Common Signs Your Drains Need Professional Cleaning
If water pools in your sink or bathtub before draining, there’s likely a buildup inside the pipe restricting water flow.
Common causes include:
- Hair
- Soap residue
- Grease buildup
- Food particles
- Mineral deposits
Professional drain cleaning removes the entire blockage rather than simply pushing it farther down the pipe.
Recurring Clogs
If you’re reaching for the plunger every few weeks, the problem isn’t the fixture—it’s deeper inside the plumbing system.
Repeated clogs often indicate:
- Pipe scale buildup
- Partial sewer line blockage
- Tree root intrusion
- Improper pipe slope
- Grease accumulation
Professional drain inspection can identify the root cause before it becomes a major repair.
What Causes Drain Clogs?
Most residential drain problems are preventable.
The most common causes include:
Kitchen Drains
Kitchen sinks frequently clog from:
- Grease
- Cooking oils
- Coffee grounds
- Food scraps
- Rice and pasta
- Eggshells
Bathroom Drains
Bathroom clogs are usually caused by:
- Hair
- Soap scum
- Toothpaste
- Cotton swabs
- Dental floss
- Hygiene products
Main Sewer Lines
Your home’s sewer line can become blocked by:
- Tree roots
- Broken pipes
- Pipe bellies
- Grease accumulation
- Flushable wipes
- Foreign objects
Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Make Things Worse
Many homeowners try store-bought drain cleaners first.
Unfortunately, these products often create more problems than they solve.
Chemical drain cleaners can:
- Damage PVC piping
- Corrode older metal plumbing
- Harm septic systems
- Create dangerous fumes
- Fail to remove the full blockage
Instead of eliminating the clog, they frequently create a small opening through the blockage, allowing it to return quickly.
Professional drain cleaning completely removes the obstruction without damaging your plumbing.
Our Professional Drain Cleaning Process
At Total Plumbing, we don’t guess—we diagnose the problem first.
Our drain cleaning service may include:
Video Camera Inspection
We use specialized sewer cameras to inspect inside your pipes and identify:
- Exact blockage location
- Root intrusion
- Pipe damage
- Scale buildup
- Offset joints
This allows us to recommend the most effective repair.
How Often Should Drains Be Professionally Cleaned?
Preventive drain maintenance helps avoid unexpected emergencies.
We generally recommend:
- Every 1–2 years for most homes
- Annually for older homes
- Every 6–12 months for homes with large families
- More frequently if you’ve experienced previous sewer backups
Routine maintenance can significantly extend the life of your plumbing system.
