Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging?

A drain that clogs once may have simply collected hair, soap, grease, or other debris. A drain that keeps clogging after you've cleared it deserves a closer look.

Is it one drain or several?

This is the most useful question. A recurring clog at one sink, tub, or shower usually points to a restriction near that fixture. Several slow or backed-up drains at once suggest a problem deeper in the drainage system.

One drain keeps clogging

Hair, soap residue, and food waste can gradually restrict a drain. Clean the accessible strainers and parts where appropriate, and try to keep the material out of the drain in the first place.

Don't keep pouring chemicals down it

Repeated chemical drain cleaner isn't the same as diagnosing a recurring blockage. And never mix different drain chemicals or household cleaners.

Several drains are affected

Take note if:

• A toilet and tub back up together.
• Water appears in another drain when you run a fixture.
• Several fixtures gurgle.
• Multiple drains slow down at the same time.
• Wastewater backs up into the home.

Any of these suggests the problem is farther down the drainage system.

Why would a clog keep coming back?

A partial blockage can open up temporarily without ever being fully cleared. Damaged piping, roots, or another drain-line problem can produce the same recurring pattern.

When is it urgent?

Stop using the affected fixtures if wastewater is backing into the house. Sewage exposure is a different category of problem from an ordinary slow sink and calls for greater caution. For recurring or multi-fixture clogs: Find Local Plumbing Help