Why Do My Drains Keep Clogging in Arizona Homes?

If you feel like you’re constantly dealing with slow or clogged drains, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, and across the West Valley experience frequent drain issues — even in newer homes.

At Set Apart Plumbing, we’re often asked: “Why do my drains keep clogging when I’m careful about what goes down them?” The answer usually comes down to a few common Arizona-specific factors.

In this article, we’ll explain the most common causes of recurring drain clogs, how to prevent them, and when it’s time to call a professional plumber.

1. Hard Water Buildup in Your Pipes

Arizona is known for having some of the hardest water in the country. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals stick to the inside of your pipes.

As buildup increases, the inside diameter of your drain lines becomes smaller. This makes it easier for soap, hair, grease, and debris to get stuck — leading to frequent clogs.

Signs of hard water buildup include:

• White or chalky residue on fixtures

• Reduced water pressure

• Frequent drain slowdowns

• Spotting on dishes and glassware

Installing a water softener can help reduce mineral buildup and extend the life of your plumbing system.

2. Grease and Food Waste in Kitchen Drains

One of the most common causes of clogged kitchen drains is grease and food debris.

Even if grease looks liquid when it goes down the sink, it cools and hardens inside your pipes. Over time, it collects food particles and creates stubborn blockages.

Common kitchen drain offenders include:

• Cooking oils and grease

• Coffee grounds

• Eggshells

• Rice and pasta

• Fibrous foods (celery, corn husks)

Garbage disposals are helpful, but they are not designed to handle everything. Using them improperly often leads to recurring clogs.

3. Hair and Soap Scum in Bathroom Drains

Bathroom drains are especially prone to clogs due to hair and soap residue.

When hair combines with soap scum and mineral deposits, it forms thick, sticky blockages that are difficult to remove with basic drain cleaners.

This is most common in:

• Shower drains

• Bathtubs

• Bathroom sinks

If you’re dealing with slow drains that keep coming back, hair buildup is often the culprit.

4. Aging or Poorly Installed Plumbing

Many Arizona homes — especially those built in the 1980s and 1990s — have aging drain systems that are more prone to problems.

Issues we frequently see include:

• Corroded metal pipes

• Sagging or misaligned drain lines

• Improper pipe slope

• Old cast iron or galvanized plumbing

When pipes aren’t properly aligned, waste doesn’t flow as it should. Instead, it settles in low spots and creates recurring blockages.

5. Flushing the Wrong Items

Toilets are designed to handle only two things: human waste and toilet paper.

Flushing anything else can quickly lead to blockages.

Items that commonly cause clogs include:

• “Flushable” wipes (which are not truly flushable)

• Paper towels

• Feminine hygiene products

• Baby wipes

• Cotton swabs

• Dental floss

Even products labeled as flushable can build up over time and restrict flow.

How to Prevent Frequent Drain Clogs

While some plumbing issues require professional repair, many clogs can be reduced with simple habits.

Here are a few ways to protect your drains:

• Use Drain Strainers

• Install strainers in showers, tubs, and sinks to catch hair and debris.

• Dispose of Grease Properly

• Pour grease into a container and throw it in the trash instead of the sink.

• Run Hot Water After Use

• Flushing drains with hot water after washing dishes can help reduce grease buildup.

• Schedule Routine Maintenance

• Professional drain cleaning removes buildup before it becomes a major problem.

• Consider Water Treatment

• A water softener can significantly reduce mineral accumulation in pipes.

When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to call a licensed plumber:

• Clogs that return quickly after clearing

• Multiple slow drains

• Sewage smells

• Water backing up

• Gurgling sounds

• Drain cleaners that don’t work

Store-bought chemical drain cleaners can actually damage your pipes over time and often only provide temporary relief.

Trust Set Apart Plumbing for Drain Cleaning in Arizona

At Set Apart Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, and surrounding West Valley communities keep their plumbing running smoothly.

Our team provides:

• Professional drain cleaning

• Honest assessments

• Upfront pricing

• Long-term solutions

We focus on fixing the root cause of the problem — not just clearing the symptom.

Schedule Your Drain Inspection Today

If your drains are slow, clogged, or constantly giving you trouble, don’t wait for a bigger issue to develop.

Contact Set Apart Plumbing today to schedule an inspection or drain cleaning service.

📞 Call or text: 480-404-0979🌐 Visit: www.setapartplumbing.com

Family-owned • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Serving Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Waddell, Litchfield Park, and Phoenix, AZ