5 Reasons Your Sewer Drain Is Clogged — and How to Fix It

A backed-up sewer drain isn’t just inconvenient—it can pose health risks, damage your home, and leave you feeling overwhelmed. We get it. At Neighborhood Plumbing & Drain, we’ve seen countless homeowners face the same struggles. That’s why we’re sharing the top five reasons your sewer drain might be clogged, plus clear, step‑by‑step solutions to help you fix it. No fluff. Just practical, no‑nonsense guidance you can trust.

1. Hair, Soap Scum & Hygiene Products Buildup

What’s Going On

It’s easy to underestimate what goes down the drain every day: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap fragments—along with hair that naturally falls out. Over time, these accumulate to form stubborn clogs deep in your shower or bathroom sink pipes.

Why It Happens

• Hair strands wrap around pipe edges, trapping particles.
• Soap residue adheres to drains, creating a paste that attracts more buildup.
• Hygiene products like cotton pads or flushable wipes don’t break down properly.

How to Fix It

1. Start with a plunger: use a sink-safe plunger to create pressure that dislodges the clog.
2. Try a drain snake: gently feed a hand-cranked drain snake down 6–12″ to clear out hair balls.
3. Use enzyme-based cleaners: these are safer for your pipes than harsh chemicals—apply overnight as directed.
4. Install a hair catcher: fitting a simple strainer over shower and sink drains dramatically reduces future clogs.

2. Food Waste & Grease Buildup

What’s Going On

Your kitchen sink is no match for thick grease and starchy pasta. They might flow easily while warm, but once those liquids cool, they solidify—and start narrowing your pipes.

Why It Happens

• Grease turns stubborn as it cools.
• Food scraps, especially fibrous ones, cling inside pipes.
• Traditional dishwashers and disposal units often push these into the drain system.

How to Fix It

1. Use a plunger: seal and plunge to build pressure that moves the clog.
2. Snake the line: for clogs farther down, a 25–50 ft plumber’s snake can reach deep lines.
3. Flush with hot water and soap: dishwasher-safe or mild dish soap works to break down fresh grease.
4. Install a grease trap: especially under sinks where cooking debris is frequent.

Pro Tip

Never pour grease down the drain—scrape pots into a container, let it congeal, and toss it in the trash instead.

3. Tree Roots Intruding the Pipe

What’s Going On

Beneath your yard, sewer pipes carry water away—but tree roots are drawn to their warmth and moisture. Over time, roots penetrate joints and cracks, creating massive blockages that no household tool can fix.

Why It Happens

• Old or weak sewer lines (clay, cast-iron, terracotta) are prone to leaks, inviting root intrusion.
• Mature trees like oak, maple, or willow have aggressive roots seeking water.

How to Fix It

1. Schedule a camera inspection: professionals can pinpoint the severity and location of root intrusion.
2. Use hydro-jetting: high-pressure water clears roots and debris without damaging pipes.
3. Chemical root killers: sodium hydroxide-based products can deter regrowth.
4. Repair or replace damaged pipes: savvy plumbers may opt for trenchless pipe relining without full excavation.

4. Flushable Items & Debris in the Toilet

What’s Going On

Toilets aren’t trash cans. Yet millions of people flush wipes, feminine products, dental floss, cotton balls, and even paper towels. These don’t disintegrate and can clog traps or cause blockages way down the sewer line.

Why It Happens

• People assume “flushable” means safe to dispose of anywhere.
• Mixed materials tangle and compact into impenetrable masses.

How to Fix It

1. Plunge carefully: ensure there’s enough water to seal and force water through the clog.
2. Use an auger for toilets: special yellow-handled augers reach through the trap to break up clogs.
3. Prevent future issues: educate family members and keep a bin nearby for non-flushables.

5. Old, Collapsed, or Misaligned Pipes

What’s Going On

A clog isn’t always due to debris—it may be caused by structural pipe issues. Pipes that collapse, misalign, or settle due to shifting soil can pinch or block flow, causing persistent backups.

Why It Happens

• Aging materials like clay or cast-iron corrode and shrink.
• Tree roots or shifting ground can compress or crack pipes.
• Misaligned joints from shifting soil cause mis-shedding or pooling.

How to Fix It

1. Camera inspection is critical: this identifies exact nodes needing attention.
2. Trenchless pipe bursting or relining: modern options that leave lawn and driveway intact.
3. Traditional excavation and replacement: when trenchless is not viable.
4. Plan preventive maintenance: periodic check-ups prevent future failures.

🛠️ How to Prevent Sewer Clogs in the Future

Clear Kitchen Habits

• Always cool and discard grease properly.
• Use sink strainers and empty them frequently.
• Don’t let food scraps drop into the drain.

Bathroom Discipline

• Use hair catchers in showers and clean them after each use.
• Only flush toilet paper; everything else belongs in the bin.
• Don’t flush wipes—even “flushable” ones.

Routine Upkeep

• Once or twice a year, have a plumber clean your lines with snaking or hydro-jetting.
• Get your sewer line inspected periodically, especially if you live in a tree-heavy area.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Avoid high acid or bleach cleaners—they can damage pipes over time, weakening joints and increasing cracks.

When to Call Neighborhood Plumbing & Drain

Some clogs aren’t DIY-friendly, especially if they’re deep within your property line or caused by roots or structural issues. Call us when:

• Your plunger or snake doesn’t work
• You’ve flushed “non-flushables” and it’s repeatedly backing up
• You hear gurgling, smell sewage odors, or see multiple drains clogging at once
• You suspect tree roots, old pipe materials, or soil shifts
• You want to prevent future problems with professional inspections

We offer camera inspections, hydro-jetting, trenchless line repair, and routine maintenance—designed to protect your home without overcharging you or doing extra digging.

Summary Table

Clog Issue	Signs	DIY Fixes	When to Call a Pro
Hair & Soap Scum	Slow shower/sink drains, gurgling audio	Plunge, snake, enzyme cleaner, strainers	If recurring or tied to multiple drains
Food/Greaseline Kitchen Clogs	Sink backups, water slow drain, smells	Hot water with soap, outhouse snake, plunging	If it’s deep in the main line
Tree Root Penetration	Sudden, severe backups; root material in line	Annual cleaning, chemical root control	Always call – requires inspection & repair
Toilet Clogs (non-flushables)	Toiletfills, slow emptying, repeat issues	Toilet plunger, toilet auger, driver education	If auger fails or this recurs
Pipe Damage/Collapse	Clogs at multiple fixtures, uneven flow	Camera inspection; trenchless repairs	Structural fixes are a pro job

Why We Recommend This Method

We don’t believe in “quick-fix” chemicals that only solve today’s problem—only to corrode your pipes tomorrow. Instead, we offer tailored, long-lasting solutions designed to protect your home and your investment.

From installing simple catchers to performing high-tech trenchless pipe relining, we choose the right fix for the job—without overcharging or causing unnecessary disruption.

Your Next Steps

1. Assess the type of clog by where it’s happening and what’s causing it.
2. Try the simple fixes first: plunging, snaking, and using safe cleaners.
3. Upgrade your habits: use strainers, don’t dump grease, only flush toilet paper.
4. Schedule professional help if the clog is out of reach, recurring, or tied to deeper issues.

📞 Ready to put your sewer clog woes behind you? Neighbor Plumbing & Drain is ready to step in with transparent pricing, prompt appointments, and long-term solutions. Your plumbing’s health is our top priority—reach out anytime. Contact Neighborhood Plumbing & Drain today or call us at 512-266-3566.

Neighborhood Plumbing & Drain
Your go-to for fast, reliable, respectful plumbing services in our community.