A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing headaches during the warmer months. And all those BBQs, pool parties, and garden projects might be to blame.
While summer should be a time to relax, it also puts extra pressure on your plumbing system in ways you might not expect. From food scraps and grease to yard debris and heavier household water use, your drains are working overtime.
In this post, we’ll break down why clogged drains are more common in the summer, how to prevent them, and what to do if your system starts slowing down.
Why Summer Is Prime Time for Drain Problems
There’s a reason plumbing companies get more calls for clogged drains in July than January, and it’s not just the heat.
1. Food Waste from Gatherings
Summer cookouts, potlucks, and holiday parties all bring a lot of traffic through the kitchen. That means more food scraps, grease, and debris being rinsed down the sink. Even small things like corn husks, watermelon seeds, or leftover salad can build up quickly and cause blockages.
2. Grease and Cooking Oils
Grilled meats, fried appetizers, and oily marinades leave behind one major drain enemy: grease. When washed down the sink, grease can cool and harden in your pipes, creating a sticky trap for other debris to get stuck on.
3. Outdoor Dirt and Debris
Gardening, yard work, and muddy play days mean outdoor drains are handling more dirt, leaves, and sand than usual. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can block water flow and back up into your yard or foundation.
4. Increased Water Usage
With kids home from school and guests visiting more often, your household’s water use spikes. Extra laundry, showers, and dishwashing all contribute to overloaded pipes and clogged drains, especially if you’re already dealing with some buildup.
High-Risk Drains to Watch This Season
Not every drain in your home is equally vulnerable during the summer. Some tend to be more problematic than others:
- Kitchen Sink: Easily the biggest culprit during summer entertaining. Grease, scraps, and dish debris all combine to slow things down.
- Outdoor Drains: Found in patios, driveways, and garden areas—these fill up fast with soil, mulch, and leaves.
- Shower and Tub Drains: Sand from the beach, hair from extra showers, and even leftover sunscreen can contribute to clogs here.
How to Prevent Summer Clogs
The best fix is always prevention. Here are a few simple habits that go a long way in keeping clogged drains at bay:
1. Use Drain Strainers
These small mesh filters are inexpensive and highly effective. Use them in your kitchen, bathroom, and even outdoor drains to catch food, hair, and debris before it enters your pipes.
2. Be Smart About What Goes Down
Never pour grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous vegetables like celery and corn husks down the drain. Compost it or throw it in the trash instead.
3. Rinse With Hot Water and Dish Soap
After cooking, run hot water with a bit of dish soap down the drain to help break up oils and prevent buildup.
4. Clear Outdoor Drains Weekly
Especially if you’re gardening or mowing often. Sweep away surface debris and rinse the area with a hose to keep flow clear.
5. Schedule a Professional Cleaning
If you’re noticing slow drains, or if it’s been over a year since your last cleaning, getting a professional inspection can save you a big headache down the line.
Signs You’re About to Have a Problem
Not every clog happens overnight. Often, your plumbing system gives you clues that something’s going wrong:
- Slow draining in sinks, tubs, or outdoor areas
- Gurgling sounds when water drains
- Bad odors coming from your kitchen or bathroom sink
- Water backing up into other drains (like the bathtub when doing laundry)
These early warnings mean buildup is forming, and it’s only a matter of time before you’re dealing with a full-blown clogged drain.
What to Do When a Clog Hits
Sometimes, a plunger or drain snake can clear a minor blockage. Here are a few safe DIY tips before calling in the pros:
- Hot Water + Dish Soap: Great for grease-related clogs.
- Baking Soda + Vinegar: Pour half a cup of each, let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, and flush with hot water.
- Manual Drain Snake: Use carefully to avoid damaging older pipes.
Avoid chemical cleaners, they’re harsh, can corrode your pipes over time, and often only clear part of the clog.
If the clog keeps coming back or affects multiple drains, it’s time to call in a professional.
Why Professional Drain Cleaning Works Better
Here’s the thing: clogged drains often go deeper than what you can see. A professional plumber doesn’t just treat the symptoms, they identify and resolve the root cause.
Benefits of pro drain cleaning include:
- Speed and Accuracy: Pros have tools like sewer cameras to see exactly where the problem is.
- Safe for Pipes: Trained technicians know how much pressure or force to use without damaging the system.
- Long-Term Fix: Professional cleaning, like hydro jetting, removes the full buildup so clogs don’t return a week later.
- Emergency Support: If things escalate, teams like Rapid Plumbing offer 24/7 response, even on weekends or holidays.
This Summer’s Clogged Drain Promo
Don’t let clogged drains ruin your summer plans. Rapid Plumbing offers free estimates, 24/7 emergency plumbing services, and same-day appointments across Southern California, including Los Angeles County and Orange County.
Whether it’s a slow kitchen sink, a blocked shower, or a totally backed-up line, our licensed experts can clear it fast, and help you avoid a repeat performance.
Keep your summer flowing smoothly with Rapid Plumbing today!