A slow or clogged drain feels like a problem you should be able to fix quickly. Many Ottawa homeowners clean a drain, watch the water flow again, and assume the issue is solved - only to have the clog return days or weeks later.
I know that it feels frustrating, inconvenient, and often confusing. But repeated clogs are rarely about bad luck - they’re usually a sign that something deeper hasn’t been addressed.
Why Drains Keep Clogging After Cleaning
The biggest misunderstanding is assuming that “unclogged” means “clean.” In many cases, cleaning methods only punch a hole through the blockage so water can pass again. The buildup that caused the problem, such as grease, sludge, soap residue, or debris, often remains on the pipe walls.
As Jeremy La Salle, a licensed plumber, explains, “Often it’s because they’ve only unblocked the drain and not cleaned the drain. There’s a difference between unblocking and cleaning.”
4 Reasons Your Drain Keeps Clogging
1. Partial Cleaning Instead of Full Removal
Many DIY methods only create a small opening through the clog so water can drain again. While that feels like a fix, grease, soap residue, and sludge often remain stuck to the pipe walls.
Over time, that leftover buildup acts like a magnet for new debris, causing the drain to clog again, sometimes faster than before. In short, the issue wasn’t fully removed and was only temporarily pushed aside.
2. Multiple Fixtures Are Affected
When one fixture causes another to back up, such as flushing a toilet and seeing water rise in a shower or floor drain, it usually points to a deeper problem in the main drain line. This goes beyond everyday buildup from normal use.
As Curtis McGrath, a professional plumber, notes, “that’s an indication that a bigger issue is at hand.” These symptoms suggest the blockage is affecting the entire plumbing system, not just one drain.
3. Improper Installation or Pipe Damage
Drain systems depend on proper slope and alignment to move waste efficiently. If pipes were installed incorrectly, have shifted over time, or are made from aging materials, low spots can develop where debris naturally settles.
Even a small structural issue can slow water flow enough to cause repeat clogs, and no amount of surface-level cleaning can fix a problem built into the pipe itself.
4. Hidden Issues Inside the Pipe
Some of the most persistent clogs are caused by problems homeowners can’t see from the drain opening. Tree roots, corrosion, mineral scale buildup, or cracked pipes are common in older Ottawa homes.
Without inspecting the inside of the drain line, these hidden issues continue to worsen, allowing clogs to return again and again - no matter how often the drain is “cleaned.”
When DIY Drain Cleaning Isn’t Worth It
DIY drain cleaning is designed to get water moving again, but it doesn’t explain why the clog keeps coming back.
As Ryan Sherrer, one of our seasoned plumbers, explains, experience is so important in knowing what the tools are revealing: “I know what I’m feeling on my cable because I’ve done it enough times.” He points out that even with high-end equipment, a person who doesn’t know about professional plumbing wouldn’t be able to identify the precise issue. “They can put a camera down, but they won’t actually know what they're looking at,” he adds.
Likewise, Peter McGrath, a licensed plumber and owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa, compares recurring drain issues to how doctors diagnose medical problems in a hospital. When something can’t be seen from the outside, doctors don’t guess - they use diagnostic technology to locate the problem, understand its severity, and choose the least invasive solution.
Plumbing works the same way. Without a camera inspection, drain work often becomes educated guesswork, which can lead to unnecessary damage and higher costs. The real value isn’t just the camera itself, but the experienced professional interpreting what it shows, ensuring the problem is identified accurately and fixed the right way the first time.
Find the Cause, Fix It Right
Recurring drain clogs don’t fix themselves, and repeated DIY attempts often make the situation more expensive over time. The safest and most effective approach is professional diagnosis paired with the right tools and experience.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa, our skilled and licensed plumbers combine advanced technology with hands-on expertise to keep drains flowing and protect your home from bigger issues, helping prevent repeat clogs, unexpected damage, and unnecessary repair costs.
Get Your Drain Cleaning Service Now!
Curious about what your plumbing repair or installation might cost? Try our free online pricing estimator today - it gives you a ballpark quote in just seconds.
And if you’re ready to book your service, call (613) 416-9318. We’re ready to handle everything from emergency leak repairs to routine maintenance.
