Fix the Flow! 3 Common Causes of Clogged Drains

July 14, 2025

Are clogged sinks causing your household stress? There are a number of common plumbing issues that impact drains' ability to function properly. Below are three of the main causes behind clogged drains. If you're struggling with clogged sinks, you may need professional drain cleaning services.


1. Silent Saboteurs: How Tiny Leaks Turn Into Major Drain Disasters

Plumbing leaks are one of the major drivers behind clogged pipes. Blocked drains cause water to back up behind the clog, increasing pressure in the pipes, which weakens or damages pipe seals and joints. Over time, these leaks can damage the critical infrastructure of your plumbing system.

Not only do leaky pipes contribute to clogged drains, but they can also cost you significant money. According to the EPA, the average household's leaks waste more than 10,000 gallons of water every year, which is enough to wash 270 loads of laundry! This illustrates the potential costs of leaky pipes.


2. The Grease Trap: Your Kitchen’s Slickest Mistake

While it may be common knowledge that pouring grease down the sink is bad for your pipes, plumbing professionals regularly identify grease as a cause for clogged drains. When cooled, grease solidifies and creates a blockage in your pipes. Pouring grease into your sink can trap other debris. Drain clogs caused by grease often require professional drain cleaning services to correct blockages.


3. Underground Invaders: How Tree Roots Break Into Your Pipes

The pipes that bring water to and from your home often run underground, alongside tree roots and other natural features. Tree roots are always on the search for water, and any cracks in your plumbing are an invitation for those roots to invade your pipes. As roots grow and move, they can cause plumbing headaches ranging from clogged drains to burst pipes. Older homes often have sewer lines that are made of weaker materials that tree roots can more easily penetrate.


The primary causes of clogged drains include leaky pipes, hardened grease, and intrusive tree roots, which generally require professional plumbing services to address these issues. Are you struggling with clogged drains in your home or in your business? If so, give Mike Leonard's Plumbing & Drain Cleaning a call to schedule drain cleaning services. We offer professional plumbing services to the Hershey, Hummelstown, Palmyra, Harrisburg, and surrounding regions in Pennsylvania.

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