Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging?

A clog that clears once and comes back within weeks is telling you something. The blockage isn't the problem — it's a symptom of something further down the line.

In Alexandria's older neighborhoods, cast-iron drain lines are common. These corrode from the inside, narrowing the pipe diameter and creating rough surfaces that catch grease, soap scum, and debris. Snaking the clog clears it temporarily but leaves the underlying surface intact.

Tree roots are another culprit in Del Ray and North Ridge — mature street trees with root systems that follow pipe joints looking for moisture. Once inside, roots grow fast.

If your drain keeps coming back, a camera inspection is the fastest way to know for certain what you're dealing with. Brownlee Plumbing can run one and tell you whether you need a simple cleaning, hydro-jetting, or pipe section replacement.