant dance of water, soap, and grooming rituals. And, each element contributes to slow-moving or fully blocked drains.
Common culprits include:
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Hair: Whether short or long, hair binds with soap and clings to the sides of pipes, forming dense clogs that worsen over time.
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Toothpaste and soap: These aren’t just cosmetic. Over time, they form a film that reduces pipe diameter and catches more debris.
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Beauty products: Facial scrubs, exfoliants, and even shaving cream can contain fine particles or waxy substances that build up slowly.
What to do:
Install hair catchers in the shower and tub drains. They may not be glamorous, but they’re incredibly effective. Once a week, pour a mixture of hot water and white vinegar down bathroom sinks to reduce buildup. And if the water starts draining slowly, don’t wait. A minor blockage is far easier (and less expensive) to resolve than a major one.
The Right Fix for the Right Drain
The key to resolving a clogged drain, whether in your kitchen or bathroom, is not just clearing the obstruction but understanding what caused it in the first place. Generic fixes can work in a pinch, but if the issue keeps coming back, it’s time for something more thoughtful.
At Plumb-Tech, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all plumbing. Every home, and every drain, deserves custom care and attention. From targeted hydro-jetting to video inspections and routine maintenance, our services are designed to solve the problem completely, not just temporarily.
Call the Experts Missoula Trusts
If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, or you’re ready to prevent the next one before it happens, we’re here to help.
Plumb-Tech was recently named Best Plumbing Service in Missoula, and it’s not a title we take lightly. We treat your home with the care and respect it deserves.
Schedule your service today.
