Stubborn Kitchen Clog
Stubborn Kitchen Clog | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Townsend
When a Townsend supper is interrupted by the ominous gurgle of standing sink water, locals know there’s only one call to make. HEP’s seasoned plumbers arrive fast, armed with camera inspections and safe, high-pressure solutions that clear grease, coffee grounds, and mystery blockages without turning your kitchen into a construction zone. We treat every home like our own, laying down drop cloths, cleaning up thoroughly, and explaining what caused the jam so it stays gone.
Whether you need same-day rescue before guests arrive or a routine drain opening to keep tomorrow’s dishes flowing free, HEP backs the work with straightforward pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. From the first friendly hello to the final swirl of freely running water, you’ll feel why Townsend families have trusted us for decades. Call, click, or tap today and let dinner plans stay deliciously on schedule.
FAQs
What are the most common reasons kitchen drains clog in Townsend homes?
In our area we see a few repeat offenders: (1) cooled cooking grease that solidifies on pipe walls, (2) starchy foods like rice, pasta and potato peels that swell in water, (3) fibrous scraps—celery, corn husks, onion skins—caught by the disposal blades, (4) coffee grounds that settle and harden, and (5) mineral-rich well-water scale that narrows older galvanized lines. Over months these materials layer together, leaving only a pin-hole for water to pass and eventually causing a full blockage.
When should I call a professional instead of trying a DIY drain cleaner?
If a plunger or a short hand-crank snake doesn’t restore normal flow within 10–15 minutes, it usually means the clog is farther down the branch line or has hardened into a solid mass. Chemical drain openers can damage PVC, corrode metal traps and void disposal warranties. Call us if you notice gurgling in other fixtures, water backing up into the dishwasher, or a rotten-egg odor—signs the blockage is beyond the P-trap and needs professional equipment.
What techniques do your Townsend plumbers use to clear stubborn kitchen clogs?
We start with a video inspection to pinpoint the clog’s exact location. For light to moderate build-ups we use a commercial-grade cable (auger) that scours the pipe walls 360°. If the clog is mainly grease, we follow with a 180-degree hot-water flush and biodegradable degreaser. For heavy, long-term blockages or scale, we deploy low-pressure hydro-jetting that slices through debris without harming the pipe. Every service finishes with an enzyme treatment that keeps new grease from sticking for weeks.
Will professional drain opening damage my pipes or garbage disposal?
No. Our equipment is torque-limited and matched to the pipe material—usually 1½-inch PVC or copper in Townsend kitchens. We feed the cable slowly so it polishes instead of gouging. Hydro-jetting is done at safe PSI levels for household plumbing, and we never use caustic chemicals. Your garbage disposal is disengaged and checked for play in the bearings before we reassemble the trap, so everything runs smoothly afterward.
How long does a service call take, and what does it typically cost?
A straightforward kitchen‐sink clog is normally cleared within 45–60 minutes on site. If we need hydro-jetting or trap replacement, allow up to two hours. Pricing in Townsend starts at $139 for standard auger clearing, which includes a camera inspection and enzyme rinse. Hydro-jetting packages range from $225–$325 depending on pipe length and accessibility. All prices are quoted up-front—no surprises—and include a 30-day clear-drain guarantee.
Do you offer emergency, same-day service in Townsend, and how do I schedule?
Yes. Our plumbers live right here in New Castle County, so we provide 24/7 emergency response with arrival times of 60–90 minutes for most Townsend addresses. Just call our hotline or book online—our scheduling app shows real-time availability. For after-hours or holiday calls, a modest $49 dispatch fee applies, which is waived if we perform the repair. Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, checks and digital wallets are all accepted.