clogs, drains, repair

What Should I Do If a Drain Snake Doesn’t Clear the Clog?

Q: What should I do if a drain snake doesn’t clear the clog?

If a drain snake doesn’t clear the clog, stop trying to avoid damaging the pipe and call a professional plumber. Persistent or deep clogs may require specialized tools such as hydro jetting, camera inspection, or powered drain machines to safely and effectively remove the blockage. A plumber can also identify underlying issues that may be contributing to recurring clogs.

If a drain snake doesn’t clear the clog, the blockage may be deeper, hardened, or part of a larger pipe issue that requires professional equipment.

When Snaking Isn’t Enough

A basic drain snake may reach only part of the blockage or push through soft material while leaving buildup behind. If water still drains slowly after snaking, the clog likely extends farther down the line or involves grease, roots, or scale.

Forcing a snake repeatedly can damage pipes or push debris deeper into the system.

Radiant uses professional-grade tools, including camera inspections when needed, to locate and fully clear stubborn clogs safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes a Main Line Sewer Clog?

Main line sewer clogs are often caused by tree roots, grease buildup, pipe damage, or accumulated debris affecting the home’s primary drain line.

How Do I Fix a Clogged Bathtub or Sink Drain?

Clogged bathtub and sink drains are commonly caused by hair, soap residue, or grease buildup and may require professional clearing if DIY methods fail.

Does Vinegar and Baking Soda Really Clear a Clogged Drain?

Vinegar and baking soda may help with minor odors or light buildup but do not effectively clear most clogged drains.

Why Do My Drains Keep Clogging?

Most repeat clogs come from residues — grease, hair, soap scum, and mineral scale — sticking to pipe walls and narrowing the passage. That slowdown traps more debris, creating a rinse-and-repeat clog drainage situation. Underlying issues like a partial sewer line clog, improper pipe slope, hard water scaling, root intrusion, or ageing metal that’s turning into a clogged pipe make it worse. Real relief comes from clearing the full run of pipe and fixing the root cause, not just the symptom at the fixture.

What Causes Drains to Keep Clogging?

Drains often keep clogging due to recurring buildup of grease, hair, soap residue, food waste, or underlying pipe issues that haven’t been fully cleared.