What Causes Clogged Drains & When to Call a Plumber

Most homeowners have experienced a clogged drain from time to time. It’s one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. While the occasional clogged drain is fairly common, recurring drainage issues may point to an underlying problem within your plumbing system. Understanding why your drains keep clogging can help you prevent future problems. 

In this blog, we’re breaking down common causes of clogged drains and when to call the plumbing professionals at Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. 

What causes my drains to keep clogging?

In the kitchen, you’re constantly putting food scraps into the garbage disposal, pouring grease and other liquids down the drain, and sometimes putting items down the drain that don’t belong there. While your garbage disposal is built to handle many different kinds of food scraps, some materials don’t break down as easily, which can contribute to drainage issues down the road. Over time, these materials can build up inside your pipes, eventually leading to blockages. 

The same thing happens in your bathroom sink and shower. Strands of hair, soap scum, toothpaste, and other debris regularly make their way down your drains. While clogs don’t always happen overnight, as these materials collect inside your pipes, they can slow drainage and lead to stubborn blockages. 

The good news is that making a few simple changes to what goes down your drains, along with routine maintenance, can help prevent slow drainage and other common plumbing problems.

Why do my drains keep clogging even after I clear them?

While many minor drainage issues can be resolved with common household tools like a plunger or drain snake, sometimes these problems persist even after you’ve tried your best to fix them. You may keep asking yourself why this happens. There are several possible reasons why.

One of the most common is a blockage that wasn’t completely removed. Even partial blockages in your pipes can cause slow drainage and frequent backups. While pouring a chemical drain cleaner down your pipes may be a temporary solution, if there’s a larger blockage or another underlying issue, the problem may return shortly after. 

Another common issue is the condition of your pipes, especially if you live in an older home. While your pipes are built to be strong and durable, persistent drainage issues can sometimes be related to an aging plumbing system. Over time, hard water minerals, soap scum, and other debris can build up inside your pipes and stick to the pipe walls. Because this happens gradually, you may not notice it until drainage problems begin. 

Your pipes are also susceptible to normal wear and tear. As they age, corrosion and rust can play a part in drainage issues. A combination of these factors can restrict water flow, placing additional strain on your plumbing system and contributing to frequent clogs. 

If you continue to have drainage issues despite your best efforts, having a professional plumber from Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing inspect your pipes can help determine the exact problem. 

When do I need to call a plumber for clogged drains?

Some clogs can be resolved easily without needing to call a plumber, while others may be a sign of an underlying issue. If you’re dealing with any of these persistent plumbing problems, contacting Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing can help identify the cause and recommend the right solution.

The same drain clogs repeatedly

This is a common problem many homeowners face. If you find that chemical drain cleaners aren’t cutting it, you may have a blockage farther down the drain line that wasn’t fully removed. Repeatedly using these harsh chemicals can potentially damage certain types of pipes over time.

Trying other do-it-yourself methods, like plunging or using a drain snake, may also not be enough to remove the entire blockage. A professional inspection can pinpoint where the clog is located and determine whether there’s another issue contributing to the recurring problem.

Multiple drains around your home are draining slowly

Minor clogs and backups are typically limited to one plumbing fixture, like a single sink, shower, or toilet. When multiple drains throughout your home begin draining slowly at the same time, it may be a sign of a larger blockage somewhere in your plumbing system. A licensed plumber can check your drain lines to see what’s causing the issue before it worsens.

Water is backing up into your bathtub, shower, or sink

Another common sign of a blockage is water backing up into your plumbing fixtures. Blockages prevent wastewater from flowing through pipes properly. Over time, the water has nowhere else to go, causing it to back up into your sink, shower, or bathtub.

Ignoring the warning signs of drainage or plumbing issues can lead to extensive, costly repairs. Addressing these problems can help prevent any long-term damage.

Contact Allen Heating, Cooling and Plumbing today for all of your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs 

If you’re looking for an honest and fair local HVAC and plumbing company, Allen Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced techs provide high-quality services, including installation, annual maintenance, emergency repairs, and more. We carry top-of-the-line products from the industry’s best brands, including Honeywell, American Standard, Mitsubishi, and more. Our technicians can make expert recommendations tailored to your home’s needs at a fair, affordable price. 

With over 29 years of service under our belt, we’re well-equipped to handle all of your heating, cooling, ventilation, and plumbing needs in Northern Illinois. So call our office today at 815-298-8020 to schedule your next service appointment.