Why do my drains keep clogging?
One clogged drain is bad luck. A clogged drain that comes back every few weeks means something is building up in the pipe, or something is wrong with the pipe itself.
A licensed Master Plumber on every job
Why does my drain keep clogging?
A drain that keeps clogging usually has buildup lining the pipe, so each clog forms faster than the last. In bathrooms it is hair and soap scum; in kitchens it is grease and food. If several drains are slow or the clog keeps returning after cleaning, the cause is usually further down the line: a sag, roots, or a damaged pipe.
- Hair and soap in bathrooms
- Grease in kitchens
- Buildup the snake leaves behind
- Damage further down the line
What clogs which drain
-
Showers and tubs
Hair tangled with soap scum, the most common clog we clear.
-
Bathroom sinks
Hair, toothpaste and soap caught on the stopper linkage.
-
Kitchen sinks
Grease and food that cool and coat the pipe, worse with a disposal.
-
Toilets
Wipes, paper towels and too much paper, even "flushable" wipes.
Why the clog comes back
A plunger or a small drain snake pokes a hole through the clog so water flows again. The buildup on the pipe walls stays behind, and the next clog starts forming on it right away. That is why a drain can be "fixed" every month and never stay fixed.
When a drain keeps clogging, we clean the line fully with a cable sized for the pipe, or with hydro jetting to scour grease and buildup off the walls. If it still returns, a camera inspection shows whether a sag, roots or broken pipe is catching debris.
What helps, and what to avoid
Habits that keep drains clear:
- Hair catchers in every shower and tub
- Grease in the trash, never the sink
- Run hot water after using the disposal
- Only toilet paper in toilets
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners
- Clean pop-up stoppers every few months
Why we say skip the chemical drain cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners rarely clear a full clog. They sit in the pipe, can damage older metal pipes and rubber parts, and make the job dangerous for whoever opens the drain next. If a plunger does not clear it, call instead.
When it is more than one drain
If a toilet gurgles when the sink drains, the tub fills when you flush, or several drains are slow at once, the clog is in the main line, not a branch. Read our guide to multiple drains backing up and stop running water until it is cleared. Our drain cleaning service covers both.
Clogged drain: common questions
How often should a drain clog?
Rarely. A drain that clogs more than once or twice a year has buildup or a problem in the line.
Are flushable wipes safe?
No. They do not break down like toilet paper and are one of the most common causes of toilet and main line clogs.
Do enzyme drain cleaners work?
Enzyme products can help keep a clean drain clear, but they will not open a full clog.
Can a clogged drain damage pipes?
A clog itself rarely does, but water backing up can leak at joints, and chemical cleaners can damage older pipes.
What is hydro jetting?
High-pressure water that scours grease, scale and roots off the pipe walls, so clogs do not return as quickly.
How much does drain cleaning cost?
It depends on the drain and how far the clog is. You get a written price before we start.
Ready when you are
Tell us what's going on.
A Master Plumber will find the cause, explain it in plain terms, and put your options in writing before any work starts.
- A licensed Master Plumber on every job
- Serving the Upstate since 2010
- Written prices, every job