5 Bizarre Things That Can Clog Your Sewer Pipes
After decades of plumbing service across the Alle-Kiski Valley, our team at John Shelton Plumbing has seen just about everything. While most sewer backups come from predictable causes like grease buildup or invasive tree roots, some blockages are so strange they leave even seasoned plumbers scratching their heads.
Today, we’re sharing some of the most unusual items we’ve found in sewer lines — along with tips to help you prevent unexpected (and expensive) plumbing surprises.
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The Strangest Sewer Clogs We’ve Seen (And How to Prevent Them)
Most of the time, sewer backups start with common problems like wipes, grease, or old piping. But sometimes, homeowners discover a clog so unusual that the only reaction is disbelief. Here are five of the most memorable offenders we’ve pulled from sewer lines.
1. Entire Rolls of Toilet Paper
Yes — full, unused rolls flushed whole. This usually happens when toddlers discover the flush handle, but the result is always the same: a compacted paper mass that quickly blocks the main sewer line. Keep loose rolls off the floor and out of reach of curious little hands.
2. Bouncy Balls
Toys, especially rubber bouncy balls, are a classic culprit. Pets knock them into bathrooms, kids drop them accidentally, and one flush is all it takes. These small spheres lodge perfectly into pipe bends, forming airtight blockages that require professional equipment to remove.
3. Crayons
They may seem harmless, but crayons are made of wax — meaning they don’t dissolve or break down. When several crayons stack together or hit an existing partial blockage, they create a colorful but very stubborn sewer clog.
4. Food Items
From bananas to cereal bags to entire snacks, we’ve pulled out plenty of food items that never should have been flushed. While kids are often blamed, adults sometimes make the mistake of assuming that “if it fits, it flushes.” Unfortunately, food doesn’t break down like human waste and can stop a sewer line in its tracks.
5. Action Figures and Toys
Superheroes may conquer villains, but they don’t stand a chance against a sewer pipe. We’ve rescued Spiderman, dinosaurs, dolls, and other small toys lodged deep inside drain lines — sometimes requiring pipe removal to reach them.
How to Prevent Strange (and Costly) Clogs
Most of these unusual clogs share one thing in common: accidental flushing. Whether it’s children playing, pets knocking items over, or someone mistaking a toilet for a garbage can, prevention goes a long way.
- Keep bathroom trash bins visible and easy to use
- Install slow-close or locking toilet lids if you have toddlers
- Educate family members on what should not be flushed
- Schedule a sewer camera inspection if you suspect a blockage
If you’re noticing slow drains, gurgling noises, or recurring backups, it’s best not to wait. Strange clogs don’t fix themselves — and catching them early often saves time, money, and major cleanup headaches.