Drain Cleaning FAQs
How do I know if I need professional drain cleaning?
Call us when a plunger stops working, when more than one fixture drains slowly at the same time, when you hear gurgling from a toilet as a sink drains, or when there is a persistent sewer smell. Multiple slow fixtures usually point to the main line rather than a single trap.
Are store-bought chemical drain cleaners safe to use first?
We generally advise against them. Caustic cleaners can damage older pipes and seals, they rarely clear the full blockage, and leftover chemicals sitting in the line are a hazard for whoever opens it next. Mechanical clearing removes the clog instead of just eating a hole through it.
What is a camera inspection and do I need one?
We feed a waterproof camera down the line to see its actual condition. It is worth doing when clogs keep returning, before you buy a home, or when we suspect roots, a crack or a sag. It replaces guesswork and means you are not paying to dig where the problem is not.
Why do my drains keep clogging in the same spot?
Recurring clogs in one place usually mean something structural is catching debris, such as a belly in the pipe, a cracked joint, or root intrusion. Clearing it again will buy you a few months. A camera inspection tells you what is actually wrong so you can stop paying for the same visit.
How often should drains be cleaned preventatively?
For most homes, having the main line cleared every couple of years is enough. Properties with mature trees near the sewer lateral, or restaurants and commercial kitchens, benefit from a shorter interval because roots and grease build up faster.
Can you clear a main sewer line backup?
Yes. Main line backups are one of the most common calls we get, and we treat them as urgent because sewage backing into a home is a health issue. Stop running water immediately and call (225) 500-6696.
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