Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my drains keep getting blocked?

It could have occurred because of heavy materials or objects being flushed down the drain. Overflowing drains are often caused by sanitary products, paper towels or other hard to flush materials which can clog pipes and obstruct drains. Wipes, tissues, and even hair can also be the culprits.

What are the most common causes of drain clogs?

Most bathroom drain clogs result when dirt, skin flakes, and especially hair binds to soap scum on the walls of drain pipes. Over time, this gunk accumulates and reduces water flow.

What signs may indicate a clog?

Toilet or sinks bubbling or gurgling
Unusual odors from sinks or drains
Water backs up into your toilet, bathtub, shower, or sink
Water leaks from your toilet or under the sinks
Water slowly drains down a drain or toilet

Why do some drains have to be snaked from the roof?

All drains must be vented and the vent typically runs out through the roof. Sometimes vents get blocked and the water doesn’t drain so a plumber might go on the roof to check the vent. The biggest reason to snake from the roof is there is no cleanout outside the property to access when there’s a stoppage on the main line. We don’t like to pull the toilet and run the line because of the mess it creates. Same goes for kitchen, tub, washer, and lavatory drains…provided there’s a separate vent that serves these fixtures.

The disadvantage is the time and effort it takes to get set-up on a roof. Most plumbers, if they have the time, will try to probe for the drain outside. Another reason to vent snake the line is if you have a bathroom that branches off the trunk line. Even if you have a cleanout the cable will just go right past the branch line that is clogged.

What happens when a vent pipe is blocked?

If your plumbing vent is clogged, the vacuum inside the pipes can cause water to get trapped inside of them instead of draining out through your sewage line. Since the water has nowhere else to go, it will eventually start to back up inside your sinks and drains.

Why do most plumbers NOT recommend Drano?

Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. If any of these things happen, you’re going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs.

Why would you use a camera to inspect drain lines?

Getting a look at the interior of a pipe structure and seeing what is causing your drain blockage is a game-changer. Knowing exactly where a clog is and what it is made up of before treating it, your plumber can determine the best tools and most straightforward approach for the job.

Can a clogged vent pipe make you sick?

Don’t let a blocked sewer vent make you sick. Clogged vents can lead to sewer gas backup, which can make you or your family ill. As people in this region work through one of the coldest winters on record, homeowners should take time to review safety measures to prevent illness from sewer gases.

How much does it cost to snake a drain?

On average, costs for a plumber to snake a drain range from $125 to $360, depending on the clog severity and the type of drain cleaned. More tough clogs can cost over $500 to $800 to snake a main line. You can choose the best plumber for the job, or you may try to do it yourself. Here at Drain Bully we offer drain snaking that is cost effective and priced far lower than our competitors.

What are the signs of sewer gas poisoning?

Symptoms including headache, nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness may indicate exposure to an odorless gas like methane or carbon monoxide, or to hydrogen sulfide, which smells of rotten eggs. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek immediate medical care.

Why does my toilet flush every five minutes?

This problem is almost certainly caused by a bad flapper or flapper seat. The solution is to drain the tank and bowl, check and clean the flapper seat and then replace the flapper if it’s worn or damaged.

Will sewer gas go away?

Leaks, cracks, or blockages in the plumbing can cause sewer gas to leak into your home. The best remedy for a minor sewer gas leak is to call a local plumber so they can find and fix the leak. The symptoms of sewer gas exposure are mild and will go away after exposure ends.

What happens if you don't unclog a drain?

If you leave a clogged drain alone for a period of time, you could face additional consequences. The blockage may become worse and more difficult to remove over time. As a result, your drain’s ability to remove water decreases over time. You can experience flooding and unpleasant stagnant water.

Why is every drain in my house clogged?

If 3 drains in the same room are clogged, there’s likely a clog in that “branch” of your plumbing system. And if all your drains are clogged, you probably have a blockage in the “trunk” of your system or the main sewer line.

What clogs drains the most?

Grease, fat and oil are three of the biggest enemies of the plumbing world. These substances tend to solidify over time in pipes, causing serious problems to drainage systems. Prevent grease, fat and oil from clogging your drains by soaking up excess amounts of grease and oil with a paper towel.

How often should you clear main sewer line?

The sewer lines should be cleaned out about every two years in the average home. Businesses typically need to have the sewer line cleaned out a little more frequently, about every 18 to 22 months on average. This regular sewer line cleaning works as a preventative measure to keep these pipes draining properly.

How much does a professional drain cleaner cost?

The average cost to clear a drain is $250, but it can range from $99-$750. We know that’s a large range, but there are several factors can impact your cost, including: The location of the clog. How difficult the clog is to reach.

Why is a sewer inspection critical before buying a house?

Settling, ground shifting, inferior materials, and poor installation are other common issues that, if left undetected, can cause extensive — and expensive — problems down the road. Murton has also seen problems arise from unintentional damage to sewer lines from construction or gas line work.