Most Houston clogs come down to a few things. Houston Public Works says 70% of the city’s sewer overflows are caused by clogs from fats, oils and grease poured down drains and wipes flushed down toilets. Much of Houston also sits on clay soil that swells when it’s wet and shrinks when it’s dry, which moves older pipes over the years and opens joints for roots.
Kitchen sink keeps clogging
Grease and food scraps harden in the line, especially past the disposal. We clear the line and show you what was in it. To keep it from coming back, can the grease, let it cool and toss it in the trash.
Garbage disposal jammed or draining slowly
Usually food that shouldn’t go down it (grease, rice, peels, coffee grounds), or a clog in the line just past it. Turn it off and never put your hand in the disposal. We clear the line and check whether the disposal itself is the problem.
Slow tub or shower
Usually hair and soap buildup close to the drain. It’s often a quick fix, unless other drains are slow too.
Toilet clogging or backing up
One toilet that clogs is usually a local clog, often wipes or too much paper. (A toilet that runs, rocks or leaks at the base is a repair, not a clog: see toilet repair.) If the toilet backs up when the washer drains or another toilet flushes, the problem is further down the line.
Washer drain overflowing
Lint and soap build up in the standpipe, or the main line is partly blocked. We’ll check both.
Several drains slow at once
This points to the main sewer line, not a single fixture. The lowest drain in the house, usually a tub or shower, backs up first.
Gurgling or a sewer smell
Gurgling when you run water, or a sewer smell inside, can mean a partial main line clog or a venting problem. Don’t ignore it. It usually gets worse.
Sources: Houston Public Works, Protect Our Pipes · Houston Geological Society, Beaumont clay · MedlinePlus, drain cleaner poisoning
