Why Recurring Drain Clogs Shouldn't Be Ignored

Occasional clogged drains can happen in any home, but if you’re experiencing repeated clogs, they may indicate a larger plumbing problem. A single isolated clog that doesn’t come back is nothing to worry about, but repeatedly clearing the same drain without identifying the underlying cause can allow the problem to worsen.

Recurring clogs can be due to many different things, such as tree root intrusion, pipe damage, or buildup deep within the drain line. We’re going to discuss when the call a professional plumber and signs that your drain problem goes beyond the clog.

What Causes a Drain to Keep Clogging?

There are many reasons that could be to blame for recurring drain clogs ranging from hair buildup to improper pipe slope. Here are some of the top causes of recurring drain clogs in homes.

• Hair and soap buildup: Over time, hair and soap scum can build up in your drain pipes and create clogs. Get a drain hair catcher for your shower or tub to help reduce the risk of hair clogs.
• Grease and cooking oil: Many people pour leftover grease or cooking oil down the kitchen sink. You should never put grease of cooking oil down the drain because it solidifies when it cools and can create a blockage. Also dispose of grease, fats, and oils in the trash can or outside.
• Food debris: Organic food scraps can get stuck in the drain and form stubborn clogs that attract insects.
• Mineral deposits: In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can leave behind rock-like layers of magnesium and calcium that narrow the pipe and allow for clogs to form.
• Foreign objects: Small toys, jewelry, and feminine hygiene products are all foreign objects that can cause clogged drains. Never flush anything but toilet paper down your toilet and be careful of losing jewelry when washing dishes or your hands.
• Tree root intrusion: When underground plumbing pipes have small cracks or fractures, tree roots may intrude looking for moisture. The roots can grow into the pipe and create a tangly clog.
• Damaged or deteriorating pipes: Pipes with severe damage or deterioration issues are more prone to clogs.
• Buildup farther down the drain line: Sometimes, clogs are not easily accessible from the drain and are much further down the line.
• Improper pipe slope or installation: If plumbing pipes were installed incorrectly, they may have improper pipe slope, allowing materials to settle in low spots.

Signs Your Drain Problem Is More Than a Simple Clog

How do you know if frequent drain clogs mean something bigger is going on with your plumbing system? There are a handful of warning signs that you should call a professional plumber for plumbing services, including:

• Same drain keeps clogging: If the same drain clogs every month or two, even after being cleared with a plunger or drain snake, that’s a sign of a deeper issue. The issue could be a partial pipe blockage, tree root intrusion, or a sagging line.
• Multiple drain clogs: If you notice multiple clogged drains throughout the house, this can point to a clog further in the main line rather than isolated problems in each fixture.
• Water backs up into other fixtures: If you notice water backs up into your tub or shower when you flush the toilet, that’s a serious indicator that there’s a main line blockage impacting your whole home.
• Gurgling or bubbling sounds: You may notice gurgling or bubbling sounds from your drains or toilets when air is trapped in the pipes due to a severe clog down the line.
• Foul sewer smells: Rotten egg or sewage smells aren’t just unpleasant—they’re a sign that wastewater isn’t draining properly or that there’s a crack in the sewer line letting gas escape.
• Toilets overflow or drain slowly: Toilets are often sluggish or overflow when the main sewer line is partially obstructed.

If you notice any of these signs, call a plumber right away for professional drain cleaning.

Why Recurring Drain Clogs Can Get Worse

Recurring drain clogs should not be ignored as they can worsen over time and cause even bigger issues if left alone. Here’s why you should always call a licensed plumber for recurring clogs.

• Buildup may continue accumulating inside the pipe and create a bigger blockage
• A partially blocked pipe can eventually become completely obstructed
• Repeated backups can expose your home to water damage and unsanitary conditions
• Ongoing pressure or drainage problems may contribute to plumbing system damage
• A recurring clog may be a symptom of a damaged sewer line rather than a simple blockage

Recurring drain clogs will continue to worsen if they aren’t addressed by a professional, putting your home and health at risk.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Chemical Cleaners

Store-bought chemical drain cleaners are never a great solution for clogged drains. Chemical cleaners can damage your pipes, harm the environment, and pose health and safety risks to your family.

Many chemical cleaners use lye or acids to create a hot chemical reaction to melt clogs. In theory this sounds okay, but in reality, it can warp PVC pipes and corrode metal lines. The cleaner can also get trapped if it doesn’t successfully clear the clog and lead to a burst pipe. Chemical cleaners can also be unsafe to handle and cause chemical burns and blindness if contact is made with the eyes. They can also release dangerous vapors into the air and react with other household cleaners.

Professional Drain Cleaning Solutions

Instead of using store-bough chemical cleaners, you should call a plumbing company like G&G Heating to clear your lines.

Snaking

Professional drain snaking uses a flexible auger cable to break up blockages and pull out clogs, such as grease, hair, or soap scum. Snaking helps break up clogs that a plunger can’t reach.

Hydro jetting

Hydro jetting uses highly pressurized water jets to scour the inside of pipes and clear blockages, including stubborn grease, mineral scale, and tree root intrusion. Hydro jetting also flushes debris that snaking might leave behind, for an extra thorough clean.

Sewer camera inspections

Plumbers can run a high-resolution waterproof camera down your drain line to pinpoint damage or clogs in real time. Sewer camera inspections are used to determine the condition of pipes and the location of clogs, so there’s no guesswork involved.

Contact Us

G&G Heating offers sewer camera inspections, hydro jetting, and drain snaking services to homeowners in Olympia and Tumwater, WA. If you are dealing with recurring drain clogs at home—don’t wait—give us a call at (360) 499-6604 or book online!

Schedule Online(360) 499-6604