Why That Recurring Drain Clog Might Be More Serious Than You Think

If you’ve been pouring drain cleaner down your sink every few weeks—or worse, dealing with a kitchen or shower drain that constantly backs up—your home might be sending a message: there’s a deeper plumbing issue at play. At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we know that what seems like a simple clog often turns out to be a symptom of a more serious underlying problem.

Before you reach for the plunger one more time, here’s why it pays to look closer—and how our expert plumbers can help.

The Hidden Causes Behind Frequent Clogs

Drain clogs are common, but if they happen repeatedly in the same place or in multiple drains around your home, there’s likely a more complex cause. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Grease and food buildup in kitchen lines: Grease might seem harmless when it goes down hot, but as it cools, it solidifies inside your pipes and collects debris. Over time, this builds up and slows water flow until a full blockage occurs.
• Soap scum and hair in bathroom drains: Even with regular maintenance, soap residue and hair are notorious for clumping together and narrowing pipe openings.
• Aging or corroded pipes: Older pipes can accumulate years of debris and mineral buildup, shrinking the internal diameter and making clogs more likely.
• Tree root intrusion: Especially in San Diego’s older neighborhoods, tree roots can infiltrate underground sewer lines, creating blockages that won’t respond to DIY methods.
• Sloped or misaligned pipes: Poor pipe installation or shifting soil can lead to dips or sags in your plumbing system—called “bellies”—where waste and debris collect over time.

Why Quick Fixes Aren’t Enough

Sure, a bottle of drain cleaner or a quick snaking might give you temporary relief. But when the problem keeps coming back, it’s a sign you’re treating the symptom, not the root cause.

Chemical drain cleaners, in particular, are not only ineffective against tougher clogs—they can also damage your pipes. Repeated use of corrosive cleaners can weaken pipe walls, leading to leaks and costly repairs later on.

What to Expect from a Professional Drain Inspection

When you call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration to assess a recurring clog, we don’t just guess. We investigate. Our licensed plumbers start by inspecting your plumbing system to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the blockage.

We often recommend:

• Video camera inspection: This allows us to see inside your pipes in real time, identifying obstructions, pipe damage, or areas where roots may have entered.
• Hydro jetting: For stubborn blockages, we use high-pressure water jets to blast away years of grease, sludge, and debris—without damaging your pipes.
• Long-term solutions: If we find structural damage or old, deteriorating pipes, we may recommend repiping, trenchless repair, or other durable fixes to prevent future issues.

How to Prevent Recurring Clogs in the Future

Once we’ve resolved the issue, our team will give you tailored advice to keep your drains running smoothly. That might include:

• Installing drain strainers in your sinks and tubs
• Avoiding grease, coffee grounds, and starchy foods in the kitchen drain
• Regular professional maintenance—especially if your home has older plumbing
• Watching for slow drains and acting before a full clog occurs

Don’t Wait for the Next Backup

Recurring clogs are more than a nuisance—they’re your plumbing system’s way of waving a red flag. Ignoring them could lead to water damage, mold growth, or even a total plumbing failure.

At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we specialize in getting to the root of persistent plumbing problems and providing long-lasting, cost-effective solutions. If you’ve been dealing with a clogged drain that just won’t quit, call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 today. Our expert technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service and can often schedule same-day or next-day appointments.

Don’t settle for quick fixes. Let us clear the clog—and the stress—once and for all.