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Common Causes of Clogged Drains: Your Plumbing Guide in Sevierville, TN

Last Update:
March 25, 2025

Hair and Soap Buildup in Bathroom Drains

One of the most frequent complaints we hear at Plumber In A Box—serving Sevierville, TN, and surrounding East Tennessee communities—is slow-draining or clogged bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. The top culprits? Hair and soap scum.

  • Hair: The Silent Pipe Clogger
    Hair doesn’t break down easily in water. Over time, shed hair can collect in your p-trap or pipe walls, forming a net that traps soap residue and other debris—leading to stubborn blockages.
  • Prevention Tip: Use a hair catcher or drain cover in your shower and bathtub, and clean brushes over the trashcan instead of the sink.
  • Soap Scum: More Than Just a Bathtub Ring
    Soap scum is the filmy residue that forms when soap combines with minerals in hard water. It clings to pipe interiors, narrowing the pathway for water flow and trapping additional debris.
  • Prevention Tip: Switch to liquid soap or body wash and run hot water regularly to help rinse away residue. Installing a water filter can also reduce the mineral content that contributes to scum buildup.

Grease and Food Particles in Kitchen Drains

Kitchen drains often fall victim to grease, oil, and food particles—especially if you rely too heavily on your garbage disposal.

  • Grease and Oil: Kitchen Drain’s Worst Nightmare
    Pouring hot grease or oil down the drain seems harmless until it cools and solidifies inside your pipes, creating a sticky coating that captures other particles.
  • Prevention Tip: Let grease cool in a container and dispose of it in the trash. Wipe pans with a paper towel before washing.
  • Food Waste: Knowing Your Disposal’s Limits
    Garbage disposals can’t handle everything. Coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, and fibrous veggies like celery can tangle blades or form clumps.
  • Prevention Tip: Scrape plates into the trash first, and cut large scraps into smaller pieces. Run cold water before, during, and after using your disposal.

Foreign Objects and Flushing Mistakes

Small toys, jewelry, cotton swabs, feminine products, and so-called “flushable” wipes all have one thing in common: They don’t belong in your drains or toilets. Educate your household on safe disposal practices and keep toilet lids closed if children are around.

  • Toilet Paper Overload
    Even though toilet paper is designed to break down, using too much at once can still overwhelm older or low-flow toilets.
  • Prevention Tip: Opt for thinner toilet paper and only use what you need. When in doubt, flush in intervals rather than overloading the bowl at once.
Plumbing emergencies are unpredictable and can spring up at any moment. Gain peace of mind knowing our team is available around the clock to help.

Whether you’re tackling a minor clog or a significant backup, remember that professional plumbing services are always a call away—especially when you need 24/7 emergency assistance in Sevierville, TN. If you’re facing a serious drain blockage or suspect a hidden issue, give us a call at 877-742-2462 or book your appointment online for service during regular business hours.

Main Drain Clog Culprits & Proactive Prevention

When drains across your home start clogging simultaneously, you could be dealing with main drain or sewer line issues. Tree roots, mineral buildup, and aging pipes are often to blame:

  1. Tree Roots
    Roots naturally seek moisture and can invade even the smallest pipe cracks. If left unchecked, they’ll grow, trapping debris and causing major blockages.
  2. Prevention Tip: Schedule regular inspections if you live near mature trees and consider installing root barriers.
  3. Mineral Buildup
    Hard water in Sevierville, TN can cause calcium and magnesium to collect on pipe walls, narrowing water flow.
  4. Prevention Tip: A water softener system or professional descaling service can help keep buildup at bay.
  5. Aging Pipes
    Older piping materials like cast iron or clay may deteriorate, leading to frequent clogs or leaks.
  6. Prevention Tip: If you notice chronic problems or visible corrosion, upgrading to modern PVC or PEX piping can save you from future hassles.

Finally, remember the importance of The Box Advantage Membership. From priority scheduling to waived service labor fees during specific time slots, our membership is designed to simplify your plumbing needs. As a locally & family-owned business, we treat every customer like family with honest, competitive pricing—offering flat rates so there are no surprises.

Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day! For reliable plumbing solutions in Sevierville, TN, and East Tennessee, contact Plumber In A Box any time at 877-742-2462 or explore our online booking options. We’re here 24/7 to keep your water flowing smoothly.