Why Does My Drain Keep Backing Up? (And What to Do About It)

If you’ve had to deal with recurring drain backups in your kitchen, bathroom, or shower, you’re not alone. At Santa Monica Drain Co, we get calls every day from frustrated homeowners in Los Angeles dealing with the same messy, stressful problem.

Common Causes of Drain Backups

1. Grease Buildup: One of the biggest offenders—especially in kitchen sinks. Grease hardens in the pipes and traps food debris.
2. Hair and Soap Scum: In bathroom sinks and showers, this combo can quickly create stubborn clogs.
3. Tree Roots: In older neighborhoods like Santa Monica and Brentwood, roots can invade underground sewer lines.
4. Broken Pipes: Cracks or collapses in aging pipes can restrict flow and cause water to back up.
5. Flushing the Wrong Things: Wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products can clog toilets and main lines.

DIY First Steps

• Try a plunger or a safe enzyme-based drain cleaner (not harsh chemicals).
• Remove and clean visible drain covers or stoppers.
• If multiple drains are backing up, it’s likely a main line issue—stop running water and call a plumber.

Why Call Santa Monica Drain Co?

We’re equipped with advanced tools like hydro jetting and video inspection to:

• Pinpoint the cause of your backup
• Clear the blockage safely and thoroughly
• Prevent future problems with proper maintenance

We serve Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Culver City, and West LA with fast, professional service—and we always clean up after ourselves.

Drain constantly backing up? Don’t wait for water damage. Call Santa Monica Drain Co at 310-422-8915 for expert drain cleaning and repair.