Stubborn Drain Clogs
Stubborn Drain Clogs | Plumbing | Greenback
When your kitchen sink gurgles and the shower turns into a wading pool, you need more than a plunger—you need HEP, the stubborn drain clogs plumbing specialists right here in Greenback. Our licensed technicians arrive fast, armed with high-pressure jetters, camera diagnostics, and decades of local know-how to blast away grease, soap scum, and tree roots without harming your pipes or your day.
We back every job with upfront pricing, tidy workmanship, and a satisfaction guarantee that keeps your home flowing smoothly long after we’ve packed up the van. Whether it’s a midnight backup or a slow drain that’s getting slower, one call to HEP turns frustration into free-flowing peace of mind.
FAQs
What are the most common reasons drains become severely clogged in Greenback homes?
In our area, we see a mix of kitchen grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps binding together in older galvanized-steel or cast-iron pipes. In bathrooms, hair, soap scum, and hard-water mineral deposits build up on pipe walls until the opening is only a fraction of its original size. In main sewer lines, invading tree roots are a leading cause, especially for properties with large hardwoods common to Greenback neighborhoods.
Why won’t my plunger or store-bought drain cleaner clear the clog?
Plungers work only on blockages close to the fixture and require an airtight seal; when buildup is farther down the branch line, the pressure never reaches it. Over-the-counter chemical cleaners dissolve soft organic matter but cannot cut through grease that has cooled into a wax-like plug, mineral scale, or intrusive roots. They also lose strength quickly in standing water, so a clog that keeps water backed up above the product usually stays put.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe for my pipes, my family, and the Greenback environment?
Most liquid drain cleaners use sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. These chemicals generate heat that can warp PVC, weaken older metal pipes, and destroy rubber gaskets. Fumes irritate eyes and lungs, and leftover product that gets flushed to the Greenback wastewater system can harm beneficial treatment bacteria. Professional mechanical or hydro-jet methods avoid these risks while providing a more thorough clean.
How does your professional drain-clog service work and what equipment do you bring?
Our licensed plumbers start with a video camera inspection to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the obstruction. For routine kitchen or bath lines we use a high-speed cable (drain snake) equipped with cutting heads matched to pipe diameter. For tougher or recurring clogs—especially grease and roots—we deploy truck-mounted hydro-jetting: a 4,000 psi water stream that scours pipe walls 360°. After clearing, we run a second camera pass to confirm full flow and provide you with before-and-after footage.
Can you remove tree roots or heavy scale from my sewer lateral, and will you need to dig up my yard?
Yes. Our hydro-jetting rig has rotating root-cutting nozzles that slice and flush roots all the way to the municipal main without excavation. For cast-iron lines coated with decades of rust scale, we can attach a chain flail or Picote milling head to restore the original inside diameter. Digging is needed only if the pipe is crushed or collapsed, which we can verify with the camera inspection and discuss trenchless repair options if necessary.
What preventive steps can I take after the service to keep my drains flowing freely?
• Scrape food scraps and grease into the trash; wipe pans with a paper towel before rinsing. • Install mesh strainers in bathroom sinks and tubs to trap hair. • Once a month, pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water followed by a cup of baking soda and white vinegar down each high-use drain to break up early buildup. • If your home has large trees, schedule a yearly camera inspection—root intrusion is easier to remove early. • Consider a biologic enzyme treatment; we offer eco-friendly monthly dose packs that keep lines clean without harsh chemicals.