A drain that clears, then clogs again a week later, is trying to tell you something. The clog you keep plunging is usually a symptom, not the actual problem. Here's what's really going on, and how to fix it for good.
It's rarely just one thing
Most repeat clogs build up slowly from a mix of grease, hair, soap scum, and the occasional item that should never have gone down the drain. Clear the surface clog and the buildup underneath is still there, waiting.
The usual culprits:
Grease and food cooling and hardening in kitchen lines
Hair and soap scum narrowing bathroom drains
Flushable wipes, which are not actually flushable
Tree roots working into an older sewer line
Old, corroded, or bellied pipes that trap debris
When it's time to call a plumber
One slow drain is usually local. But if more than one drain is slow, if you hear gurgling from toilets, or if the same clog keeps coming back after you snake it, the problem is likely deeper in your main line. A quick camera inspection shows exactly what's happening so you're not guessing.
A one-time clear is cheap. Repeated clogs cost you more in time, mess, and eventual damage. Fix the cause once and forget about it.
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