Clogged drains are one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems for homeowners in Detroit. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a toilet that won’t flush properly, dealing with clogged drains can disrupt your daily routine and even lead to costly repairs if left untreated. Understanding the common causes of clogged drains in Detroit homes can help you prevent these issues before they become major problems.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the most frequent causes of clogs in Detroit’s plumbing systems and provide practical tips to help you avoid them. If you’re already facing a clog, Sewer23 is here to offer expert drain cleaning services to get your plumbing system back in working order.

1. Grease and Oil Buildup in Kitchen Drains

One of the biggest culprits of clogged kitchen drains is the improper disposal of cooking grease and oil. When poured down the sink, grease can solidify as it cools, sticking to the walls of your pipes and eventually creating a blockage.

Prevention Tip: Always avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Instead, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash. Running hot water after washing greasy pans can also help prevent buildup.

2. Hair Accumulation in Bathroom Drains

Hair buildup is a frequent cause of clogs in bathroom sinks, showers, and tub drains. Over time, strands of hair can accumulate and mix with soap scum, creating a dense blockage that restricts water flow.

Prevention Tip: Install a drain screen or hair catcher over your shower and bathroom sink drains to prevent hair from going down the pipes. Regularly clean the catcher to ensure proper drainage.

3. Soap Scum and Mineral Buildup

In Detroit, where hard water is common, soap scum and mineral deposits can accumulate inside your pipes. The combination of soap residue and the minerals in hard water can create a sticky film that narrows the diameter of your pipes, leading to slow drainage and eventually clogs.

Prevention Tip: Consider using a water softener to reduce mineral buildup in your pipes. Additionally, switch to liquid soap, which is less likely to leave behind residue than bar soap. Routine drain cleaning by a professional service like Sewer23 can also help keep your pipes clear of scum and mineral buildup.

4. Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, but flushing other items—such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, or paper towels—can quickly lead to clogs in your toilet drain and even your main sewer line.

Prevention Tip: Only flush toilet paper and waste. Dispose of non-flushable items in the trash to avoid blockages in your pipes. Even products labeled “flushable,” like wipes, should not be flushed, as they don’t break down easily in the sewer system.

5. Tree Root Infiltration

For many older homes in Detroit, tree roots can pose a serious problem for underground plumbing systems. Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate your sewer line through small cracks, growing inside the pipes and causing significant blockages.

Prevention Tip: If you have trees on your property, particularly older trees with large root systems, schedule a professional inspection of your sewer lines to check for root infiltration. Sewer23 can perform a video camera inspection to identify and remove tree roots before they cause a major backup.

6. Food Waste in Garbage Disposals

While garbage disposals are convenient, they aren’t meant to handle all types of food waste. Fibrous foods like potato peels, celery, and coffee grounds can create clogs in both the disposal unit and your drain, leading to slow drainage or even a complete blockage.

Prevention Tip: Avoid putting fibrous foods and large amounts of food waste down the garbage disposal. When using the disposal, run plenty of cold water to help flush food particles through the system and prevent buildup.

7. Soap and Detergent Residue in Laundry Drains

If you use too much detergent when doing laundry, the excess soap can create a thick residue inside your drain pipes. Over time, this can combine with dirt, lint, and other debris from your clothes, leading to clogs in your laundry drain.

Prevention Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the proper amount of detergent to use for each load of laundry. Installing a lint trap on your washing machine’s drain hose can also help prevent lint from entering the pipes.

8. Aging Pipes in Older Detroit Homes

Many homes in Detroit have older plumbing systems with pipes made from materials that degrade over time. Corroded or cracked pipes can create rough surfaces inside the pipes, where debris can easily accumulate and lead to clogs. Older pipes are also more prone to tree root infiltration and collapses.

Prevention Tip: If your home has an aging plumbing system, it’s a good idea to have it inspected regularly by a professional plumber. Sewer23 offers comprehensive drain and sewer line inspections to identify potential issues early and keep your system in good shape.

How Sewer23 Can Help

If you’re experiencing a clogged drain or slow drainage in your home, Sewer23 is here to help with expert drain cleaning services in Detroit. Our team of licensed and experienced plumbers is equipped to handle all types of drain issues, from minor clogs to severe blockages in your sewer line.

Here’s why Detroit homeowners trust Sewer23 for their drain cleaning needs:

• Advanced Equipment: We use state-of-the-art tools, including hydro-jetting and professional-grade drain snakes, to thoroughly clean your pipes and remove even the toughest blockages.
• Video Camera Inspections: We can perform a video camera inspection to accurately identify the cause and location of your drain problem, ensuring a targeted and effective solution.
• Fast and Reliable Service: We understand that plumbing issues can’t wait. Sewer23 offers prompt, reliable service to get your drains back to working condition quickly.
• Affordable and Transparent Pricing: Our drain cleaning services come at competitive prices with no hidden fees. We provide clear, upfront estimates so you know exactly what to expect.

Conclusion

Understanding the common causes of clogged drains in Detroit homes can help you prevent future problems and save on costly repairs. From grease buildup to tree root infiltration, each issue requires a unique approach to keep your drains clear and your plumbing system functioning properly. If you’re dealing with a clogged drain or slow drainage, contact Sewer23 at (248) 993-3423 for fast, professional drain cleaning services.

Regular drain maintenance can prevent many of these issues, so don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one. Trust Sewer23, Detroit’s drain cleaning experts, to keep your home’s plumbing in top condition!