Most people think clogged drains are caused by the obvious: hair, grease, or maybe a wad of paper towels. But there’s more lurking in your pipes than you’d expect. Some of the worst offenders are the things people assume are harmless—or worse, flushable. Understanding these lesser-known culprits can help you avoid recurring issues and expensive emergency calls—and make timely drain cleaning in Roswell, GA all the more important.
1. Flushable Wipes That Aren’t
Despite the name, most so-called "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. They’re made from durable fibers that resist breaking down, leading to tough, rope-like clogs. These blockages often require professional drain cleaning services to remove completely.
2. Coffee Grounds
They seem small and harmless going down the drains, but coffee grounds clump together and create a sludge that sticks to grease in your pipes. Over time, this buildup can narrow the passage and slow drainage significantly.
3. Dental Floss
It’s stringy, strong, and never biodegradable. Floss can wrap around other debris, creating a net that catches additional waste. The result? A clogged drain with a blockage that worsens with each flush or rinse.
4. Paint and Paint Thinner
Whether it’s water-based or oil-based, paint hardens inside pipes as it dries. Paint thinner, meanwhile, can corrode your plumbing and harm the environment. Both are best disposed of at hazardous waste centers—not down the sink.
5. Too Much “Ultra-Soft” Toilet Paper
Luxury toilet paper is plush but slower to break down. Using too much—especially in older plumbing systems—can overwhelm pipes and lead to partial blockages or backups.
6. Flushable Cat Litter (Spoiler: It’s Not)
Even brands labeled "flushable" can swell and harden in your pipes. Designed to clump on contact with moisture, cat litter behaves the same way in your plumbing—and that’s a problem that requires the intervention of a drain cleaning company.
7. Toys and Foreign Objects
If you’ve got young kids, small toys or household items can easily end up down the drain. Whether it’s a LEGO brick or a bottle cap, these objects often get stuck in bends and junctions, causing stubborn clogs.
Stop the Guesswork—Start the Prevention
Drain clogs don’t always announce themselves with a gurgle or a slow drain. By the time you're dealing with a full blockage, the problem may already be deep in the system. If you've encountered recurring drain issues, it might be time for a professional inspection—or a thorough cleaning using hydro jetting. A trusted drain cleaning company can clear out both common and unexpected clogs efficiently and safely.
Call The Pipe Medic to schedule a preventative drain cleaning service today.
