What Causes Recurring Drain Clogs—and Why Hydro-Jetting Stops Them for Good

10/Dec/2025

Few plumbing problems are as frustrating as recurring drain clogs. Whether it’s a kitchen sink that needs plunging every now and then or a shower drain that has become a pain in the neck, clogs can disrupt your routine. Stubborn drain clogs are one of the main reasons you may find yourself calling a nearby plumber. And when an expert clears the drain line to restore smooth flow of wastewater, many homeowners are surprised to learn how easy it is to avoid clogs in the first place. In fact, most clogs occur due to improper disposal habits, such as pouring grease down the kitchen sink.

In this post, Mr. Rooter Plumbing looks into the common causes of drain clogs and why hydro-jetting is the most ideal solution. As a seasoned plumbing company with decades of experience, we understand the effectiveness of water jetting. Keep reading to learn more.

Common Causes of Recurring Drain Clogs

Grease and Fat Buildup

Kitchen sinks are often the main culprit. When grease, oil, and fat go down the drain, they cool and harden inside the pipes, thereby narrowing the passage. Over time, this buildup can trap food particles and create blockages that keep returning despite plunging or snaking.

Soap Scum and Mineral Deposits

In bathrooms, soap scum mixes with minerals in hard water to form stubborn deposits. These deposits coat the inside of pipes to reduce water flow and create surfaces where hair and other debris can get stuck.

Hair and Debris Accumulation

Shower and bathtub drains are prone to hair clogs. Hair combines with soap and body oils to form dense mats that are difficult to remove entirely with standard drain cleaning methods.

Tree Roots

For outdoor or underground pipes, tree roots can infiltrate joints and cracks in sewer lines. Once inside, the roots create blockages that are extremely difficult to clear with traditional plumbing tools.

Pipe Corrosion or Narrowing

Older pipes made of galvanized steel or cast iron can corrode internally and reduce the diameter of the pipes. This makes them more prone to recurring clogs, even when only small debris enters the drain line. If you have older pipes in your home, reach out to a local plumbing repair service for repiping.

Why Hydro-Jetting Works

Hydro-jetting is a modern, highly effective method for clearing even the most stubborn clogs. Unlike a standard drain snake, which pierces or pulls out part of the blockage, hydro-jetting uses a high-pressure stream of water to thoroughly clean the interior of your pipes. Here’s why it stops clogs for good:

Removes All Residue: Hydro-jetting clears away grease, soap scum, hair, and mineral deposits that cling to pipe walls. It leaves a smooth surface where debris cannot accumulate easily.
Clears Tree Roots: Specialized nozzles can cut through small intruding roots and flush them out.
Restores Pipe Flow: By completely cleaning the pipes, hydro-jetting restores full water flow and reduces the likelihood of future blockages. As long as you hire a skilled plumber in Williamston to clean your pipes, you can enjoy smooth flow for years to come.
Safe and Environmentally Friendly: Hydro-jetting uses only water, without harsh chemicals that can damage pipes or the environment.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Clogged Drain Cleaning

If you’re tired of dealing with the same drain blockages over and over again, it’s time to schedule clogged drain cleaning with the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our plumbers have what it takes to clean your drain lines safely and restore proper functioning. With our decades of experience cleaning clogged drains and repairing damaged drain lines, we are the experts you can count on to deliver top-tier services. Contact us today to book an appointment with our specialists.