If your drain keeps clogging, you’re not alone. Many homeowners deal with the same sink, tub, or shower backing up again and again, even after using a plunger or drain cleaner. When a drain clog keeps coming back, it’s usually a sign that the problem goes deeper than a simple surface blockage.
Understanding why recurring drain clogs happen can help you decide what’s safe to try on your own and when it’s time to call for professional drain cleaning.
Common Reasons a Drain Keeps Clogging
Buildup Inside the Pipes
Many clogs start small. Grease, soap residue, food particles, and hair stick to the inside of the pipe and slowly narrow the opening. Water still flows at first, but not as freely. Over time, that buildup thickens until the drain slows down or backs up again. This is why a slow drain keeps clogging even after it seems fine for a while.
Grease and Kitchen Waste
Grease is one of the biggest causes of recurring drain clogs. Even if it goes down the drain hot, it cools and hardens inside the pipe. Food scraps then stick to it, creating a blockage that basic plunging can’t remove. This often leads homeowners to deal with the same kitchen sink clog over and over.
Hair and Soap in Bathroom Drains
In bathrooms, hair and soap combine into dense clumps that collect along pipe walls. You may pull some hair out of the drain opening, but the rest stays farther down the line. That leftover buildup causes the drain clog to keep coming back, especially in showers and tubs.
Tree Roots or Sewer Line Issues
If more than one drain is clogging at the same time, or you notice backups in lower-level drains, the issue may be in the sewer line. Tree roots, pipe damage, or heavy buildup in the main line can block water from leaving the home properly. These problems typically require sewer services, not just basic drain cleaning.
Older Pipes
Older plumbing systems often have pipes that collect buildup more easily or don’t slope correctly. When waste can’t move through the system smoothly, clogs form faster and return more often.
What You Can Try Before Calling a Plumber
If your drain keeps clogging, a few simple steps may help, especially for early or shallow blockages:
- Use a plunger with steady pressure and a tight seal
- Remove visible hair or debris near the drain opening
- Flush the drain with hot water to loosen grease or soap residue
Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They usually don’t remove the full blockage and can weaken pipes over time, especially if used repeatedly.
When Professional Drain Cleaning Makes Sense
If your drain clog keeps coming back, professional drain cleaning is usually the most effective solution. Unlike surface-level fixes, professional services address the full length of the pipe.
A licensed plumber can determine whether standard drain cleaning or a more advanced method is needed. For heavy grease buildup, mineral scaling, or long pipe runs, hydro jetting may be recommended. This process uses high-pressure water to clean the entire inside of the pipe, not just to punch a hole through the clog.
For recurring clogs tied to sewer issues, professional sewer inspections and cleaning help identify root intrusion, pipe damage, or deeper blockages before they turn into major backups.
Why Ignoring Repeat Clogs Can Cost More
A drain that keeps clogging is more than an inconvenience. Ongoing backups can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even emergency plumbing situations. What starts as a slow drain can eventually result in standing water or sewage backups that require immediate emergency service.
Addressing the issue early with professional drain cleaning helps protect your plumbing system and prevents bigger problems down the line.
Getting the Right Help From Universe Home Services
If your drains keep clogging, we know how frustrating that is. At Universe Home Services, we’ve helped homeowners with plumbing problems for over 65 years. Our multi-licensed technicians handle drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer work, and emergency plumbing, so you can get everything taken care of in one place, often with same-day service.
We focus on fixing the problem, not just clearing the clog for a short time. By fully cleaning the pipe, we help restore normal drainage and reduce repeat backups. With 24/7 phone support and financing options, we make it easier to get your plumbing working properly again without added stress or surprise costs.
Contact Universe Home Services to schedule professional drain cleaning.
