When it comes to household plumbing, a wide range of issues can arise—some minor, some requiring immediate professional attention. But among all the service requests we receive at Affinity Plumbing & Water Conditioning, one issue stands out as the most common: a clogged drain.

Why Clogged Drains Are So Common

Clogged drains are something every homeowner will likely experience at some point. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a completely blocked kitchen drain, these issues tend to sneak up when you least expect them. Over time, hair, soap scum, food scraps, grease, and other debris build up inside your pipes, restricting water flow and causing frustrating backups.

Common Causes of Drain Clogs

• Kitchen sinks often get clogged from grease, food waste, and soap residue.
• Bathroom drains get jammed with hair, toothpaste, and soap scum.
• Toilets can become blocked by excess toilet paper or items that should never be flushed—like wipes or hygiene products.
• Laundry drains sometimes clog due to lint and fabric fibers from washing machines.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Clogged Drain

While it might be tempting to reach for a chemical drain cleaner, store-bought products often cause more harm than good. These chemicals can erode your pipes over time, leading to more costly repairs down the road. Plus, they rarely clear the entire blockage, meaning the issue will likely return.

At Affinity Plumbing & Water Conditioning, we take a thorough approach to drain cleaning. Our licensed plumbers use safe, effective methods to locate and remove clogs while protecting the integrity of your plumbing system.

Preventing Drain Clogs in Your Home

Here are a few simple habits that can help keep your drains flowing freely:

• Use a drain screen to catch hair and debris.
• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the kitchen sink.
• Run hot water down your drains regularly to help clear buildup.
• Only flush toilet paper—never wipes, even if they’re labeled “flushable.”

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you’re dealing with recurring clogs, multiple slow drains, or gurgling sounds in your plumbing system, it’s time to call in the pros. Our team at Affinity Plumbing & Water Conditioning has the tools and experience to diagnose the problem and get your home’s plumbing back to normal quickly.

We proudly serve Minnesota homeowners with prompt, reliable plumbing services—from drain cleaning and leak repair to full plumbing installations. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or want to prevent future problems, we’re here to help.