Clogged drain cleaning
What a drain clog is
A clog forms when something builds up or lodges inside a drain line and narrows the path water needs to flow. In kitchen and bathroom sinks it is often grease, soap residue and food scraps. In tubs and showers, hair and soap scum collect. In a main line, which carries all of a home's wastewater out, a blockage can come from accumulated debris, wipes and other items that shouldn't be flushed, or roots and damage in the pipe itself.
A clog in one fixture usually affects just that drain. A clog in the main line tends to show up in several fixtures at once.
Signs of a clog
- Slow draining. Water that takes longer and longer to leave a sink, tub or shower often means a partial blockage is building.
- Gurgling sounds. Bubbling or gurgling from a drain can mean air is struggling to get past a blockage.
- Recurring backups. If a drain clears and then backs up again, the underlying obstruction may not be fully gone.
- Multiple fixtures affected. Trouble in several drains at once points toward the main line.
Not sure which kind of clog you have? Give us a call and describe what you're seeing.
How drains are cleared
Plumbers choose a method based on where the clog is and what is causing it.
| Method | What it does |
|---|---|
| Snaking | A flexible cable is fed into the drain to break through a blockage or pull it out. |
| Hydro-jetting | High-pressure water scours the inside of the pipe to clear built-up buildup such as grease and debris. |
| Camera inspection | A small camera is run through the line so the plumber can see the cause and location of a problem, especially for recurring or main-line clogs. |
What to expect during the job
The plumber will ask about the symptoms, identify which drain or line is affected, and choose a method to clear it. Afterward, water flow is checked to confirm the drain is running properly. If a line keeps clogging, a camera inspection can help find out why.
Prevention tips
- Keep grease and cooking oil out of kitchen drains. Wipe pans before washing.
- Use drain strainers in sinks, tubs and showers to catch hair and food scraps.
- Flush only toilet paper. Wipes and similar items can block the main line.
- Act on slow drains early, before they turn into a full backup.
Frequently asked questions
Are chemical drain cleaners a good idea?
They are generally best avoided. Harsh chemicals can be hard on pipes, may not clear a serious blockage, and are hazardous to handle. If a drain stays clogged, it is safer to have a plumber look at it.
When should I call a plumber?
Call when a clog keeps coming back, several drains are slow or backing up at once, you hear gurgling from your drains, or a plunger doesn't clear it.