What’s Clogging Your Drains? Common Causes and Long-Term Fixes

Few things are more frustrating than a sink that won’t drain, a shower that turns into a foot bath, or a toilet that keeps backing up. Drain clogs are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face, and while they might seem like a quick fix, they’re often a sign of something more serious happening in your pipes.

At CMM Plumbing, we know how disruptive a clog can be—and how easily it can turn from a minor annoyance into a costly repair. With years of experience providing drain cleaning in Coupland, TX, we’ve seen all the common culprits and know the long-term solutions that keep drains clear for good. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main causes of drain clogs, the signs of a deeper issue, and what you can do to prevent problems before they start.

Why Do Drains Clog in the First Place?

Drains are built to handle water and a limited amount of waste. When other materials infiltrate your plumbing system, they often adhere to the walls of your pipes or create barriers that block water from flowing freely. Over time, these blockages grow, resulting in standing water or sewage backups.

Understanding the causes of drain clogs is the first step in preventing them. Once you know what’s causing the problem, you can choose the right fix—and avoid repeat blockages down the road.

The Most Common Causes of Drain Clogs

1. Grease and Cooking Oils

Hot grease seems harmless when it slides down the sink, but once it cools in your pipes, it hardens into a sticky coating that catches food particles and narrows the passageway. Eventually, it builds up so much that water can’t pass at all.

Long-term fix: Collect grease in a disposable container and toss it in the trash instead of pouring it down the drain. If grease has already created a stubborn clog, professional drain cleaning will restore flow and protect your pipes from further buildup.

2. Hair and Soap Scum

Bathroom drains are notorious for clogs caused by hair. Combine that with soap residue, and you get a gummy mess that clings to everything passing through. Left untreated, it forms a dense mat that prevents water from flowing entirely.

Long-term fix: Place a drain screen over the shower and tub drains to catch hair before it enters the pipes. For existing clogs, a plumber can use specialized tools, such as snakes or hydro-jetting, to completely break up the blockage.

3. Food Scraps

Garbage disposals are helpful, but they’re not invincible. Foods like celery, potato peels, and coffee grounds can wrap around blades, clump together, or swell with water, leading to tough clogs.

Long-term fix: Scrape plates into the trash or compost before rinsing. Schedule regular drain cleaning to keep buildup from turning into full-blown blockages.

4. Mineral Buildup

Central Texas is known for hard water. Minerals like calcium and magnesium accumulate inside pipes, reducing the space available for water to move through. As the buildup grows, even small amounts of grease or hair can cause a total blockage.

Long-term solution: A water softener helps prevent scale buildup, while professional descaling treatments can restore water flow in pipes that are already affected.

5. Tree Root Infiltration

One of the most serious problems we encounter during sewer services is the intrusion of tree roots into underground pipes. Roots search for water, and even the smallest crack in a sewer line is an invitation. Once they get in, they expand, block the flow, and even break the pipe apart.

Long-term fix: Root intrusion requires professional solutions. Hydro-jetting can sometimes clear roots, but in many cases, pipe repair or replacement is necessary. Early detection is key—regular inspections can save you from a sewer emergency.

6. Foreign Objects

We’ve seen it all—children’s toys flushed down toilets, paper towels crammed into sinks, and hygiene products blocking entire pipes. Drains are designed for water and waste only; anything else is a recipe for clogs.

Long-term fix: Talk with your family about what can and can’t go down the drain. If a foreign object is already stuck, professional equipment is the safest and least damaging way to remove it.

Warning Signs of a Bigger Problem

Not every clog is a quick DIY fix. Sometimes, they point to larger issues in your plumbing system. Here are signs that it’s time to call a pro:

• Multiple drains are backing up simultaneously: This is likely a main sewer line issue.
• Gurgling sounds in sinks or toilets: Often caused by air trapped in clogged pipes.
• Persistent foul odors: Wastewater buildup could be sitting in your sewer line.
• Water backing up in unusual places: For example, water in your shower when you flush the toilet.



These symptoms usually require professional plumbing repair and possibly sewer line services.