Clogged drains cleared fast, without the mess.

A drain that is slow, gurgling or backing up is telling you something. The question is whether the problem is a simple blockage in one fixture or a deeper issue in the branch or main line. We start by finding out which it is, because the right method depends on the answer.

A single slow fixture usually points to a clog close to that fixture, often in the trap or the first few feet of pipe. Several slow fixtures, or a toilet that gurgles when you run the washer, suggests the clog is farther downstream in the main line.

We use the method that fits the problem. Cable machines break through or retrieve many common clogs. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour grease and scale from the pipe wall. Camera inspection shows what is inside the pipe so we can find the cause instead of guessing. Our guide on hydro jetting explains when it makes sense.

Repeat clogs deserve a closer look. If the same drain keeps clogging, the cause may be roots, a sagging section of pipe or buildup that a simple clearing does not remove. A camera inspection, explained in our guide to plumbing camera inspections, shows what is going on so the fix lasts.

Be careful with chemical drain cleaners. They can damage pipes and fixtures, they are hazardous to handle and they often open only a small channel through the clog. A plunger, or cleaning the trap, is a safer first step for a simple sink clog. If a drain is fully blocked, call us before reaching for a chemical.

Kitchen and bathroom drains clog for different reasons. Kitchen lines collect grease and food residue, so we recommend scraping plates, using a strainer and keeping fat out of the sink. Bathroom lines collect hair and soap, so a drain cover and regular cleaning help. See our guide on preventing clogged drains.

Main line clogs are more serious. Water backing up in a tub, shower or floor drain, or several fixtures clogging at once, often means the main line. Stop using water and call us. Tree roots are a common cause, and our guide on tree roots in sewer lines explains what to expect.

You get a clear quote before work begins. If a quick clearing will solve the problem, we say so. If a deeper cleaning or inspection makes more sense, we explain why and what we expect to find.

After the work we test the flow, explain what we found and tell you how to avoid a repeat. For homes with large trees, older pipe or a history of clogs, a scheduled cleaning or inspection can be cheaper than an emergency call.

For urgent backups, see our emergency drain cleaning page. For help with a specific clog, see clogged drain and sewer camera inspection.