Top 5 Causes of Clogged Drains in Seattle Homes

8/17/20252 min read

Clogged drains are one of the most common problems Seattle homeowners face. At The Drain Authority, we specialize in clearing stubborn clogs every single day, and we’ve noticed the same culprits popping up over and over again. Knowing what causes drain clogs can help you prevent them, and save yourself from a plumbing headache.

Here are the top 5 reasons drains clog in homes across Seattle and King County:

1. Grease and Food Waste

Pouring cooking grease down the sink is one of the fastest ways to clog a kitchen drain. Grease cools, hardens, and sticks to your pipes, trapping food particles until water can barely pass through.

2. Hair Buildup

Bathroom drains are notorious for clogs caused by hair. Over time, hair combines with soap scum and creates a tangled mess inside your pipes.

3. Soap and Mineral Deposits

Even liquid soap leaves behind residue, especially when mixed with Seattle’s water. These deposits can harden, reducing pipe diameter and slowing drainage.

4. “Flushable” Wipes and Hygiene Products

Despite what the packaging says, wipes are not really flushable. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can easily cause blockages in toilets and sewer lines.

5. Tree Roots in Sewer Lines

Seattle’s older neighborhoods have lots of mature trees, and unfortunately, their roots often find their way into sewer lines. Once inside, they grow quickly and can cause serious clogs.

How to Prevent Drain Clogs

  • Dispose of grease properly (let it cool and throw it in the trash).

  • Use drain strainers in sinks, showers, and tubs to catch food and hair.

  • Limit wipes and paper products to toilet paper only.

  • Schedule preventative drain cleaning if your home is older or you’ve had frequent clogs.

Call The Drain Authority – Seattle’s Drain Cleaning Experts

If you’re dealing with a slow or clogged drain, don’t wait for it to get worse. At The Drain Authority, drains are all we do. That means you’ll get honest, straightforward service, no sales gimmicks, no overpriced repairs, just expert drain cleaning in Seattle and King County you can count on.

Call today and let us get your drains flowing freely again!