Why Your Sink or Shower Keeps Getting Blocked: Common Causes and Solutions

There’s nothing more frustrating than a clogged sink or shower. Whether it’s a slow drain or a complete blockage, it can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience to a major headache. If you find yourself frequently dealing with blocked drains, you might be wondering, “Why does this keep happening?”

At 247-365.ca, we know that persistent drain issues can be a major source of frustration. But don’t worry—understanding the common causes of clogs is the first step toward solving the problem and preventing future blockages.

In this blog, we’ll break down the reasons why your sink or shower keeps getting blocked and offer practical solutions to keep your drains flowing smoothly. Let’s dive in!

1. Accumulation of Hair and Soap Scum

One of the most common culprits of clogged showers is hair. Whether it’s from shampooing, washing, or just shedding, hair easily accumulates in your shower drain. Over time, it combines with soap scum and mineral deposits, creating a sticky mass that slows down or completely blocks the flow of water.

In sinks, facial hair, food particles, and soap residues can have the same effect. These things build up inside the pipes, causing a gradual blockage that gets worse with time.

2. Grease and Oil Build-up

If you’ve ever cooked with oils or greasy foods, you’re likely familiar with how easily grease can slide down your kitchen sink. What you may not realize is that grease solidifies as it cools, sticking to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this creates a sticky, hardened mass that traps food and other debris, which can cause significant clogs.

This problem isn’t exclusive to the kitchen. Even bath oils and conditioners used in the shower can lead to similar build-up and eventually result in a blockage.

3. Food Particles in the Sink

In the kitchen, the garbage disposal may help chop food waste, but it doesn’t prevent food from eventually making its way into the drain pipes. Small particles of food, especially starchy items like rice and pasta, can expand when they come into contact with water, contributing to blockages. Additionally, fibrous foods like celery or potato peels can wrap around the disposal’s blades, causing clogs.

In the bathroom, toothpaste and cosmetic products can also accumulate in the sink, leading to eventual build-up and blockages.

4. Hard Water Deposits

If you live in an area with hard water, you might be dealing with mineral build-up in your pipes. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate in your drain, leading to a gradual narrowing of the pipe. This can slow down water flow, cause blockages, and even damage your plumbing over time.

This build-up often shows up as white or cloudy deposits in your showerhead or sink faucet. It’s often more noticeable around faucets, showerheads, and drains, but it can also sneak its way into the interior plumbing system.

5. Improper Drain Installation or Plumbing Design

Sometimes, the reason your drains keep getting blocked isn’t because of what’s going into them, but rather how the plumbing was designed or installed. Improperly installed pipes or poorly designed drainage systems can lead to persistent clogs. For example, pipes that are too narrow or have too many bends can easily catch debris, leading to a buildup of material that causes clogs.

6. Tree Root Intrusion

This is a less common but highly serious cause of plumbing issues: tree roots infiltrating your pipes. As trees grow, their roots search for water, and they may eventually invade your sewer lines, causing blockages and even damaging your pipes. This is most often a problem with outdoor sewer lines but can also affect indoor plumbing systems if roots find their way into the pipes.

7. Too Much Toilet Paper or Flushing Non-Flushable Items

In bathrooms, the most common issue causing clogs is excessive toilet paper or the flushing of non-flushable items (like wet wipes, cotton balls, or feminine hygiene products). Toilet paper can create a large, sluggish clog when too much is flushed at once, especially if your plumbing is older or the pipes are narrow.

Keep Your Drains Flowing Smoothly

Understanding the common causes of clogged sinks and showers is the first step toward preventing future blockages. By following the solutions outlined above, you can keep your drains in great shape and avoid the stress of constant blockages.

But if you’re dealing with persistent issues or need professional assistance, remember that 247-365.ca is here to help. We’re always ready to provide the expert solutions you need to ensure your home’s plumbing runs smoothly!