Why does my drain keep getting blocked?

Author: Lawrence Williamson  |  Last update: Sunday, February 22, 2026

One of the most common causes of blocked drains in the kitchen is grease, fat, and oil. Grease, fat, and oil can easily become stuck in pipes and clog up drains. This is especially true when large amounts are poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet.

How do I stop my drains from blocking?

Here are some simple things you can do to stop blocked pipes and drains:
  1. Only flush toilet paper, pee and poo down the toilet. Bin everything else.
  2. Use a bin in your bathroom for all types of wet wipes, sanitary products, nappies, and cotton buds.
  3. Allow oil and fats to cool.

Why does my drain clog keep coming back?

Your drains need professional help when clogs keep recurring despite your best attempts to fix them. When clogs keep coming back after you've repeatedly unclogged the drains, the blockage is probably too deep in the pipes to get to without specialized equipment.

Why does my drain clog so easily?

Recurring clogs in drains are often caused by the buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, food particles, or other debris. Inadequate water flow, pipe damage, or improper installation can also contribute to frequent blockages. Regular maintenance and proper disposal of waste can help prevent them.

How do I stop my drain from clogging?

The best way to keep drains clear is to limit what you put in them.
  1. Keep food, coffee grounds and grease out of kitchen drains.
  2. Put leftover food in the trash or compost heap, not the garbage disposal.
  3. Pour liquid grease into a sealable container. ...
  4. Keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains.

DIY Fix For a Blocked Drain or Gully Outside

How do you permanently unclog a drain?

All you have to do is pour 1 cup or baking soda down your drain and then follow it with 1 cup of vinegar. After your mixture is in the drain, seal the top of the drain and wait for about an hour so your concoction can start breaking down any clogs. After about an hour, rinse your drain a few times with boiling water.

Why does my main drain keep backing up?

Clogs, clogs, clogs: Recurring clogs can be one reason that sewer lines keep backing up. You'll experience persistent clogs if things like oil, grease, hair, “flushable” wipes, or other items keep entering your drains and sewer line. The good news is that this is one of the easiest problems to fix.

What is the most common cause of blocked drains?

Food waste is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to blocked drains. While it might seem harmless, food scraps can quickly build up and cause major issues. If you're regularly cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you need to be mindful of what goes down the sink.

Why does my sink get clogged every few months?

There are a few common reasons bathroom and kitchen sinks get clogged repeatedly. The build-up of hair, soap scum, and food debris (even if you have a garbage disposal) is a major culprit, as these materials can get tangled and stuck in pipes over time.

How to find out where a drain is clogged?

You can drain the pipe, fill the partially blocked pipe with hot water, and use your forearm to feel the pipe. Alternatively, instead of using your forearm, you can opt for other tools like an infrared camera or a temperature gun if you're in a position to get one.

What is the number one cause of clogged drains?

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is actually caused by the minerals in the water. Hard water is full of minerals that build up and easily prevent drainage in your pipes. The best solution is to have a water softener installed in your home.

How do plumbers fix blocked drains?

For the toughest of clogs, a plumber may use a hydro jet. This tool sends pressured water through pipes to break down drain build-up. This tool is often faster and more efficient than a typical drain snake. Hydro jets get rid of the clog, but they're also effective for cleaning drains.

Why is my drain more clogged after Drano?

These products contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes and cause damage over time. They can also react with other substances in your pipes, such as soap scum or grease, creating even more problems. It's also possible for drain cleaners to end up making a clog worse.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

Why does my outside drain keep getting blocked?

There are many reasons: Leaves covering the grid or inside the drain. Food waste, fat or oil from the kitchen sink.

Why does my drain clog so often?

Hair and Soap Buildup

Hair and soap are two of the most common culprits of bathroom drain clogs. As hair goes down the drain, it can get tangled up with soap and other substances, forming a sticky mass that can quickly build up and create a blockage.

How do you permanently unclog a sink?

Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening. Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear the clog.

Why does my sink keep blocking?

If fats get into your pipes, they're very likely to block your drains. In the bathroom, soap scum and hair are the most likely candidate for blocking your drain. This is more common in the bath and shower drains, but they can easily clog up your sink too.

What do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.

How often should you unblock your drains?

Regular maintenance. Performing regular maintenance, such as flushing your drains with hot water once a week, can help prevent build-up. Additionally, consider using a natural enzyme-based drain cleaner monthly to break down organic matter and keep your pipes clear.

Does conditioner block drains?

Avoid oil-based products, shampoo and conditioner or certain body washes that will contain waxy, oily substances that can easily clog a drain.

How much does a plumber cost to unclog a main line?

You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.

Does insurance cover sewer backup?

Sewer backups can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Unfortunately, most homeowners are not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy.

What will unclog a main drain?

A plumbing auger — also known as a plumbing snake — and a sewer rod are effective against some clogs in the main drain line. If you suspect a blockage in the main drain line, don't use the plumbing system in your home until it's cleared. Getting more water into the line could cause wastewater backups in the home.

Previous article
How often should I replace the water shut-off valve?
Next article
Where does the water go in a ventless dryer?