Why Your Drain Keeps Clogging (and How to Fix It for Good)

Clearing a drain only to have it clog again a week later is frustrating, and it usually means the real problem is further down the line than a plunger can reach.

Common causes of repeat clogs

The usual culprits depend on the drain:

• Kitchen sinks: grease, oils, and food scraps that harden inside the pipe
• Bathroom drains: hair and soap scum building up over time
• Older pipes: mineral scale and corrosion narrowing the pipe
• Main line: tree roots that grow into the sewer line through small cracks

Why chemical drain cleaners often make it worse

Harsh chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes, especially older ones, and they often only punch a small hole through a clog rather than clearing it. The clog returns quickly, and now the pipe has taken a hit too. Mechanical clearing is usually safer and more thorough.

How to fix it for good

For a clog that keeps coming back, the fix is to find the real cause rather than clearing the surface again. A plumber can run a camera down the line to see exactly what is happening, then clear it with an auger or hydro jetting and recommend a lasting fix if roots or damage are involved.