Top Causes of Drain Clogs in San Fernando Valley Homes

Slow, stubborn drains are one of the most common household plumbing complaints, and the causes are usually a handful of familiar ones. Here are the top offenders that a drain cleaning visit turns up in Van Nuys and the surrounding neighborhoods.

1. Hair and soap scum

The classic bathroom clog. Install a mesh strainer over every shower and tub drain. It is cheap insurance.

2. Grease and cooking oils

Never pour grease down the kitchen sink. It cools and solidifies inside the pipe and traps everything else that follows it.

3. Mineral scale and grit

Hard water leaves scale on the inside of drain and supply pipes, and older rough pipe walls catch debris more easily. Over time the passage narrows until it blocks easily.

4. Tree and shrub roots

Mature trees along Valley streets and in yards will seek out sewer lines, especially older clay pipe with many joints. If clogs keep coming back, the real fix may be sewer line repair.