If you’ve lived in Spokane for any length of time, you’ve probably battled a clogged drain. It happens to everyone, and most of the time the cause is surprisingly simple. Everyday things like dishwasher pods, greasy leftovers, and coffee grounds can build up in your pipes without you noticing until the water stops moving. At Bulldog Rooter, we understand the frustration that comes with clogged drains, and we’re here to help you prevent and resolve these issues.
What Causes Drains to Clog?
Clogged drains don’t happen all at once — they build up slowly over time. While store-bought, cheap drain cleaning options may seem like an easy fix, their harsh chemicals can damage your pipes, causing corrosion or weak spots where debris collects even faster. Instead of quick methods that can lead to bigger issues, it’s better to choose safe, effective solutions that keep your plumbing healthy for the long run. When we help customers prevent future clogs, these are the questions we hear most often:
Do Dishwasher Pods Clog Drains?
Dishwasher pods are a convenient way to clean your dishes, but they can also contribute to clogged drains. The plastic coating on these pods may not dissolve completely, leading to a buildup in your pipes over time. To prevent this, consider using a liquid or powder detergent instead, or make sure to run your garbage disposal after each dishwasher cycle to break down any remaining particles.
Can Coffee Grounds Clog Drains?
Coffee grounds are another common culprit when it comes to clogged drains. While they may seem harmless, coffee grounds can accumulate in your pipes and create blockages. Instead of pouring them down the drain, consider composting them or disposing of them in the trash.
Does Sperm Clog Drains?
While it may seem like an odd question, it’s one that we get asked from time to time. The short answer is no, sperm does not typically clog drains. However, if you’re experiencing persistent clogs or slow draining, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to assess the situation.
Is Coconut Oil Safe for Drains?
Coconut oil is not safe for drains. Even though it melts easily when heated, it solidifies quickly as it cools, often turning into a waxy, sticky layer inside your pipes. Over time, this buildup can trap food particles, soap scum, and other debris, eventually leading to stubborn clogs. The safest approach is to wipe coconut oil from pans or containers and dispose of it in the trash before washing.
Are Any Oils Safe to Put Down the Drain?
No — no type of cooking oil is safe to pour down the drain, whether it’s plant-based or animal-based. Liquid oils may flow freely at first, but as they move through cooler sections of your plumbing, they thicken, coat the pipe walls, and combine with other waste, creating a sticky mass that can contribute to major blockages in your household line and even in city sewer systems. The best practice is to collect used oil in a jar or sealed container and throw it away, or recycle it where local programs permit.
Can Shaving in the Shower Clog Your Drain?
Shaving in the shower is a common practice, but it can contribute to clogged drains. Hair and shaving cream can accumulate in your pipes, creating blockages that slow down drainage. To prevent this, consider using a drain cover or hair catcher to trap hair before it enters your pipes.
Does Bar Soap Clog Drains?
Bar soap can also contribute to clogged drains, especially if it contains oils or fats that can solidify in your pipes. To prevent this, consider using a liquid soap or body wash instead, or make sure to break up any remaining bar soap before it goes down the drain.
How to Unclog Drains at Home
The easiest way to unclog a drain is to prevent the clog from forming in the first place — but when something does slip through, a few simple at-home cheap drain cleaning steps can help. Start by removing any visible debris from the drain opening and running hot water to loosen mild buildup. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help break down light grime, and a sink plunger or small plastic drain snake is often enough to clear hair or soap scum near the surface.
However, if water is backing up, draining slowly throughout the house, or if the clog keeps coming back, that’s usually a sign of something deeper in the line. At that point, DIY methods stop working — and stronger retail chemicals can damage your pipes or make the problem worse. When you’re past the simple fixes, call our plumbers for clogged drains so we can safely clear the line, address the root cause, and help prevent future blockages. It’s the fastest, safest way to get your drains flowing again.
Bulldog Rooter is Spokane’s Trust Plumber for Clogged Drains
At Bulldog Rooter, we have the expertise and equipment in our trucks, ready to help homeowners across the Inland Pacific Northwest with drain unclogging. Our Spokane plumbers for clogged drains use state-of-the-art tools like hydro-jetting and video pipe inspection to identify and resolve clogs quickly and efficiently.
We understand that drain issues can happen at any time, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency service at no extra charge. Whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’ll work tirelessly to restore your drains to optimal function.
Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your daily life. Gotta Clog? Call the Dog!
