Quick Summary: Clogged drains are a headache for many homeowners in the Columbus Metro area. This guide explains the most common causes, when you can try DIY solutions, when to call a professional, and how to prevent recurring issues. If you’re struggling with a stubborn clog, call (614)305-RAIN (7246) for expert help from A+ Gutter & Drain.
Why Do Drains Get Clogged So Often?
It’s one of the most frustrating household problems — you turn on the faucet, and instead of disappearing, water collects in the sink. In Columbus homes, clogged drains are extremely common because of a mix of aging plumbing systems, tree-lined neighborhoods, and everyday habits that send the wrong materials down the drain.
A drain clog happens when material builds up inside pipes and prevents water from flowing freely. Small issues can turn into major blockages, leading to leaks, bad odors, or even water damage in basements. That’s why understanding the causes is the first step toward prevention.
The Top Causes of Clogged Drains
Here are the most frequent culprits that our team at A+ Gutter & Drain sees in homes across the Columbus Metro area:
1. Hair and Soap Scum
Bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs are notorious for hair clogs. Hair strands catch on pipe walls and combine with soap residue, forming sticky blockages that keep growing over time.
2. Grease and Oil
Pouring grease down the kitchen sink is one of the fastest ways to create a clog. Even if it looks like liquid when hot, grease hardens inside pipes and traps food particles. Columbus homes with older pipes are especially vulnerable to grease-related clogs.
3. Food Waste
Many people rinse leftover food into the sink without realizing their garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle everything. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and eggshells are common offenders that swell or compact into hard blockages.
4. Foreign Objects
From baby wipes to “flushable” wipes, cotton balls, dental floss, or even kids’ toys — many items that don’t belong in drains cause severe blockages. Unlike toilet paper, they don’t break down in water.
5. Mineral Buildup
Columbus water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over the years, these minerals build up inside pipes, reducing the diameter and making clogs more likely.
6. Tree Roots
One of the most serious causes of clogs in Columbus is tree root intrusion. Roots naturally seek water sources and can break into underground sewer lines through tiny cracks. Once inside, they expand and cause major blockages.
DIY Fixes You Can Try at Home
Not every clogged drain requires a professional visit right away. For minor issues, try these simple steps:
- Boiling water: Pouring hot water down the drain can sometimes dissolve grease buildup.
- Baking soda and vinegar: A natural cleaner that fizzes and loosens small blockages.
- Plunger: Often effective for toilets and sinks.
- Drain snake: Available at hardware stores, it can pull out hair or debris from shallow clogs.
Important: Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They may seem convenient, but they often corrode pipes and can make future repairs more costly.
When to Call a Professional Drain Service
DIY methods are fine for small blockages, but some signs mean it’s time to call A+ Gutter & Drain right away:
- Clogs keep coming back after DIY attempts
- Multiple drains are clogged at once
- You smell foul odors from sinks or tubs
- You hear gurgling sounds from toilets
- Sewage backup is visible in the basement
Our team uses advanced tools like camera inspections, mechanical snaking, and hydro jetting to find the root cause and solve it permanently.
How to Prevent Future Clogs
The best way to deal with clogged drains is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some easy maintenance tips:
- Use drain screens in kitchen and bathroom sinks to catch debris.
- Dispose of grease in a sealed container, not down the sink.
- Flush drains with hot water once a week to reduce buildup.
- Have your drains professionally cleaned once a year, especially in older Columbus homes.
Why Columbus Homeowners Trust A+ Gutter & Drain
We’re not just another drain cleaning service — we’re your local experts. Here’s why homeowners across the Columbus Metro area rely on us:
- Locally owned and operated
- Licensed and insured professionals
- 24/7 emergency drain services
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Dozens of 5-star Google reviews
Whether you’re dealing with a simple sink clog or a major sewer line issue, we’ve got the tools and expertise to restore your drains quickly and safely.
Call A+ Gutter & Drain Today
Don’t let a clogged drain disrupt your life. For expert clogged drain services in the Columbus, Ohio Metro area, call (614)305-RAIN (7246) today. Our team is standing by to provide fast, affordable, and professional service.