Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging?
Dear Tim,
I feel like I’m losing my mind over here.
Our kitchen sink keeps clogging… over and over again. I clear it, it works for a little while, and then we’re right back where we started.
I’ve tried everything—Drano, plunging, taking apart the trap (which was honestly disgusting), and even one of those plastic snake tools. It seems like I fix it, but then a week or two later, it’s slow again… or completely backed up.
We live in an older home in Severna Park, so I don’t know if that has something to do with it?
At this point, I’m just tired of dealing with it. Why does this keep happening—and is there actually a way to fix it for good?
— Frustrated in Severna Park
Dear Frustrated in Severna Park,
You’re not crazy—and you’re definitely not alone.
At our Linthicum Plumbing, we get calls like this all the time for. The frustrating part is exactly what you described: it feels fixed… until it’s not.
Here’s what’s really going on.
Why Your Drain Keeps Clogging
1. You’re Only Fixing the Clog—Not the Cause
Most DIY methods—store-bought drain cleaners, plungers, or small hand snakes—don’t actually remove the clog.
They:
Punch a small hole through the blockage
Let water pass temporarily
Leave buildup behind
So your drain works… until that leftover debris catches more grease and food and clogs again.
If your drain keeps clogging repeatedly, this is usually the main reason.
2. Grease and Debris Are Building Up Inside Your Pipes
In kitchen sinks especially, buildup happens faster than people think.
Common causes of clogged drains include:
Cooking grease and oils
Food scraps
Soap residue
Over time, this creates a thick layer inside your pipes. Even a small amount of new debris can trigger another clog.
This is one of the biggest reasons homeowners end up needing professional drain cleaning.
3. Older Homes in Severna Park Have Unique Plumbing Challenges
Since you mentioned your home is older, this is important.
Older plumbing systems often have:
Narrower pipes
Rough interior surfaces that catch debris
Years of buildup already inside
We see this a lot in Severna Park homes. Even if you clear a clog, the pipe itself may already be restricted.
4. The Problem May Be Deeper in Your Drain Line
If your sink keeps backing up, the clog might not be where you think it is.
It could be:
Further down the drain line
In your main sewer line
Caused by tree roots or pipe damage
This is when basic DIY tools stop working—and when calling a licensed plumber becomes necessary.
But You Might Ask - Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Making It Worse?
Short answer: yes.
While products like Drano seem like a quick fix, they often:
Don’t fully clear the clog
Damage older pipes over time
Push grease further down the line where it hardens
If your drain is clogging repeatedly, these products can actually make the problem worse.
The Right Way to Fix a Recurring Clogged Drain
If you want to stop dealing with the same issue every few weeks, the goal is simple:
Completely remove the buildup—not just break through it.
Professional Drain Cleaning
A professional drain cleaning service will:
Clear the full diameter of your pipes
Remove grease, sludge, and debris
Restore proper water flow
For more severe buildup, we may recommend hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clean the inside of your pipes.
This is one of the most effective solutions for persistent clogged drains.
Drain Camera Inspection
If the problem keeps coming back, we may use a camera to inspect your pipes.
This helps us:
Identify hidden blockages
Check for tree root intrusion
See the condition of your sewer line
No guesswork—just answers.
How to Prevent Future Drain Clogs
Once your drain is properly cleaned, a few simple habits can help prevent future issues:
Avoid pouring grease down the drain
Use a drain strainer in your kitchen sink
Run hot water after washing dishes
Schedule periodic drain cleaning for older homes
Preventative maintenance is especially important for homes in Severna Park with aging plumbing systems.
Tired of Dealing with the Same Clog Over and Over?
If your drain keeps clogging, it’s not just bad luck—it’s a sign the problem hasn’t been fully resolved.
You can keep trying temporary fixes…
Or you can fix it the right way and be done with it.
If you’re looking for reliable drain cleaning in Severna Park, our team is here to help. We’ll identify the real issue and get your plumbing working the way it should.
— Tim