Repeat clogs
Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging?
Short answer: a drain that clogs again and again usually has something coating or growing in the pipe, such as grease, scale or roots. Snaking opens a channel, but the cause stays. Cleaning the pipe wall and finding the cause with a camera is what stops the cycle.
Common reasons for repeat clogs
- Grease and soap film on the pipe wall
- Tree roots in the sewer line
- Wipes and paper that snag
- A sag or break in the pipe
Chemical cleaners rarely fix any of these.
Why it comes back
A clog is often a symptom. The cause is whatever sits on the inside of the pipe and catches everything that passes by.
- Grease: sticks to the pipe wall as it cools and builds layer on layer.
- Scale and mineral buildup: narrows older pipe and makes the wall rough.
- Roots: enter through small gaps and grow into a mass that catches paper.
- Wipes: flushable wipes do not break down the way toilet paper does.
- A belly or offset joint: a low spot or shifted joint holds water and waste.
Last updated October 2026.
Why a snake gives only a short fix
A snake cuts a hole through the blockage. The coating on the wall stays, so the hole closes again. That is why many people clear the same drain every few weeks.
Hydro jetting cleans the whole wall with water. See hydro jetting vs snaking for the difference.
How to find the real cause
- Note which drains are affected. One drain points to a local problem. Several drains point to the main line.
- Note how long the fix lasts. Days or weeks suggest a coating or roots.
- Ask for a camera pass. It shows grease, roots, cracks and low spots.
- Fix the cause: clean the line, remove roots, or repair a broken section.
If the camera shows a broken or collapsed pipe, cleaning will not hold. A good plumber will tell you so.
What not to do
- Do not keep pouring chemical drain cleaner. It can damage some pipes and does not clear a main line.
- Do not flush wipes, even if the pack says flushable.
- Do not pour cooking grease down the drain. Collect it in a can.
Where the clog shows up tells you a lot
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| One kitchen sink | Grease or food in that branch |
| One bathroom sink or tub | Hair and soap film |
| Two or more fixtures | Shared branch or main line |
| Lowest tub or shower fills when you flush | Main line |
| Same drain every few weeks | Buildup left on the pipe wall, or roots |
Common causes by room
- Kitchen: grease, coffee grounds, rice and starchy food.
- Bathroom: hair, soap and toothpaste.
- Laundry: lint and detergent buildup.
- Toilet: too much paper or wipes.
- Outside line: roots, a sag in the pipe or a damaged section.
Habits that cut repeat clogs
- Scrape plates into the trash, not the sink.
- Use drain strainers and empty them.
- Run hot water after washing greasy dishes.
- Keep wipes and hygiene products out of the toilet.
- Have a recurring clog cleaned and checked on camera, not just opened.
Common questions
Why does my kitchen drain clog more than my bathroom?
Kitchen lines carry grease and food. Bathroom drains see hair and soap. Both build up over time, but grease is the harder one.
Is a repeat clog a sign of a bigger problem?
Often it is. If several fixtures are involved or the clog returns within weeks, get the line checked with a camera.
Will hydro jetting stop clogs for good?
It removes the buildup. If the cause is a cracked pipe or a root entry point, the problem can return until that is fixed.
Same drain, again?
Call and tell us what you are seeing, and a local plumber will talk you through the next step.