Clogged Drains? Here’s What Causes Them — and How to Stop Them for Good

A clogged drain isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s often the first sign of a much bigger plumbing issue. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink or a full-blown backup, Plumbing Detectives is here to help homeowners in Pinellas County identify the cause and find a long-term fix.

Let’s break down why drains clog, how to prevent it, and when it’s time to call in the pros.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

1. Hair Buildup

• Hair is the #1 cause of bathroom sink and shower clogs. Over time, it tangles and traps soap, grime, and more.

2. Grease and Cooking Oils

• Pouring grease down the kitchen sink creates sticky buildup that hardens and blocks pipes.

3. Soap Scum

• Bar soap combined with hard water creates residue that narrows pipes over time.

4. Food Scraps

• Even with a garbage disposal, starchy foods (like rice and pasta) and fibrous peels can clog your drains.

5. Foreign Objects

• Toys, wipes, hygiene products, and even excess toilet paper can cause severe blockages in toilets and drains.

6. Tree Roots

• Roots can invade your sewer line through small cracks, leading to major clogs and backups.

DIY Drain Cleaning: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Works:

• Boiling water for minor kitchen grease clogs
• Baking soda and vinegar for light buildup
• Plungers and small drain snakes

Doesn’t Work:

• Chemical drain cleaners — they can damage your pipes and the environment
• Repeated plunging without addressing the root cause
• Ignoring a slow drain for too long

Why Professional Drain Cleaning Is Worth It

At Plumbing Detectives, we don’t just clear the clog — we investigate the cause. Our solutions include:

• Drain snaking for simple clogs
• Hydro jetting to blast away grease, roots, and buildup
• Sewer camera inspections to see what’s really going on
• Preventative maintenance plans to keep pipes clear year-round

Our advanced tools and trained technicians ensure the clog is gone — and stays gone.

Drain Problems? Here’s When to Call a Pro:

• Water backing up in sinks, tubs, or toilets
• Multiple drains clogging at once
• Gurgling sounds from pipes
• Foul sewer odors coming from drains
• Recurring clogs in the same area

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to bring in the Plumbing Detectives.

Serving Clogged Drain Emergencies All Over Pinellas County

Our drain cleaning services are available in: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Seminole, Pinellas Park, Gulfport, East Lake, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Beach, Belleair Shore, Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach, South Pasadena, Kenneth City, Treasure Island.

Zip Codes We Serve

33701, 33702, 33703, 33704, 33705, 33706, 33707, 33708, 33709, 33710, 33711, 33712, 33713, 33714, 33715, 33716, 33755, 33756, 33759, 33760, 33761, 33762, 33763, 33764, 33765, 33767, 33770, 33771, 33772, 33773, 33774, 33776, 33777, 33778, 33781, 33782, 33785, 33786, 34677, 34683, 34684, 34685, 34689, 34695, 34698.

Schedule Your Sewer Camera Inspection Today

Don’t let a minor clog turn into a messy backup. Call Plumbing Detectives at 727-495-9065 or visit PinellasPlumber.com to schedule a drain inspection and cleaning today.