There’s a lot of questionable advice out there when it comes to fixing a clogged drain. From pouring harsh chemicals down your pipes to using makeshift tools, many so-called “hacks” can do more harm than good, potentially leading to corroded pipes and more expensive repairs. It’s time to separate fact from fiction. This article busts the most common myths about drain cleaning and explains why professional intervention is often the safest and most effective solution. We’ll get into the truth about chemical cleaners, the long-term value of expert service, and what really happens during a professional cleaning. Our goal is to arm you with accurate information so you can confidently find an affordable drain cleaning service that protects your plumbing system.
Key Takeaways
- Prevention is your most powerful tool: Simple habits, like using drain strainers and never pouring grease down the sink, are the most effective ways to avoid the stress and cost of a major clog.
- Understand what you’re paying for: Drain cleaning costs vary based on the clog’s severity and the tools required. A detailed quote isn’t an upsell; it’s a transparent plan to fix the root of the problem, not just the symptom.
- Opt for a lasting solution, not a quick fix: While DIY methods might offer temporary relief, a professional uses advanced tools to diagnose the true cause and thoroughly clean your pipes, ensuring the problem doesn’t return a few weeks later.
What Factors Into Drain Cleaning Costs?
When you get a quote for drain cleaning, you’ll find that the price isn’t a simple, flat number. Several key things influence the final cost, and understanding them helps you know what you’re paying for. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500, but that range depends entirely on the specific problem in your pipes. A simple clog in your kitchen sink won’t cost the same as a major blockage in your main sewer line, and for good reason. The complexity of the job, the tools required, and even the time of day you call all play a part. A plumber has to consider whether they’re dealing with a minor inconvenience or a potential plumbing disaster that requires immediate, intensive work.
Knowing these variables will help you ask the right questions and understand why one quote might be different from another. For example, the price difference between a standard drain snaking and a full hydro jetting service can be substantial, but the results are also worlds apart. Hydro jetting doesn’t just break up a clog; it scours the entire pipe, removing years of buildup and helping prevent future issues. This is why it’s crucial to get a detailed quote that explains the recommended service. We believe in transparency, so you’ll always know what you’re paying for and why a particular method is the best solution for your home or business. Below, we’ll get into the specifics of each cost factor.
The Clog’s Type and Location
The first thing a plumber will assess is the nature of the clog itself. A small clump of hair just beneath a shower drain is a quick fix and will land on the lower end of the price scale. However, a more serious blockage, like invasive tree roots that have cracked your main sewer line, requires a lot more work and specialized equipment. This kind of issue often needs a residential sewer pipe repair. Common culprits like soap scum, grease, and food scraps are usually straightforward, but years of mineral buildup can create a stubborn, cement-like obstruction that’s tougher to clear. The deeper and more severe the clog, the more time and effort it takes to resolve.
The Tools and Techniques for the Job
Not all clogs can be solved with a simple drain snake. While snaking is effective for breaking up smaller, nearby blockages, tougher problems demand more advanced solutions. For deep-seated grease or sludge, professionals often turn to hydro jetting, a method that uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of your pipes clean without causing damage. This is a common technique for commercial sewer line cleaning where buildup can be severe. The equipment needed for the job directly impacts the cost. Using a powerful hydro jetter is more involved than using a hand-held auger, so the price will reflect the technology required to get your pipes flowing freely again.
Emergency Calls vs. Scheduled Visits
When you need help matters just as much as what kind of help you need. If your toilet overflows on a holiday weekend or a pipe bursts in the middle of the night, you’ll need emergency service, which comes at a premium. Plumbers charge more for after-hours, weekend, and holiday calls to cover the cost of having technicians on standby. If your drain is just slow and not completely blocked, you can save a significant amount of money if you schedule service during regular business hours instead of waiting for it to become an urgent problem that can’t wait.
Why Your Location Matters
Where you live plays a role in plumbing costs. Service prices are often higher in major metropolitan areas compared to more rural towns due to differences in the cost of living and doing business. Beyond your zip code, pricing structures vary from one company to the next. Some plumbers charge a flat rate for specific services, while others bill by the hour, with rates typically falling between $75 and $150 per hour. It’s always a good idea to get a clear quote upfront so you understand exactly how you’ll be charged for the work and what’s included in your service.
