Clogged drains are one of the most common and frustrating plumbing issues for homeowners in Milton, Washington. Whether it’s your kitchen sink refusing to drain or a slow-moving shower, blocked drains can disrupt your daily routine and, if ignored, cause expensive damage. At Einstein Pros Milton, we’ve seen it all—and more often than not, the real culprit isn’t what homeowners expect.
If you’re wondering what’s really going down your drains (and shouldn’t be), keep reading. These everyday habits and household items might be secretly causing your clogged drains—and costing you money.
🚫 1. Grease, Oils, and Fats: The Silent Drain Killers
Pouring leftover cooking grease down the kitchen sink might seem harmless, but it’s one of the top causes of clogged drains in Milton. Grease solidifies as it cools, coating the inside of pipes and trapping other debris along the way.
🔹 Better Alternative: Pour cooled grease into a disposable container and throw it in the trash.
🔹 Milton Tip: You can also recycle cooking oil locally—check with City of Milton Waste Management for options.
According to the CDC, improper waste disposal like grease and hygiene products contributes significantly to residential plumbing issues across the U.S.
🧻 2. “Flushable” Wipes—Spoiler Alert: They’re Not Really Flushable
Despite marketing claims, so-called “flushable” wipes don’t break down the same way toilet paper does. These wipes often collect in bends of pipes, leading to stubborn clogs, especially in older homes in Milton.
🔹 Einstein Tip: Stick to toilet paper only. If it doesn’t disintegrate quickly in water, it doesn’t belong in the toilet.
🔗 See more drain tips from our Milton drain cleaning experts.
🐾 3. Pet Hair and Human Hair: The Shower Drain’s Worst Enemy
Hair is a top offender in bathroom drain clogs. Over time, it tangles with soap scum and builds into a web that blocks water flow completely.
🔹 Prevention: Install inexpensive hair catchers in your shower and tub. Clean them weekly.
🔗 Need help clearing tough shower clogs? Our Milton drain snaking services are here 24/7.
🍚 4. Food Scraps That Swell: Rice, Pasta, Coffee Grounds
Many homeowners think that food scraps are fine for the garbage disposal, but that’s only partially true. Rice and pasta expand with water and turn into paste-like blockages. Coffee grounds clump and stick to pipes, creating long-term buildup.
🔹 Avoid It: Compost food scraps where possible, and always scrape plates before rinsing.
🔗 Learn more about proper kitchen drain care in Milton.
🧼 5. Soap Scum: The Sneaky Culprit in Bathroom Sinks
Soap may seem harmless, but traditional soap bars contain fats that mix with minerals in water to create a sticky residue. This residue, called soap scum, gradually narrows your drain pipes and traps hair and dirt.
🔹 Switch It Up: Use liquid soap or body wash to reduce buildup.
🧸 6. Foreign Objects—From Toys to Cotton Swabs
Children flushing small toys down the toilet is more common than you think. Even seemingly innocent items like cotton balls, Q-tips, and dental floss can cause serious blockages in sewer lines.
🔹 Rule of Thumb: If it’s not toilet paper or bodily waste, it shouldn’t be flushed.
🔧 What to Do When You Have a Clogged Drain in Milton
If you’ve tried home remedies like plungers or baking soda and vinegar, and the problem keeps coming back, it’s time to call in the experts. At Einstein Pros Milton, our licensed plumbers use advanced tools like hydro jetting and video camera inspections to locate and remove even the toughest clogs—without damaging your pipes.
We specialize in:
- Kitchen & bathroom drain cleaning
- Sewer line camera inspections
- Emergency plumbing services
- Preventive maintenance for recurring drain issues
🔗 Explore our full range of Milton plumbing services.
✅ Final Thoughts: Protect Your Drains, Protect Your Home
Clogged drains aren’t just an inconvenience—they can lead to pipe damage, foul odors, mold, and even sewage backups. Knowing what goes down your drains is the first step to avoiding these costly issues. A little prevention goes a long way.
If you’re in Milton, WA and dealing with persistent drain issues, don’t wait. Contact the trusted local pros at Einstein Pros Milton for fast, affordable, and professional service.
📞 Need Drain Cleaning in Milton? Call Einstein Pros Today!
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