Why Does My Drain Keep Blocking?

A blocked drain that clears easily and never comes back is usually just a one-off — hair, grease or a wad of paper working its way through the system. A drain that blocks again and again is telling you something different: there's an underlying issue in the pipe itself.

The most common cause of recurring blockages is a build-up of grease, soap scum or mineral deposits gradually narrowing the inside of the pipe. Over time, even a small amount of debris will catch on that build-up and form a blockage faster than before.

Tree root intrusion is another frequent cause, particularly in older sewer lines. Roots are drawn to the moisture inside the pipe and can enter through small cracks or joints, gradually restricting flow until the line blocks completely.

Pipe damage — from ground movement, old age or a poor original installation — can also create a low point or misalignment where waste collects instead of flowing through. No amount of clearing will permanently fix a structural problem like this.

The only reliable way to find out which of these is happening in your home is a CCTV drain camera inspection. It lets us see exactly what's happening inside the pipe, rather than guessing based on symptoms alone.