Have you tried snaking your own drain, only to find that the clog keeps coming back? If you’re a homeowner in Reading or nearby, you know how annoying it is when your DIY fix seems to work—at first—but then the same slow drain or backup returns, sometimes even worse than before.
While using a drain snake can open up a path and get the water flowing again, it usually only clears part of the problem and doesn’t remove all the buildup that’s causing your stubborn clogs.
Here is what may actually be happening inside your pipes.
The Clog Was Only Partially Cleared
Snaking may clear a channel through the blockage, but it often leaves behind grease, sludge, and debris stuck to the pipe walls—setting you up for another clog soon after. Grease, soap scum, sludge, and debris can remain. Over time, this leftover buildup collects more material and the clog reforms. If your drain slows down or backs up again soon after snaking, it’s a sign that the root cause wasn’t fully cleared out the first time.
Grease and Soap Buildup
Kitchen sinks are especially prone to recurring clogs. Even small amounts of grease poured down the drain can coat the inside of pipes. Combined with food particles, this creates a sticky surface that traps debris.
In bathrooms, soap residue and hair form thick blockages that are difficult to fully remove with a basic snake.
Hydro jetting is a more effective solution for stubborn, repeat clogs because it blasts away all buildup along the entire pipe, restoring full flow and preventing clogs from reforming.
Tree Roots in the Sewer Line
If multiple drains in your home are backing up, the issue may not be in a single sink or tub. Tree roots often invade underground sewer lines through small cracks or joints. A drain snake may temporarily cut through the roots, but they grow back. Without fixing the damaged pipe or fully removing the root intrusion, the problem will continue.
A professional sewer camera inspection will identify whether roots, cracks, or other hidden problems are causing your ongoing backups—so you know exactly what needs to be fixed for good.
Pipe Damage or Belly in the Line
Older homes in Reading and Berks County often have aging drain and sewer lines. Over time, pipes can crack, collapse, or develop a belly, a low spot where water and waste collect. Snaking does not fix structural issues. If the pipe is damaged, debris will continue to accumulate in the affected area.
Identifying the condition of the pipe is key to preventing repeat clogs.
Flushing the Wrong Items
Even products labeled as “flushable” can contribute to recurring sewer problems. Wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, and too much toilet paper can create stubborn blockages deeper in the system.
If your toilet frequently backs up, the issue may extend beyond what a handheld snake can reach.
When Snaking Is Not Enough
If you’re done dealing with the same drain problems, it’s time to consider real solutions that get to the root of the issue.
Professional options include:
- Hydro jetting to completely clear out grease, soap, and debris buildup
- Sewer camera inspection to diagnose root intrusion or damage
- Spot repair or sewer line replacement if structural issues are found
When you address the real cause, not just the symptom, you save money, avoid emergency backups, and finally get peace of mind. Protect Your Home From Repeat Drain Problems
Recurring clogs are not just annoying; they can disrupt your life and damage your home. The good news is that with the right diagnostics and solutions, like hydro jetting, you can finally put an end to recurring drain problems.
If you’re dealing with slow or backed-up drains, don’t settle for another quick fix that only delays the problem. Get lasting results with professional help that targets the root cause.
JB Plumbing provides professional drain cleaning, hydrojetting, and sewer camera inspections throughout Reading, Exeter, Wyomissing, and other Berks County communities. Our team will identify the real cause of your recurring clog and recommend the right long-term solution.
Call JB Plumbing today at 610-621-3452 or schedule service online to get your drains flowing properly again.
