Drain Clogs
Drain Clogs | Plumbing | Huntsville
When a sudden backup threatens to flood your Huntsville home, HEP’s drain clog experts move fast. Our certified technicians arrive with advanced inspection cameras and powerful hydro-jetting equipment to blast away hair, grease, roots, and any stubborn obstruction—restoring full flow while safeguarding your pipes. From kitchen sinks to main sewer lines, we diagnose on the spot, explain the fix in plain language, and leave your space cleaner than we found it.
Backed by decades of reliable plumbing experience, HEP offers transparent pricing, 24/7 emergency response, and a satisfaction guarantee that keeps neighbors calling us first. Skip the guesswork, skip the mess, and let Huntsville’s hometown team clear the way for worry-free water today.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of drain clogs in Huntsville homes?
In North Alabama we see a mix of older cast-iron piping and newer PVC, and both can clog for different reasons. Kitchen lines usually stop up with grease, food scraps, and soap residue that cool and harden inside the pipe. Bathroom drains collect hair, toothpaste, and mineral scale from our moderately hard municipal water. Main sewer lines often clog from invasive tree roots (especially sweet gum and oak), collapsed clay tile, or a buildup of red-clay sediment after heavy rains. Knowing the cause helps us choose the fastest, safest clearing method.
How do I know if my drain clog requires a professional plumber instead of a DIY fix?
If a single fixture is draining slowly, a plunger or short hand auger may solve it. Call a professional when: 1) water backs up in multiple fixtures, 2) you hear gurgling or see bubbles after flushing, 3) foul sewer odors linger, 4) chemical drain cleaners haven’t worked, or 5) you suspect roots or a broken pipe. Delaying professional service can allow wastewater to back up into your home and cause costly damage to flooring and drywall.
What drain-clearing methods do your Huntsville plumbers use?
We start with a video camera inspection to pinpoint the blockage. For small lines we run a motorized drain auger with the proper cutting head. Stubborn grease or scale is removed with hydro-jetting at up to 4,000 psi, which scrubs the pipe wall clean without harming PVC or cast iron. Root intrusions are cut back with a rotary blade and then treated with a root-inhibiting foam. After clearing, we perform a second camera pass and provide a digital copy of the footage so you know the line is fully open.
How much does professional drain unclogging cost in the Huntsville area?
Prices vary by line size, clog severity, and access, but typical ranges are: $99–$175 for a tub, shower, or bathroom sink; $150–$250 for a kitchen sink; and $250–$500 for a main sewer line. If excavation or pipe repair is needed, we’ll quote that separately. We give flat-rate, upfront pricing after the initial camera inspection, so there are no surprises on the final invoice.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency drain-clog service in Huntsville and the surrounding communities?
Yes. Our dispatch center answers the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a licensed plumber can usually be at your door within 60 minutes anywhere in Huntsville, Madison, Harvest, Meridianville, Owens Cross Roads, or Hampton Cove. We do not charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays, and every emergency visit includes a free camera inspection.
What can I do to prevent future drain clogs?
• Use mesh strainers in showers and sinks to catch hair and food scraps. • Collect used cooking grease in a sealable container and trash it instead of pouring it down the drain. • Once a month, flush kitchen lines with a kettle of boiling water followed by a cup of baking soda and white vinegar. • Consider an enzymatic drain treatment (not harsh chemicals) to maintain the bio-film inside your pipes. • If you have large trees near the sewer line, ask about root barriers or semi-annual camera inspections. • Installing a water softener can reduce mineral scale in older galvanized or cast-iron pipes.