Skip to content 
Few things disrupt your day faster than a slow or clogged drain. Whether it’s standing water in the sink, a shower that refuses to drain, or that telltale gurgling sound from your pipes, clogged drains are one of the most common (and frustrating) plumbing issues homeowners face.
While it’s tempting to reach for a chemical cleaner or DIY fix, the truth is that recurring drain problems usually point to deeper issues. Understanding what’s causing those clogs is the first step to preventing them for good.
If you’ve been searching for a “drain cleaning service near me” or dealing with a persistent clogged drain in San Diego, this guide will help you identify the most common causes, and show you how to stop them before they start.
1. Grease, Oil, and Food Waste
Kitchen sinks are notorious for clogging, and the main culprit is usually grease or food waste. Even if you’re careful about what you put down the drain, small amounts of oil and food residue can build up over time. As grease cools, it hardens and sticks to the inner walls of your pipes, trapping other debris and restricting water flow.
Common warning signs:
- Slow draining sink
- Unpleasant odors from the drain
- Gurgling sounds when water drains
How to prevent it:
Avoid pouring grease, oil, or cooking fats down your drain, even in small amounts. Instead, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the trash once they cool. Also, use a mesh strainer to catch food scraps before they enter your plumbing system.
When buildup becomes too stubborn, professional drain cleaning in San Diego can help by safely and thoroughly removing grease and debris with specialized tools like hydro jetting.
2. Hair and Soap Scum
Bathroom drains have their own set of challenges. Hair and soap scum are two of the biggest offenders when it comes to slow or clogged drains. Hair tangles easily, creating nets that trap other debris like toothpaste, dirt, and even small bits of plastic. Soap scum, meanwhile, coats the pipes, narrowing the flow and making clogs more likely to form.
Common warning signs:
- Standing water in the tub or shower
- Musty or stale drain odors
- Water pooling around the drain cover
How to prevent it:
Use a drain cover or hair catcher to stop hair before it enters your pipes. Clean it regularly, and run hot water through the drain after each shower to help clear away soap residue.
If water still drains slowly despite these steps, it might be time to call a drain cleaning service near me. Professionals can use advanced cleaning methods to eliminate buildup and restore smooth drainage, without damaging your pipes.
3. Tree Roots and Outdoor Blockages
If you’ve noticed multiple slow drains in your home or recurring clogs that keep coming back, the issue might be outside your house rather than inside. Tree roots are a common cause of clogged drains in San Diego, especially in older homes with aging sewer lines.
Roots naturally seek out moisture, and tiny cracks in underground pipes provide the perfect entry point. Over time, roots grow and expand, blocking water flow and even breaking pipes.
Common warning signs:
- Gurgling noises in multiple drains
- Sewage odors coming from drains or the yard
- Frequent clogs despite repeated cleanings
How to prevent it:
Have your plumbing system inspected annually, especially if you have large trees near your property. Sewer camera inspections can identify root intrusion early, before it causes serious damage.
If roots are already blocking the line, professional drain cleaning in San Diego, often using hydro jetting, can remove them without digging up your yard. In more severe cases, trenchless sewer repair can replace damaged sections of pipe with minimal disruption.
4. Everyday Items That Don’t Belong in Drains
It’s surprising how many “flushable” or disposable products aren’t actually safe for plumbing systems. Items like baby wipes, cotton swabs, dental floss, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products don’t break down easily and can quickly cause blockages. Even coffee grounds and eggshells, while small, can accumulate and create tough clogs over time.
Common warning signs:
- Slow toilet flushes or bubbling water
- Backflow into tubs or sinks
- Blockages in multiple drains
How to prevent it:
The golden rule: only flush toilet paper and human waste. Everything else should go in the trash. In the kitchen, scrape food waste into compost or garbage before rinsing dishes.
If your drains are already slowing down, don’t rely on chemical drain cleaners, they can corrode your pipes and make the problem worse. Instead, call a trusted drain cleaning service near me to safely clear the blockage.
5. Hard Water and Mineral Buildup
San Diego’s hard water is another silent contributor to clogged drains. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium accumulate inside your pipes, narrowing the passage and restricting water flow. This buildup doesn’t just cause clogs, it can also shorten the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures.
How to prevent it:
Install a water softener to reduce mineral buildup. Regular drain cleaning in San Diego can also help by keeping your pipes clear and flushing away deposits before they harden.
Keep Your Drains Flowing, The Right Way
Clogs might start small, but they can quickly escalate into costly plumbing issues if ignored. The key to avoiding them is prevention, and when prevention isn’t enough, professional help makes all the difference.
If you’re noticing slow drains, strange noises, or recurring blockages, it’s time to schedule a professional drain cleaning service near me. With expert tools and experience, technicians can clean your pipes thoroughly and identify any potential issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Don’t wait for a full blockage to strike. Schedule your drain cleaning in San Diego today and keep your plumbing system running smoothly year-round.
