Drain Keeps Clogging Every Few Days

Drain issue related to: drain keeps clogging every few days

Quick Answer:

If a drain clears then comes back within days, you most likely have a partial blockage that slowly reforms or a deeper problem in the sewer line. Start by tracking how fast it re-clogs and what you run into the drain, inspect the stopper and p-trap, and test other fixtures. If multiple drains slow or you see yard or sewer signs, call a plumber.

Why This Happens

Recurring clogs usually come from one of two sources:

  • Local, repeating build-up in the trap or immediate pipe — hair, grease, soap scum, or a chunk of debris that moves but doesn’t clear completely.
  • Deeper blockages or damage farther down the line — tree roots, collapsed pipe, or a main sewer partial blockage that allows occasional flow but soon backs up again.

If the problem only shows under certain conditions — for example, only when you pour hot water — that points toward grease or a sealed biofilm. See Drain Is Slow Only With Hot Water for more on that pattern.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Track timing and triggers

  • Keep a short log: note the date and time the drain is cleared, how long it stays clear, and what activities happened before it clogged (shaving, hair washing, cooking grease, etc.).
  • Look for patterns: hair-heavy days, cooking nights, or running a garbage disposal shortly before a clog are meaningful clues.

2. Identify likely material

  • Hair and soap scum: common for bathroom sinks and tubs. You’ll often find strings or clumps when you clear the trap.
  • Grease and food: kitchen sinks that clear then re-clog are frequently grease-related; hot water may temporarily melt grease, then it re-solidifies farther down.

3. Inspect the stopper and p-trap

  • Remove the stopper or strainer and look inside the drain for visible debris.
  • Place a bucket under the p-trap, loosen the slip nuts, and remove the trap to check for blockages. Clean and reassemble carefully, checking seals.
  • Record whether clearing the trap fixes the issue and how long it stays clear afterward.

4. Try a hand auger, and consider a longer reach

  • Use a drain snake appropriate for the fixture: a short hand auger for a sink or tub; a 25–50 ft drum auger for branch lines. Push and retrieve to break or pull the blockage.
  • If a short snake repeatedly reaches a stubborn spot near the fixture but the drain re-clogs, a longer snake or professional sewer auger may be needed to reach farther into the line.

5. Check other fixtures for slow draining

  • Run water in nearby sinks, showers, and toilets. If multiple fixtures are slow or gurgle when another fixture drains, that suggests a shared line or main sewer issue.
  • Note any sewage smells, soggy patches in the yard near sewer lines, or backups into floor drains — these are red flags for a deeper problem.

6. Test and keep records

  • After any action, test the drain and keep your clog log updated: how long until the next clog, what you did, and what you found inside the trap or snake.
  • Share these notes with a plumber if you call one — it speeds diagnosis and avoids unnecessary work.

What Not to Do

  • Do not keep using quick chemical fixes. They often only clear a tiny portion, can damage pipes and seals, and make future mechanical clearing harder.
  • Don’t ignore multi-fixture symptoms that suggest a main line issue — gurgling toilets, multiple slow drains, or yard sinkage need prompt attention.
  • Don’t mix different drain chemicals or pour concentrated acids down drains. That creates dangerous fumes and can harm pipes.
  • Don’t force tools blindly into a drain; excessive force can damage fixtures and push clogs farther down.

When to Call a Professional

Call a plumber when:

  • Clogs return within days despite cleaning the trap and using a hand auger.
  • Multiple fixtures are slow, toilets or floor drains back up, or you smell sewage. These are signs of a main-line or sewer problem.
  • You can’t reach the blockage with a reasonable-length snake (or the snake keeps hitting resistance deep in the line).
  • There are external signs like soggy spots in the yard, sewage odors outside, or tree roots near the sewer run.

For guidance on timing and expected response, see When to Call a Plumber for Repeated Drain Backups.

Safety Notes

  • Wear gloves and eye protection when removing traps or using a snake.
  • If you’ve used chemical drain cleaners recently, ventilate the area and avoid reaching into traps until you’re sure the chemicals are flushed away. Never mix chemicals.
  • If a drain is backing up with sewage, stop using water in the house and call a professional — sewage contains health hazards.
  • If work involves electrical components (dishwasher, disposer), turn off power at the breaker before working on the fixture.

Common Homeowner Questions

  • Why does it clear and then clog again so quickly? A partial blockage or grease layer can move or break up temporarily, allowing flow, then settle back and block again.
  • Can I fix this without a plumber? Sometimes — if the clog is in the trap or close by, cleaning the trap and using a hand auger often helps. If multiple fixtures are affected or the clog is deep, call a plumber.
  • Are chemical cleaners ever safe to use? Not as a repeated solution. Occasional, careful use may dissolve organic build-up, but repeated reliance damages pipes and hides the real problem.

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