Spotting Common Drain Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Your home’s plumbing system is great at sending you signals when something’s wrong. The key is knowing how to read them. Catching a drain issue early can be the difference between a quick fix and a costly, messy emergency. Some problems have simple solutions you can try yourself, but others are clear signs that it’s time to call in a professional. Paying attention to gurgling noises, slow drains, and strange smells can help you protect your pipes and your peace of mind. Let’s walk through the most common warning signs and what they mean for your home.
Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs
We’ve all been there: you’re washing your hands or taking a shower, and the water pools around your feet, taking forever to drain. This is one of the earliest signs of a developing clog. Gurgling sounds often accompany a slow drain, which is the sound of trapped air fighting its way past a blockage of hair, soap scum, or grease. While it’s tempting to ignore, a slow drain will eventually become a completely blocked one. For a minor slowdown, you can try a simple plunger or a plastic drain snake. If the problem persists, it’s best to call for professional residential drain cleaning services to clear it properly.
Foul Odors from Your Drains
That unpleasant smell wafting from your kitchen sink or shower drain isn’t just annoying—it’s a warning. Foul odors are typically caused by trapped food particles, grease, and other gunk decomposing inside your pipes. Over time, this buildup creates a perfect breeding ground for smelly bacteria. In some cases, the smell could also point to a more serious issue with your sewer line’s venting system. While flushing the drain with hot water might offer a temporary fix, a persistent odor means the buildup needs to be removed professionally. A thorough cleaning will eliminate the source of the smell and leave your pipes fresh.
Clogs in Multiple Drains at Once
If your toilet won’t flush properly, your shower is backing up, and your bathroom sink is draining slowly all at the same time, you have a bigger problem on your hands. When multiple fixtures are clogged simultaneously, it’s a strong indicator of a blockage in your main sewer line. This is the large, central pipe that carries all of your home’s wastewater to the municipal sewer. A main line clog affects your entire plumbing system and can quickly lead to a sewage backup. This isn’t a DIY situation; you’ll need a professional to clear the main line, a service that’s crucial for both homes and businesses requiring commercial sewer line cleaning.
Blockages That Keep Coming Back
Are you dealing with a clog that just won’t quit? If you clear a blockage only for it to return a few weeks later, it means you’re only addressing the symptom, not the root cause. Recurring clogs suggest that your efforts are only poking a small hole in a much larger obstruction further down the pipe. It’s best to avoid reaching for harsh chemical drain cleaners, as these corrosive liquids can damage your pipes over time and often don’t solve the problem. A professional plumber can use a camera inspection to find the true source of the blockage and provide a lasting solution, which might involve a thorough cleaning or even a residential sewer pipe repair.
Water Backing Up into Your Home
Seeing dirty water or, worse, raw sewage flowing back up through your drains is a plumbing emergency. This is the most serious sign of a main sewer line blockage and requires immediate action. A sewage backup is not only destructive to your floors and furniture but also poses a significant health risk to your family. This situation is a clear signal that your home’s wastewater has nowhere to go and is being forced back into your house. Don’t wait to act. You should immediately call a professional to address the clog. Once the emergency is handled, they can determine if a long-term fix like trenchless pipe repair is needed to prevent future backups.
How the Pros Clear Your Drains
When a stubborn clog brings your daily routine to a halt, it’s tempting to try any quick fix you can find. But professional plumbers have a whole arsenal of tools and techniques that are safer and far more effective than anything you can buy at the store. Instead of just punching a small hole through a blockage, we focus on clearing the entire pipe for a lasting solution. By using the right method for the job, we can get your drains flowing freely without causing any damage to your plumbing system.
Drain Snaking
You’ve probably heard of a drain snake, and for good reason. This classic tool, also called an auger, is a long, flexible cable that we guide down your drain. When it reaches the clog, it can either break it apart or hook onto it so we can pull it out completely. Drain snaking is a fantastic first line of defense for common blockages like hair in the shower drain or food buildup in the kitchen sink. It’s a go-to method for many of our residential drain cleaning services because it physically removes the problem without resorting to harsh chemicals. It’s a targeted approach that gets the job done right.
