Clear The Blockage
Clear The Blockage | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Athens
When water backs up in the shower, the toilet gurgles, or an ominous odor creeps through your Athens home, you’re probably facing main line issues. HEP’s Clear the Blockage team pinpoints the problem fast with video inspection, powerful hydro-jetting, and seasoned know-how, restoring flow before damage spreads and life grinds to a halt.
From late-night emergencies to preventative maintenance, our licensed plumbers arrive ready to tackle root intrusions, grease clogs, and collapsed pipes with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. Don’t let main line issues put your routine on pause—call HEP, and we’ll get Athens moving again today.
FAQs
What are the most common warning signs that my main sewer line is blocked?
Typical indicators include multiple fixtures draining slowly at once, gurgling sounds coming from toilets when other fixtures run, sewage odors inside or outside the home, water backing up around floor drains, and wastewater appearing in the tub or shower after you flush a toilet. If more than one fixture is affected, the problem is usually in the main line rather than an individual branch pipe.
What usually causes main line blockages in Athens homes and businesses?
In Athens, the leading causes are invasive tree roots (especially from older shade trees common in our neighborhoods), grease buildup from kitchen drains, “flushable” wipes and other non-degradable items, collapsed or sagging clay pipes found in many pre-1980 properties, and sediment or scale buildup triggered by the region’s moderately hard water. Heavy spring rains can also wash soil and debris into cracked lines, accelerating a clog.
How do professional plumbers confirm that the main line—not a smaller branch line—is the problem?
First we perform a flow test by running water in several fixtures to see where backups appear. Next, we access a cleanout and feed a high-resolution video inspection camera through the main. The live feed shows the exact location, nature, and extent of the blockage—roots, grease, foreign object, or collapsed pipe. We can mark the depth and position from above ground using a locating beacon, which helps us decide on the safest, least invasive repair method.
What methods do you use to clear a blocked main line, and when is each one recommended?
1. Power-snaking (mechanical augering): A metal cable with cutting blades chews through roots, wipes, or soft obstructions. Ideal for minor to moderate blockages in relatively sound pipes. 2. Hydro-jetting: A high-pressure water jet (3,000–4,000 psi) scrubs the entire pipe circumference, removing grease, sludge, and small roots. Best for recurring grease clogs or when you want maximum cleaning without chemicals. 3. Sectional pipe replacement or lining: If the camera shows a collapsed or severely cracked pipe, cutting or lining the damaged section is the only long-term fix. We’ll advise you if a trenchless CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) liner is possible, minimizing yard disruption.
How much does main line clearing cost in Athens, and what factors affect the price?
For a straightforward power-snaking job through an accessible cleanout, costs usually start around €120–€160. Hydro-jetting typically ranges from €250–€450 because it requires specialized equipment and more labor. Prices rise if the cleanout is buried, if we must remove a toilet for access, if after-hours emergency service is needed, or if video inspection and pipe locating are required. Extensive root removal, pipe repair, or lining is quoted separately after we review camera footage.
What preventive steps can I take to avoid future main sewer line blockages?
• Schedule an annual or bi-annual camera inspection and preventative jetting, especially if your line has a history of roots or grease issues. • Keep roots at bay by having trees near the sewer line professionally root-pruned or by installing a root barrier. • Never flush wipes, feminine products, paper towels, or dental floss—only human waste and toilet paper. • Pour fats, oils, and grease into a container for disposal, not down the sink. • Install a lint trap on your washing-machine hose to keep fibers out of the line. • Consider enzyme-based drain maintenance products (no caustic chemicals) to break down organic buildup between professional visits.