Why Your Drains Keep Clogging

One slow fixture versus multiple slow drains

A single slow sink or shower often points to a blockage close to that fixture. When several drains slow down or one fixture backs up while another is used, the problem may be deeper in a shared branch or main line.

Common materials that restrict drains

Kitchen grease, food debris, hair, soap residue and unsuitable paper products can collect inside plumbing. Wipes labeled flushable may still contribute to blockages. Repeatedly sending the same material down the drain can quickly recreate a recently cleared clog.

• Grease and cooking oil
• Hair and soap buildup
• Food debris
• Wipes and hygiene products
• Foreign objects

The line itself may be contributing

Recurring problems can also result from a damaged, poorly sloped or aging line. Tree-root intrusion may affect some buried drain and sewer lines. Clearing the immediate obstruction will not correct a structural problem, which is why repeat symptoms deserve professional evaluation.

What homeowners can do

Use drain strainers, keep grease out of the sink and dispose of wipes in the trash. Address a slow drain before it becomes completely blocked. Avoid repeatedly using harsh chemical products, particularly when the cause is unknown or the plumbing is older.