Local Plumbing Experts Share Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
TACOMA, WA – June 6, 2025 – If you own a home in the Puget Sound area, chances are you’ll eventually deal with one of the most common and frustrating plumbing issues: slow or clogged drains. To help homeowners in Tacoma and Seattle avoid expensive plumbing repairs, Jason Hunt, licensed plumber of over 30 years and founder of Hunt’s Services, is shedding light on the most frequent causes of clogged drains and how to prevent them before they start.
Top 4 Reasons Drains Clog in Tacoma–Seattle Homes
1. Tree Root Intrusions
“In older neighborhoods like North Tacoma or Capitol Hill, roots from large trees often grow into sewer lines looking for moisture,” says Jason. “It’s a slow but serious issue that can eventually block your entire pipe.”
Root penetration is most common in homes built before the 1970s when the original clay or concrete sewer pipes remain in place. Both of these materials will crack or get loosened joints where the pipes come together, allowing roots nearby to enter and grow inside. If the roots enter your drain lines, they will create an interlacing structure that traps solids, grease, and other blockages which can ultimately result in completely clogged pipes or even worse pipe failure. Warning indications are regular backups, sluggish drains, and areas of abnormally bright grass over the line.
2. Grease and Food Waste
“Even small amounts of grease poured down the sink can harden inside your pipes, especially in our cooler climate,” Jason explains. “Over time, it traps other debris and causes major clogs.”
People often assume hot water will wash grease away however as it cools in your drain line, it solidifies and sticks to the pipe walls. Add bits of food, soap scum, and hair, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a stubborn clog. Foods like pasta, rice, eggshells, and coffee grounds are also notorious for sticking and swelling in pipes. The best practice is to scrape every bit of food into the trash or compost before washing dishes.
3. Flushable Wipes and Hygiene Products
“Despite the label, most flushable wipes don’t break down like toilet paper,” Jason warns. “They often get caught in sewer lines and lead to backups, especially when combined with tree roots or grease.”
What might seem like a harmless inconvenience can be a plumbing disaster. Wipes, sanitary products, cotton balls, and even paper towels don’t break down easily in water, and when several are flushed at once, they produce dense clogs. These clogs are a leading cause of sewer overflows in single-family residences and apartment or condo buildings.
4. Old Pipes in Older Homes
It is conservatively estimated that the majority of homes built before 1980 in Seattle, Tacoma, and the surrounding areas still utilize outdated drain and sewer pipe materials. Galvanized steel corrodes inwardly, narrowing water flow. Orangeburg, a tar-based soft pipe commonly utilized during mid-century construction, is highly prone to collapse. Clay and concrete pipes are more likely to crack due to ground movement, root pressure, or corrosive sewer gases.
“These aging systems clog easily and can fail without warning,” Jason says. “Many homeowners don’t even know what type of piping they have until something goes wrong.” Tacoma’s damp winters and shifting soils only make things worse, putting older plumbing systems under constant stress.
How to Prevent Drain Clogs: 4 Essential Tips for Homeowners
1. Use Drain Strainers
Catch food scraps, hair, and debris before they enter your plumbing system. Strainers are inexpensive, easy to clean, and highly effective at preventing foreign objects from reaching your main drain lines.
2. Flush Pipes Naturally
Once a month, use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to clear minor buildup. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then rinse with boiling water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners because they may work temporarily but can corrode older pipes, damage septic systems, and pollute local water supplies.
3. Schedule Annual Inspections
If you’ve noticed recurring drainage issues, or if your home is more than 20 years old, it is recommended that you have an annual inspection by a licensed Seattle plumber who can detect root intrusions, buildup, or early signs of pipe failure. Licensed Tacoma plumbers, such as Hunt’s Services, use sewer cameras to inspect the full length of your drain lines, allowing them to pinpoint small problems before they turn into costly emergencies.
4. Replace Old Drain Lines
Replacing outdated or damaged sewer lines is often the most cost-effective long-term solution. Modern materials like PVC, ABS, and HDPE are stronger, more resistant to corrosion, and have smoother interiors that resist buildup.
Hunt’s Services offers both traditional and trenchless pipe replacement options. Trenchless technology allows technicians to replace underground pipes without digging up your yard, patio, or driveway — making it a great option for homeowners who want a permanent fix with minimal disruption.
“Many emergency service calls come from homeowners with no idea they had old or deteriorating pipes under their home,” Jason notes. “That’s why we recommend regular inspections, especially if your home was built before the 1980s.”
Limited-Time Offer: Free Drain Assessment for Local Homeowners
To help local homeowners prevent drainage issues before the rainy season intensifies, Hunt’s Services is offering free visual drain assessment for the next two weeks. Tacoma and Seattle residents can schedule an inspection online at www.huntsservices.com or call 253-220-4688
This limited-time offer is especially helpful for homeowners who haven’t had their pipes checked in years. Whether you’re concerned about tree roots, grease buildup, or the age of your system, a free inspection can offer peace of mind and catch problems before they escalate into expensive sewer and drain repairs.
About Hunt’s Services
Hunt’s Services is a family-owned and locally operated plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company serving the greater Tacoma–Seattle area. With over 3,000 five-star reviews, Hunt’s is trusted for its quality craftsmanship, honest pricing, and reliable service. The company provides emergency response, same-day repairs, and full system installations.
Media Contact:
Faruk Oyebanjo
Director of Marketing, Hunt’s Services
Phone: 253-220-4688
Website: https://www.huntsservices.com