Hydro Jetting
For more serious blockages, we bring out the heavy-duty equipment. Hydro jetting is a powerful cleaning method that uses a high-pressure stream of water to obliterate tough clogs. Think of it as pressure washing for the inside of your pipes. It’s incredibly effective at clearing away years of accumulated grease, soap scum, scale, and even invasive tree roots that have worked their way into your sewer lines. This technique doesn’t just break up the clog; it scours the entire pipe wall, leaving it clean and clear. Our commercial sewer line cleaning often relies on hydro jetting to restore flow in high-use systems.
Video Camera Inspections
How do we know which method to use? We don’t guess. We use a high-tech, waterproof video camera to conduct a thorough inspection of your pipes from the inside. By feeding the camera line into your drain, we get a real-time view of what’s going on. This allows us to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the clog, whether it’s a simple buildup or a more serious issue like a cracked pipe. This diagnostic step is a key part of any residential sewer pipe repair, ensuring we fix the root of the problem correctly the first time and prevent future headaches.
Why Pros Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
That bottle of chemical drain cleaner under your sink might seem like a convenient fix, but most professionals will tell you to steer clear. These harsh chemicals generate heat to dissolve clogs, which can soften PVC pipes or corrode older metal pipes over time, leading to costly leaks. They’re also often ineffective against solid obstructions and can be a serious safety hazard if they splash back or mix with other chemicals. A much safer and more reliable approach is to have a professional clear the blockage physically. If you’re dealing with a clog that won’t budge, it’s best to schedule a service with a trusted plumber.
How to Choose a Reliable Drain Cleaning Service
Finding the right drain cleaning service can feel like a big decision, especially when you’re dealing with a stressful clog or backup. You want a team that’s not only effective but also trustworthy and transparent. Taking a few extra steps to vet a company can save you from headaches and unexpected costs down the road. Think of it as doing a little homework to protect your home and your wallet. From checking credentials to comparing what different companies offer, here’s how you can confidently choose a service that will get the job done right.
Verify Their License and Insurance
Before you let anyone start work on your plumbing, it’s crucial to confirm they are licensed and insured. A valid license proves the plumbers have met state and local requirements for training and expertise. Insurance is just as important—it protects you from liability in case of accidents or property damage during the job. A reputable company will have no problem providing you with their license number and proof of insurance. Think of it as a basic safety check; if a company can’t provide these credentials, it’s a clear sign to look elsewhere.
Read Reviews from Past Customers
One of the best ways to get a feel for a company is by hearing from people who have already used their services. Reading online reviews gives you a glimpse into their reliability, professionalism, and the quality of their work. Look for patterns in the feedback. Are customers consistently happy with the results? Do they mention the technicians being on time and respectful of their property? While a single negative review isn’t always a deal-breaker, a long history of positive feedback is a great indicator that you’re choosing a company that truly values customer satisfaction.
Compare Quotes from Different Companies
It’s always a smart move to get estimates from a few different companies before making a final decision. When you request a quote, make sure it’s a written estimate that breaks down all the costs involved. This should include labor, parts, and any potential extra fees. A transparent quote prevents surprises when the final bill arrives. Be wary of any company that gives you a vague price over the phone without inspecting the problem first. A thorough professional will want to assess the situation to give you an accurate and fair estimate for the specific drain cleaning services you need.
Ask About Service Guarantees
A confident and reliable plumbing company will stand behind its work. Ask if they offer a service guarantee or warranty on their drain cleaning. This means that if the clog returns within a certain period, they will come back to fix it at no additional charge. A guarantee shows that the company is committed to providing a long-term solution, not just a temporary fix. It’s a sign of quality workmanship and gives you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected. Don’t be shy about asking for the details of their guarantee in writing.
Comparing Top Drain Cleaning Services
When you start looking for a drain cleaning service, you’ll come across several well-known names. Here’s a quick look at what some of the top companies offer so you can make an informed choice.
- SWE Sewer Solutions: As a family-owned business serving Southern California since 1980, we focus on using advanced technology for lasting results. We use methods like high-pressure hydro jetting to thoroughly clean pipes and video inspections to pinpoint the exact problem. Our goal is to provide effective, long-term solutions for both homes and businesses.
- Roto-Rooter: A large, national chain known for its 24/7 availability. Their pricing can vary widely, with typical service calls ranging from the low hundreds to much more for complex jobs.
- Mr. Rooter: This company also offers around-the-clock service and provides upfront pricing. However, some customers find their estimates to be on the higher side compared to local competitors.
