Home Emergency plumbing Drains that will not clear
Drain stopped or slow? Clear it for good.
A plunger and a bottle of cleaner do not always solve it. Here is what is going on, and when to call a plumber.
What is happening
A single slow sink is annoying. A drain that will not clear at all, or several drains backing up together, can mean a main line blockage. Standing water can also leak into cabinets and floors.
Do this right now
- Stop running water into the drain
- Try a plunger, and remove visible hair or debris from the stopper
- Avoid mixing chemical cleaners; if you used one, tell the plumber
- Check whether other fixtures are affected
- Call us if more than one drain is slow or water comes up elsewhere
The Pyper way
How Pyper handles it
We clear the blockage with cabling or hydro-jetting depending on what is in the pipe, and use a camera when it keeps happening. That shows us whether buildup, roots or damage is behind it, so the fix matches the cause.
Find where it is blocked
One fixture usually means a local clog. Several fixtures can mean the main line.
Clear the line
We remove the blockage with tools matched to the pipe.
Look at the pipe
If it keeps returning, we check for buildup, roots or damage.
Explain the cause
We tell you what formed the clog and how to avoid it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Repeated chemical drain cleaners, which can harm pipes and are hazardous
- Pushing the clog deeper with the wrong tool
- Putting grease down the kitchen sink
- Treating a main line problem as a single clogged drain
Questions we hear
Why does my drain keep clogging?
Hair, soap scum, grease and food build up on pipe walls. A partial blockage or damaged pipe can make clogs return quickly.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
They are caustic, can harm skin and eyes, and can damage some pipes. They also rarely fix a deeper blockage.
Is a gurgling drain serious?
It can be a venting or main line issue, especially if it happens at several fixtures.
Guides
Step-by-step help
Drain cleaning
Why Your Drain Keeps Clogging and What Fixes It
A slow drain that keeps returning usually has a cause deeper than the trap. Learn the common causes, safe DIY steps and when to call a plumber.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideDrain cleaning
Kitchen Sink Clogged or Backing Up: Causes and Fixes
Kitchen sink clogged or backing up? See common causes, safe DIY steps with a plunger and trap, what to avoid, and when it points to the main line.
Zach Datskiy · 6 min read
Read the guideGarbage disposals
Garbage Disposal Jammed, Humming or Leaking: What to Do
Disposal humming or stuck? Follow safe steps: power off, use the hex key, press reset. Learn what causes leaks and when to replace the unit.
Zach Datskiy · 5 min read
Read the guideRelated services
Drain cleaning
Slow or clogged drains? We clear the blockage and check why it formed so it stays clear.
Learn moreSewer line repair
Backups, odors, or soggy yards can mean a damaged sewer line. We inspect with a camera and fix it.
Learn moreGarbage disposals
Jammed, humming or leaking disposal? We fix it or replace it safely and test it.
Learn moreWhere we respond
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