Let’s face it—clogged drains are more than just annoying. They slow everything down, smell awful, and usually hit at the worst possible time. If your drains keep clogging no matter what you do, it’s not bad luck—it’s buildup, habits, or hidden plumbing issues.

So… why do drains keep clogging? Let’s break it down so you can prevent it. For good!

Grease buildup in kitchen drain - why drains keep clogging

1. Grease and Oil Are Sneaky Villains

Grease might go down as a liquid, but it cools, hardens, and builds up like glue inside your pipes.

What to do instead:

Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before rinsing, and never pour fats down the drain.

2. Hair (and Soap Scum) Tag-Team Your Shower Drain

Hair clumps and soap residue combine to form a dense blockage that slows or fully blocks water flow.

Prevent it:

Install a hair catcher or mesh strainer—and clean it weekly.

3. You’re Using ‘Flushable’ Wipes (Hint: They’re Not)

They don’t break down like toilet paper, and over time, they cause serious backups.

Greg’s Tip:

Stick to toilet paper, and avoid flushing anything else—yes, even wipes labeled as flushable..

4. Poor Drainage Design or Old Pipes

Older homes often have narrow pipes, poor slope, or outdated materials like galvanized steel—all of which make clogs more likely.

What you can do:

Have a plumber inspect the layout. We often recommend upgrades or cleaning out deep buildup with tools like our hydrojetting system or sectional snake.

5. You Haven’t Had a Professional Drain Cleaning in a While

Drains need maintenance too. Over time, residue builds up that regular plunging can’t fix.

Solution:

A yearly professional drain cleaning keeps everything running smooth—and catches issues before they turn into full backups.

Schedule a drain cleaning with Greg’s Plumbing now

How Greg’s Plumbing Can Help

Understanding why drains keep clogging is the first step to preventing them-because ignoring the issue can lead to costly repairs.

At Greg’s Plumbing & Heating, we handle everything from:

  • Routine residential drain cleanings
  • Camera inspections
  • Hydrojetting
  • Emergency backups

We bring industrial-grade equipment and real experience to every call.

Get in touch today or call 905-928-6831 to book your drain cleaning.

Final Tip: Listen to Your Drains

If you’re hearing gurgling, noticing slow draining, or smelling something weird—your drain is telling you it’s time. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Greg’s Plumbing: Here to keep your pipes flowing and your floors dry.