- Benjamin Franklin Plumbing: Known for their punctuality promise—they pay you if they’re late. They offer 24/7 emergency services and straightforward pricing, which many customers appreciate.
- Rescue Rooter: This service provides financing options and a one-year guarantee on their work, which can be a major plus. They do, however, tend to be one of the more expensive options available.
Smart Ways to Save on Your Service
Keeping your drains clear and functional is a priority, but it shouldn’t have to drain your wallet. While professional service is an investment in your home’s health, there are several practical ways to manage the cost without cutting corners on quality. A little bit of planning and asking the right questions can lead to significant savings. Here are some straightforward strategies to get the best value from your drain cleaning service.
Consider a Maintenance Plan
The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is especially true for plumbing. Instead of waiting for a clog to become a costly emergency, consider a regular maintenance plan. These plans often include periodic inspections and cleanings that catch minor issues before they escalate. Committing to routine upkeep can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run by preventing expensive repairs. It’s a proactive approach that keeps your system running smoothly and your budget predictable. You can always schedule a service to discuss what a maintenance routine for your home or business might look like.
Look for Seasonal Deals
Like many service industries, plumbing can have its busy and slow seasons. During slower months, some companies offer promotions or discounts to attract business. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for these seasonal deals. You might find special offers around the holidays or during times of the year when plumbing issues are less common. Following local companies on social media or checking their websites periodically can help you spot these opportunities. Planning your residential drain cleaning services during an off-peak time could lead to some welcome savings.
Bundle Your Plumbing Services
If you have a few different plumbing tasks on your to-do list, bundling them together can often save you money. For instance, if you need a drain cleaned and you’ve also been thinking about a sewer line inspection, ask if there’s a discount for scheduling both services at the same time. Companies can work more efficiently when they tackle multiple jobs in one visit, and they often pass those savings on to you. This is especially useful for businesses that require multiple services, like commercial sewer line cleaning and grease trap maintenance.
Ask About New Customer Offers
Never hesitate to ask if a company has a special offer for first-time customers. Many businesses provide a discount or a special rate to welcome new clients and build a positive relationship from the start. It’s a common practice, but it’s not always advertised front and center. When you call to get a quote, simply ask, “Do you have any promotions for new customers?” It’s a simple question that could result in an immediate discount on your service. The worst they can say is no, but you might be pleasantly surprised.
How to Read Your Service Quote
Transparency is key when hiring any professional service. Always request a detailed, itemized quote before agreeing to any work. This document should clearly break down the costs for labor, parts, and any other charges associated with the job. A thorough quote helps you understand exactly what you’re paying for and ensures there are no misunderstandings later on. It also allows you to compare quotes from different companies accurately, so you can see who offers the best value, not just the lowest price.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
A low initial quote can be tempting, but it’s important to make sure it’s comprehensive. Be wary of hidden fees that can inflate your final bill. Before the work begins, ask your plumber to clarify what the quote includes and what it doesn’t. Inquire about potential extra charges, such as fees for travel time, after-hours service, or specific equipment usage. A reputable company will be upfront about all potential costs, ensuring you feel confident and informed. This simple conversation can prevent unwelcome surprises when you receive the final invoice.
Simple Tips to Prevent Clogs
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to your plumbing. The best way to deal with a clog is to stop it from ever forming. A few simple habits can make a huge difference, saving you from the headache of a backup and the cost of an emergency call. By being mindful of what goes down your drains, you can keep your pipes flowing freely and protect your home’s plumbing system for the long haul. These tips are easy to work into your daily routine and are your first line of defense against stubborn blockages.
Care for Your Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink sees a lot of action, which makes it a prime spot for clogs. The biggest culprits are grease, oil, and food scraps. Even if you have a garbage disposal, it’s not invincible. It’s best to avoid sending things like coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous vegetable peels down the drain, as they can create a sludgy mess. Before washing dishes, scrape all food waste into the trash. And never pour cooking grease down the sink; instead, pour it into a disposable container, let it solidify, and throw it in the garbage. These small steps are crucial for preventing buildup that requires professional residential drain cleaning services.
Maintain Your Bathroom Drains
In the bathroom, the main offenders are hair, soap scum, and toothpaste. Over time, these materials bind together inside your pipes, forming dense clogs that slow down or completely stop your shower, tub, and sink drains. The easiest fix is to be proactive. Make it a habit to clean your drains often, especially by removing hair from shower and tub stoppers after each use. This prevents the hair from getting washed down and creating a bigger problem. If you notice drains are consistently slow despite your efforts, it could point to a deeper issue within your plumbing that needs a professional look.
