Salt Lake City Plumbers Share the Strangest Things They've Pulled Out of a Drain

When you’ve been clearing drains for as long as we have, you see some pretty bizarre things. In a recent Instagram video, our team in Salt Lake City shared a few of the strangest—and most concerning—items we’ve ever pulled out of a clogged drain. From floss picks to dead rodents, we’ve seen it all, and each one comes with its own set of plumbing problems.

[Embed Instagram video into blog]

Strange Drain Clogs in Salt Lake City

Let’s start with the short list. Our Salt Lake City crew mentioned pulling the following items from residential and commercial drains:

• Dead rodents
• Floss sticks
• Condoms
• Sewing needles
• Small toys

These items might seem random (or gross), but they’re unfortunately common in homes around Salt Lake City—from The Avenues to West Jordan and everywhere in between.

Why These Items Are a Big Problem

None of these foreign objects belongs anywhere near your drain system. Here’s why:

• Mice don’t just clog drains—they decompose and release odors that attract bugs and bacteria.
• Floss picks easily tangle with hair, forming rope-like knots that trap grease and debris.
• Condoms can stretch across tight pipe junctions, restricting water flow and catching waste.
• Sewing needles are sharp enough to damage older metal pipes or get stuck in soft plastic lines.
• Toys can create total blockages, especially in U-bends and drain traps under sinks.

Once these objects get lodged, they restrict drainage flow and increase pressure in the system, leading to backups, pipe stress, or even burst or leaking pipes—especially during Utah’s winter freezes.

What Makes Salt Lake City Plumbing Different

Because of our region’s high elevation, extreme seasonal shifts, and hard water, Salt Lake City plumbing systems face a unique set of challenges. Debris and foreign objects can calcify more quickly in hard water environments, creating rock-like blockages deep within drain pipes. That’s why it’s so important to deal with clogs early. Our experienced plumbing technicians use camera inspections to locate and remove these items before they cause costly damage.

How Roto-Rooter Handles Tough Clogs

We use professional-grade tools to clear clogs safely, whether it's a soft blockage like grease or something more serious like a flushed toy. Our team combines high-pressure water jetting, mechanical augers, and advanced drain camera tech to find and remove blockages without harming your pipes. If the issue is more severe, we’ll also repair or replace damaged sections of pipe.

When to Call a Pro

Slow drains, foul odors, and strange gurgling sounds aren’t just annoying. These symptoms are often red flags that something unusual is blocking your pipes. Whether it’s a toy stuck in the U-bend or a bundle of floss picks tangled in a drain trap, hidden clogs can damage your system from the inside out.

In Salt Lake City neighborhoods like Sugar House, Millcreek, and Rose Park, older plumbing systems are especially vulnerable. That’s why it’s important not to ignore the signs. When something doesn’t seem right, don’t reach for a DIY fix—call in our experienced plumbing technicians. We’ll locate the issue using camera inspections and clear it using safe, professional-grade equipment to get your plumbing flowing like it should.

Let’s Keep Your Drains Clear, Salt Lake City

Trusted and recommended since 1935, Roto-Rooter is the Salt Lake City plumbing company you can turn to for drain issues. Our experienced plumbing technicians are available 24/7, 365 days a year to clear clogs, fix broken pipes, and protect your plumbing system from weird (and dangerous) intrusions. 

If your home is draining slower than usual or you’re concerned about something in the drain, call Roto-Rooter today at 800-768-6911 or schedule service online. We’ve got your back, no matter what’s hiding in your pipes.