Why You Keep Getting Recurring Drain Clogs
If your sink, tub, or shower keeps backing up over and over again, you’re dealing with recurring drain clogs — one of the most common (and frustrating) plumbing problems for Pennsylvania homeowners. These clogs don’t happen by accident; they’re usually caused by underlying issues that need more than a quick DIY fix. Understanding why drains keep clogging is the first step to keeping your plumbing flowing smoothly.
At John Shelton Plumbing, we help homeowners across the Alle-Kiski Valley diagnose hidden issues, clear tough blockages, and stop recurring clogs at the source so they don’t keep coming back.
Main Causes of Recurring Drain Clogs
1. Build-Up Inside Older Pipes
Homes with cast iron or galvanized pipes often develop internal corrosion and scale buildup. These narrow the pipe over time and make debris stick easily — a leading cause of recurring drain clogs in kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Grease and Soap Accumulation
In kitchen drains, grease cools and solidifies inside the line. In bathroom drains, soap scum mixes with hair and forms thick, sticky mats. Even if you clear the surface clog, leftover residue keeps causing repeated blockages.
3. Hair and Personal Care Products
Shampoos, conditioners, shaving creams, and hair combine into dense clumps that stick to pipe walls. Over time, these clogs rebuild faster and faster, creating the cycle of recurring blockages.
4. Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and even small cracks in underground pipes can attract them. Once inside, roots expand and catch debris — leading to recurring clogs that won’t go away without professional repair.
5. Incorrect Pipe Slope or Aging Sewer Lines
If wastewater cannot flow at the proper speed due to improper pitch or settling, debris collects along the way. This is especially common in older neighborhoods, where sewer lines may be sagging or partly collapsed.
Why Recurring Drain Clogs Should Never Be Ignored
A single clog may not be a big deal, but recurring drain clogs are almost always a sign that something deeper is wrong. When clogs keep returning, it can indicate corrosion inside pipes, sewer line issues, or a hidden blockage that continues to grow. Ignoring these problems can lead to pipe damage, wastewater backups, and unexpected plumbing emergencies.
Addressing the problem early protects your home from costly repairs and keeps your plumbing performing the way it should.
How to Stop Recurring Drain Clogs for Good
Professional Drain Cleaning
Unlike store-bought drain cleaners, professional jetting and mechanical cleaning remove all buildup inside the pipe — not just the upper layer of the clog. This resets the line back to full flow and helps prevent clogs from returning.
Camera Inspection to Find the Real Cause
If you keep getting recurring clogs, a camera inspection reveals what’s happening inside the line. It can identify cracks, roots, scale buildup, or structural issues that need repair, instead of guessing at the cause.
Pipe Repair or Trenchless Replacement
When recurring clogs are caused by pipe damage or improper slope, trenchless repair solutions can restore proper flow without digging up your entire yard. This approach addresses the root cause instead of treating the same clog over and over.
Routine Maintenance for High-Use Drains
Kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms benefit from periodic maintenance cleanings — especially in older homes. This keeps buildup from returning and prevents future clogs before they start.