Why Your Drains Keep Clogging (and When to Call a Plumber)
A drain that clogs again a week after you cleared it is trying to tell you something. Here's what repeat clogs usually mean and when it's time to call.
By Matt · PlumbingFree estimates • Honest second opinions •Licensed, bonded & insured
In this article
Everyone deals with the occasional slow drain. But when the same drain backs up again and again, or several drains slow down at once, the problem is usually deeper than the sink trap.
A single slow drain
A single slow drain is often a local clog, hair and soap in a bathroom sink, or grease in the kitchen. A proper cleaning usually solves it.
Multiple drains, gurgling, or backups
When more than one fixture is slow, or you hear gurgling and smell sewage, that points to the main line. Roots, grease buildup, or a sagging pipe can restrict the whole system. A camera inspection finds it, and hydrojetting clears it thoroughly.
Signs it's more than a simple clog
- The same drain clogs again within days or weeks
- More than one fixture is slow at the same time
- You hear gurgling or smell sewage
- Water backs up into a tub or shower when you run another drain
When to call
If a drain clogs repeatedly, backs up into other fixtures, or smells, it's time for a professional look before it becomes a bigger, messier repair. We'll inspect the line, show you what's happening, and clear it the right way.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my drain keep clogging after I clear it?
Repeat clogs usually mean the real blockage is deeper in the line, often grease, roots, or a sagging pipe. Clearing the surface clog treats the symptom, not the cause. A camera inspection finds the actual problem.
Is hydrojetting better than snaking a drain?
For stubborn or recurring clogs, yes. Snaking punches a hole through a blockage; hydrojetting scours the pipe walls clean of grease, scale, and roots, so it stays clear longer.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
We don't recommend them. They can damage pipes and fittings, are rarely a lasting fix, and can make a professional clearing more hazardous. A proper cleaning is safer and more effective.
Related Sunset services
Need hands-on help? These are the services most relevant to this article.
- Drain CleaningClear slow or clogged kitchen, bath, and main-line drains fast.View service
- HydrojettingHigh-pressure water blasts out grease, scale, and roots for a deep clean.View service
- Sewer Repair & ReplacementDiagnose and fix cracked, sagging, or root-blocked sewer lines.View service
- Trenchless Sewer ReplacementReplace failing sewer lines with minimal digging and yard damage.View service
- General PlumbingLeaks, low water pressure, repairs, and installs handled right the first time.View service
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