Why Your Drains Keep Clogging and How to Prevent It

Repeat clogs are a sign of buildup deeper in your pipes, not just a one-time blockage. Understanding the cause is the key to keeping drains flowing.

What's Really Clogging Your Drains

• Grease and fat that cools and hardens inside pipes
• Hair and soap scum in bathroom drains
• Food scraps the disposal can't fully break down
• Mineral buildup from hard water
• Tree roots invading older sewer lines

Habits That Prevent Clogs

• Run hot water for 30 seconds after each use
• Use drain strainers to catch hair and food
• Never pour grease down the sink — let it cool and toss it
• Flush drains monthly with hot water and a little baking soda and vinegar

When It Keeps Coming Back

Chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes and rarely fix the root cause. If a drain clogs again and again, a plumber can snake or hydro-jet the line and inspect it with a camera to find what's really going on.