Why Your Drains Keep Clogging (And How to Stop It)
Published March 10, 2025 · By 386 Plumbing Pros
If you're dealing with drain clogs more than once or twice a year, there's likely an underlying issue that a plunger can't fix. Here's what's really happening in your pipes — and what you can do about it.
Grease and Fat Buildup
The #1 cause of kitchen drain clogs in Volusia County homes. Cooking grease, oil, and fat may go down as liquid but solidify inside your pipes, gradually narrowing the passage until water can barely pass through. Never pour grease down the drain — let it cool and toss it in the trash instead.
Hair and Soap Scum
Bathroom drains accumulate hair and soap residue over time, forming stubborn clogs deep in the drain line. Drain screens can help catch hair before it enters the pipe, but periodic professional cleaning is the only way to fully clear buildup.
Tree Root Intrusion
Florida's lush vegetation means tree roots are constantly seeking water — and your sewer line is a prime target. Roots can penetrate small cracks in pipes and grow inside, causing slow drains and eventually complete blockages. This is especially common in older Volusia County homes with clay or cast iron pipes.
Aging or Corroded Pipes
Many homes in Deltona, Daytona Beach, and surrounding areas have plumbing systems that are 30-50+ years old. Corroded pipes develop rough interior surfaces that trap debris and accelerate clog formation. If your home was built before 1990, your pipes may be due for inspection.
Improper Pipe Slope
Drain pipes need proper slope (fall) to move water and waste efficiently. If pipes were installed incorrectly or have settled over time, water pools in low spots, collecting debris and causing recurring clogs.
How Professional Drain Cleaning Solves the Problem
Store-bought drain cleaners are harsh on pipes and only provide temporary relief. Professional drain cleaning targets the root cause:
- Hydro-jetting blasts away years of grease and buildup
- Video camera inspection identifies the exact problem
- Root cutting removes tree root intrusions
- Preventive maintenance plans keep drains flowing
