A blocked, clogged or sluggish drain means it's time to call our sewer and drain experts at Columbia Plumbing Company. We have the equipment necessary to clean and unclog your drain, whether the blockage is somewhere inside your house or the main sewer line is clogged. That's why we're Columbia's best choice for sewer and drain cleaning services.
Q: Can I unclog a drain myself?
A: Most homeowners try to unclog drains themselves initially, and, depending on the severity and reason of the blockage, they might be successful. Unfortunately, some chemical products on the market today claim to unclog drains but end up damaging and corroding the interior of the pipe or degrade the materials at the pipe joints. A mini auger or drain snake can be used, but their operation can be rather tricky and awkward.
Q: My main sewer line needs to be cleared at least once a year. Why does this keep happening?
A: During the mid-century housing boom, most Columbia area homes were constructed with main drains made of clay or other porous materials because they were cheaper and lighter than iron or other metal pipes. Over time, though, moisture will degrade the structure, leaving it vulnerable to sagging if the ground shifts or even to breakage if tree roots penetrate. A professional drain and sewer service provider like Columbia Plumbing Company can open the line back up, but eventually, you may want to replace the line altogether.
Q: Why are my drains "draining" slowly?
A: Hot grease may pour easily down a drain, but when it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the sides of your pipe, reducing its diameter, slowing water pressure, and causing a bottleneck that encourages clogs. Other foreign materials like objects (jewelry, toys, etc.) or pieces of food waste can also enter the drain and the pipes below, but will become trapped at the next bend in the plumbing. While some water will still drain through the pipe, the bottleneck and partial blockage will drastically slow down the drain.