Slow Drains
Slow Drains | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Benton
When Benton sinks start swirling and tubs take forever to empty, the culprit is often lurking far beneath your fixtures—pesky main line issues that a plunger or chemical cleaner just can’t touch. HEP’s hometown plumbers know the quirks of our local sewer systems and arrive with the tech to spot blockages fast, keeping your property—and your day—calm and clean.
From high-definition camera inspections to trench-free hydro-jetting, we clear roots, grease, and stubborn debris without tearing up your yard. Call us anytime, day or night, for transparent pricing, courteous service, and repairs backed by a rock-solid guarantee—so the only thing going down your drains is water, not your peace of mind.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of slow drains in Benton homes?
In Benton, slow drains are most often caused by a buildup of grease, food scraps, hair, and soap scum inside branch lines. In older neighborhoods, tree roots invading the main sewer line are another major culprit because our clay-rich soil encourages vigorous root growth. Other factors include flushing wipes or feminine products that do not break down, scale buildup in galvanized pipes, and, occasionally, a partially collapsed clay or cast-iron main due to Benton’s shifting seasonal temperatures.
How can I tell if the problem is in one fixture or in my main sewer line?
If only a single sink, tub, or toilet is draining slowly, the blockage is likely confined to that individual branch line. When multiple fixtures on the same level—or the entire house—drain sluggishly or back up simultaneously, the issue is almost always in the main sewer line. You might also notice gurgling sounds in lower-level toilets, water appearing in floor drains, or wastewater backing up when doing laundry. These are strong indicators the main line is restricted and needs professional attention.
What warning signs mean I should call a plumber right away?
Call a professional immediately if you observe any of these red flags: • Sewage odors coming from drains or your yard. • Multiple fixtures backing up at once. • Water around floor drains or basement clean-outs. • Toilet water levels rising or bubbling when another fixture is used. • Wet, sunken, or unusually green patches in the lawn above the sewer lateral. Ignoring these signs can lead to a complete sewer backup and costly property damage.
What diagnostic methods does your Benton plumbing team use to find main line blockages?
We start with a high-pressure water test to see how quickly the main line clears. Next, we insert a sewer video camera through an accessible clean-out to visually inspect the entire lateral from your home to the city main. Our HD cameras identify roots, grease clogs, pipe bellies, and breaks in real time. For stubborn or ambiguous cases, we use electronic line locators to map the exact depth and location of the problem so any excavation is precise and minimal.
Will you have to dig up my yard to fix the main line?
Not necessarily. About 70 % of our Benton main-line jobs are resolved with trenchless methods such as hydro-jetting or pipe lining (cured-in-place pipe). These techniques clear blockages and even create a new pipe inside the old one without major excavation. If the line is severely collapsed or back-pitched, spot repairs or a full replacement may be required. In those cases, we use exact camera and locator data to dig only where needed, protecting landscaping and keeping restoration costs down.
How can I prevent future slow drains and sewer backups?
1. Dispose of grease in the trash, not the sink. 2. Install mesh strainers in shower and sink drains to catch hair and food particles. 3. Flush only toilet paper—no wipes, cotton balls, or feminine products. 4. Schedule a professional hydro-jetting and camera inspection every 18-24 months if your home has mature trees or older clay pipes. 5. Add bacterial enzyme drain treatments monthly to break down organic buildup. 6. During heavy Benton rainfalls, avoid doing large loads of laundry or running the dishwasher to reduce stress on a potentially saturated sewer lateral. Following these steps reduces the risk of clogs, extends pipe life, and saves you from emergency plumbing bills.