Set a Regular Cleaning Routine
A little monthly maintenance can go a long way in keeping your drains clear. You don’t need harsh chemicals to do the job. For a simple, effective clean, try pouring about a half-cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and work its magic for about 30 minutes, then flush it all out with a pot of hot (not boiling) water. This natural solution helps break down minor grease and soap scum buildup before it becomes a major blockage. If you’d rather leave it to the experts, you can always schedule service for routine professional cleaning.
Use Drain Strainers
One of the simplest and most effective tools for preventing clogs is a drain strainer. These inexpensive mesh or silicone screens sit over your drain opening to catch debris before it has a chance to enter your pipes. You can find them for kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and shower drains. They are fantastic at trapping food particles in the kitchen and hair in the bathroom. The key is to empty the strainers regularly—otherwise, you’re just moving the clog from inside your drain to on top of it. This is an essential tip for both homes and businesses looking to avoid costly commercial sewer line cleaning.
Know What Not to Put Down the Drain
Your toilet is not a trash can. The only things that should ever be flushed are human waste and toilet paper—that’s it. Products like paper towels, cotton balls, dental floss, and even so-called “flushable” wipes do not break down the same way toilet paper does. They can easily snag in your pipes and create severe blockages that affect your entire home. Keeping these items out of your toilet is critical for maintaining a healthy sewer line. If you experience frequent backups even with careful flushing, it might be a sign of an underlying problem with your pipes that could require residential sewer pipe repair.
Myths About Drain Cleaning, Busted
When it comes to clogged drains, a lot of advice floats around. Some is helpful, but much of it can lead to frustration and more expensive repairs. Let’s clear up the most common misconceptions so you can handle drain issues with confidence and protect your plumbing.
The Truth About DIY Fixes
It’s tempting to think a DIY fix will save you money. While a plunger can help with minor clogs, most at-home methods are just temporary patches. Relying on them lets the underlying problem worsen, leading to recurring issues. A professional plumber identifies the root cause, whether it’s grease buildup or tree roots. Getting expert residential drain cleaning services ensures the problem is solved correctly the first time, preventing a small issue from becoming a major headache.
Why Chemical Cleaners Often Do More Harm Than Good
Grabbing a bottle of chemical drain cleaner seems easy, but it’s a risky myth. These products use harsh chemicals that can eat away at your pipes over time. This corrosion leads to cracks and leaks, turning a simple clog into a need for costly residential sewer pipe repair. Professionals use tools that are tough on clogs but gentle on your plumbing. It’s always better to remove the blockage without damaging your pipes.
The Long-Term Value of Professional Service
Viewing professional drain cleaning as just an expense is short-sighted. Think of it as an investment in your plumbing’s health. A professional service resolves the immediate clog and helps prevent future ones. A technician can spot early signs of trouble you might have missed. Addressing these issues proactively is far more affordable than a plumbing emergency. This is key for homes and businesses that need reliable commercial sewer line cleaning.
What to Know About Emergency Calls
Many people delay calling a plumber, hoping the problem fixes itself. This often lets the issue escalate into an emergency. What many don’t realize is that emergency calls—after hours, on weekends, or holidays—come with premium pricing. A slow drain on Wednesday can become an overflowing sink by Saturday, costing you more. If you notice a problem, it’s best to schedule service during regular business hours to avoid the extra expense.
What Happens During a Professional Drain Cleaning?
Calling a plumber can feel a little mysterious if you’ve never done it before. What exactly happens between the time they arrive and the moment your drain is flowing freely again? Knowing what to expect can make the process much smoother and give you peace of mind. A true professional service isn’t just about fixing the problem; it’s about providing a clear, safe, and respectful experience from start to finish.
We believe in transparency, so we want to walk you through our process. From the moment we step through your door, our goal is to diagnose the issue accurately, resolve it efficiently, and leave your home just as clean as we found it. It’s a structured approach that ensures we get to the root of the problem without any guesswork. Let’s break down what a professional residential drain cleaning service looks like.
