You clear a clogged drain, everything seems to be flowing again, and then a few weeks later, you’re right back where you started. Sound familiar? Has this been happening to you?
If your drain keeps clogging, there’s a good chance the immediate blockage is only part of the problem. Recurring clogged drains can be caused by buildup inside the pipe, a deeper sewer line blockage, damage to the line (maybe a moose stepped on it..jk!), or even conditions unique to living in Alaska.
At AK Sewer & Drain, we see all kinds of drain problems throughout Alaska. ALL kinds of problems. Knowing what causes them can help you recognize when you’re dealing with a simple clog and when it may be time for professional drain cleaning.
Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging?
One of the most common reasons a clog comes back is that it was only partially cleared. Creating a small opening through a blockage may get the water moving again, but material left behind can quickly begin collecting more debris.
The location of the blockage matters, too. What looks like a clogged sink or shower could actually be connected to a problem farther down the drain or sewer line. Here are 6 of the most common clogged drain causes we encounter.
Hair, Soap & Everyday Buildup
Bathroom drains take a beating. Hair, soap residue, oils, and other everyday debris can gradually collect along the inside of the pipe. You’ll often notice the problem first as a slow-draining sink, shower, or tub. As more material accumulates, that restriction can eventually become a complete drain blockage.
Grease & Food Waste
Kitchen drains commonly develop clogs from grease, cooking oils, food particles, and other waste. Grease is especially troublesome because it can enter the drain as a liquid and then cool and stick to the pipe. Food and other debris attach to that buildup, making the opening smaller over time.
In Alaska’s colder conditions, keeping grease and food waste out of your drains is especially important.
Wipes & Other Materials That Shouldn’t Be Flushed
Wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, and other materials don’t break down the same way toilet paper does. Once flushed, they can get caught in the plumbing system and contribute to a stubborn clogged pipe or sewer line. Even products marketed as “flushable” can become part of a larger blockage, particularly when buildup already exists inside the line.
Freezing Conditions
Here in Alaska, cold weather adds another challenge. When temperatures drop, vulnerable drain and sewer lines can freeze. Existing buildup or restricted flow can make matters worse, potentially allowing ice to form around an already-narrowed section of pipe. A drain that suddenly slows down or stops working during extremely cold weather may be dealing with more than a typical clog.
A Deeper Sewer or Drain Line Blockage
If you keep clearing the same drain without much success, the actual blockage may be farther down the line. Pay particular attention if multiple drains are backing up at the same time, toilets are gurgling, or using one fixture causes water to appear in another. Those symptoms can point to a main drain or sewer line clog rather than a problem with a single fixture.
Roots, Buildup & Aging Sewer Lines
Recurring drain problems can also develop farther underground. Roots can enter damaged or compromised sewer lines and begin collecting waste as it passes through. Older pipes may also accumulate mineral deposits, grease, scale, and other material over many years.
In some cases, Alaska’s changing ground and seasonal conditions can also place additional stress on underground lines. If a pipe becomes damaged, shifted, or misaligned, debris can repeatedly collect in the same area.
Why Does My Clog Keep Coming Back After I Clear It?
Sometimes clearing a drain simply punches a hole through the obstruction. Water begins flowing again, but much of the material causing the clog remains. That’s why repeatedly plunging or snaking the same drain may provide only temporary relief.
Professional drain cleaning can address more substantial buildup, while a camera inspection can help identify roots, pipe damage, heavy buildup, or a blockage located deeper in the system. Depending on the problem, services such as drain snaking, hydro jetting, or drain milling may be recommended. All of which our team can provide a quote on.
Know When It’s More Than a Simple Clog
A single slow drain may not be cause for alarm. A problem that keeps coming back over and over again is worth getting someone out to figure out the issue. Watch for recurring clogs, multiple slow drains, gurgling sounds, sewer odors, toilets that struggle to flush, or water backing up into other fixtures. These can all indicate that the problem extends beyond what you can see from the drain opening.
If the drains or pipes in your home keep clogging, don’t keep treating the symptom. AK Sewer & Drain provides experienced clogged drain service, drain cleaning, camera inspections, and sewer and drain solutions throughout Alaska to help find the source of the problem and get things flowing again. Pun intended!
So…tired of dealing with the same clogged drain? Contact our team at AK Sewer & Drain to schedule service today.