Drain Cleaning FAQ

How do you clean a sink drain?

Remove and rinse the stopper, clear hair and debris from the opening, then flush with hot tap water. A plunger or a small hand snake can clear clogs near the trap. If the sink still drains slowly, the blockage is likely deeper in the line.

How do you clean a bathtub drain?

Take out the stopper and pull out hair and soap buildup with a plastic drain tool, then flush with hot water. If water still pools, the clog is past the trap and usually needs a drain snake.

How do you clean a shower drain?

Lift the drain cover, remove hair and soap scum by hand or with a drain tool, and rinse with hot water. Standing water that returns after cleaning points to a clog further down the line.

How do you clean a smelly drain in a bathroom sink?

Odor usually comes from buildup on the stopper and in the overflow channel. Clean the stopper, scrub the drain opening, and flush the overflow with hot water. A sewer smell that keeps coming back can mean a dry trap or a venting problem.

How do you clear a clogged drain?

Start with a plunger, then a hand snake for clogs close to the fixture, and avoid forcing tools into the pipe. If more than one fixture is affected, or the clog keeps returning, the blockage is likely in a branch line or the main line and needs professional equipment.

What is the difference between hydro jetting and snaking?

Snaking uses a rotating cable to break through or pull out a clog. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the full inside of the pipe, removing grease, scale and roots. Snaking suits a single clog, while jetting suits recurring buildup.

Why are multiple drains backing up at once?

When several fixtures back up together, the blockage is usually in the main sewer line rather than in one fixture drain. Stop running water, because more water has nowhere to go, and call for help.

Why does my drain gurgle?

Gurgling means air is being pulled through the water in a trap. Common causes are a partial clog or a blocked vent. Gurgling in several fixtures can be an early sign of a main line problem.

Can tree roots get into a sewer line?

Yes. Roots follow moisture and enter through joints and small cracks, most often in older clay, cast iron and Orangeburg pipes. Once inside, they catch debris and cause repeat clogs.

Is a sewer camera inspection worth it?

A camera inspection shows the actual cause and location of a problem, such as roots, a sag, a break or buildup. It is most useful for recurring clogs, before buying a home, and before deciding between cleaning and repair.

How often should sewer lines be cleaned?

There is no single schedule. Lines with a history of root intrusion or buildup are often cleaned every one to two years, while a line with no problems may go much longer. A camera inspection helps set an interval for your line.

Why does my toilet keep clogging?

Repeat clogs usually come from too much paper or non-flushable items, a partial blockage in the trap or drain line, a weak flush, or a developing main line clog. If other fixtures are slow too, suspect the main line.

What are the signs of a clogged sewer line?

Common signs are several slow or backing-up drains, gurgling toilets, water coming up in a tub or shower when a toilet is flushed or the washer drains, sewage odor, and backup at a floor drain or cleanout.

Why is my garbage disposal not draining?

The usual cause is a clog in the disposal drain line or the trap beneath it, often from grease, starchy food or fibrous scraps. Run cold water and reset the unit, and never put your hand in the disposal. If water still stands, the line needs clearing.

Do chemical drain cleaners work?

They can open minor hair or soap clogs near the drain, but they often fail on solid blockages and main line clogs. They can also damage older pipes and are hazardous if a plunger or snake is used afterward.

Why is sewage coming up in my shower?

The shower drain is one of the lowest openings in the home, so when the main sewer line is blocked, wastewater comes up there first. Stop using water and call for help.

How do I get help with a drain problem?

Call (303) 647-3227 and we will arrange a time to come out. See How It Works for how that works.