The Initial Inspection
The first thing a technician should do is a thorough inspection. Instead of just jumping in with a tool, we take the time to understand exactly what’s causing the clog and where it’s located. For tricky or deep-seated blockages, this often involves a video camera inspection. We feed a small, high-resolution camera into your pipes to get a clear view of the obstruction—whether it’s grease buildup, tree roots, or a foreign object. This diagnostic step is crucial because it allows us to choose the most effective method for clearing the drain without causing any damage to your pipes.
The Cleaning Process
Once we’ve identified the problem, we get to work on the cleaning process. For tough clogs that snaking can’t handle, we often use a technique called hydro jetting. This method uses a high-pressure stream of water to blast away years of accumulated grease, sludge, and even invasive tree roots from your pipe walls. It’s incredibly effective and completely safe for your plumbing system. Unlike temporary fixes, hydro jetting thoroughly cleans the entire pipe, which helps prevent future clogs and restores your system to optimal condition. This is a key part of our residential sewer pipe repair process.
Our Clean-Up Protocol
We know that having work done in your home can be disruptive, which is why we treat your space with the utmost respect. A professional plumber’s job isn’t finished until the work area is spotless. Our technicians lay down protective coverings to keep your floors clean and will thoroughly wipe down and tidy up the area before they leave. We follow strict safety and cleanliness protocols to ensure your home is left in the same condition we found it in—or better. You shouldn’t have to clean up after your plumber, and with us, you won’t have to.
Our Commitment to Safety
Your safety is our top priority. That’s why we avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can be ineffective on major clogs and can even corrode your pipes over time, leading to more expensive problems. Our methods, like hydro jetting and snaking, are designed to be tough on clogs but gentle on your plumbing. We use advanced, professional-grade equipment to handle even the most stubborn blockages safely and effectively. This commitment to safety is why so many trust us for their commercial sewer line cleaning needs, where the stakes are even higher.
Understanding the Service Guarantee
When you hire a professional, you deserve to know you’re getting quality work at a fair price. We stand by our service with a clear guarantee. Before any work begins, we provide an honest, upfront quote so there are no surprises. We promise to perform the right service to fix your specific problem and ensure you’re completely satisfied with the results. Our reputation is built on trust and quality workmanship, and our guarantee is our commitment to you. When you’re ready for reliable service, you can schedule an appointment with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is professional drain cleaning better than using a chemical cleaner from the store? Store-bought chemical cleaners seem like a quick fix, but they often do more harm than good. These harsh liquids can corrode your pipes over time, leading to leaks and even more expensive repairs. They also rarely solve the root of the problem, usually just burning a small tunnel through the clog that will quickly block up again. A professional service physically removes the entire blockage using tools that are safe for your plumbing, providing a lasting solution instead of a temporary patch.
My drain is slow, but not completely blocked. Should I call a plumber now or wait? It’s always better to address a slow drain sooner rather than later. A slow drain is a clear warning sign that a full-blown clog is forming. By scheduling a service call during regular business hours, you can get the issue resolved affordably and on your own time. Waiting until it becomes an emergency often means dealing with a messy backup and paying premium rates for after-hours or weekend service.
What’s the difference between drain snaking and hydro jetting? Think of drain snaking as a targeted tool for a specific problem. A plumber uses a flexible auger to break up or pull out a single, solid clog, like a clump of hair. Hydro jetting, on the other hand, is a comprehensive cleaning solution. It uses high-pressure water to scour the entire inner surface of your pipes, removing years of built-up grease, scale, and sludge. While snaking fixes the immediate blockage, hydro jetting restores your pipes to a like-new condition and helps prevent future clogs.
How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned? There isn’t a single answer for every home, as it depends on the age of your plumbing and how you use your drains. However, as a general rule of thumb, having your main lines inspected and cleaned every one to two years is a great preventative measure. If you have an older home, large trees near your sewer line, or a busy kitchen, you might consider an annual cleaning to stay ahead of any potential problems.
If multiple drains in my house are clogged, does that mean it’s a bigger problem? Yes, if you’re noticing that your toilet, shower, and sinks are all backing up at the same time, it’s a strong indicator of a blockage in your main sewer line. This is the central pipe that carries all of your home’s wastewater away, so a clog there affects your entire system. This is a serious issue that can lead to a sewage backup into your home and it is not a DIY job. You should call a professional immediately to diagnose and clear the main line.