Drains & sewers
Slow drain or sewer backup?
The location of the problem matters.
A single slow drain and a main-line blockage look similar from the surface but require different approaches. We assess before we clear.
Diagnostic guide
What are you seeing? What does it likely mean?
This guide helps you understand what your symptoms may indicate — not a diagnosis. An on-site assessment confirms the cause.
Symptom
One fixture drains slowly
Likely cause
Localized blockage — trap or branch drain line
Typical approach
Targeted clearing at the affected fixture
Symptom
Recurring blockage at the same fixture
Likely cause
Partial restriction in the drain line — not fully clearing
Typical approach
Camera inspection to assess the actual condition
Symptom
Multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time
Likely cause
Main-line restriction or partial blockage
Typical approach
Main-line assessment — camera inspection likely needed
Symptom
Gurgling sounds when flushing toilet
Likely cause
Partial main-line restriction — pressure relief through connected lines
Typical approach
Main-line camera inspection
Symptom
Sewage backing up into basement or tub
Likely cause
Main-line blockage or sewer backup
Typical approach
Emergency — stop using plumbing. Call immediately
Symptom
Foul smell from drains, especially after rain
Likely cause
Dry trap, sewer gas, or potential backflow
Typical approach
Assessment to identify source
For sewage backing into the basement — stop using all plumbing and call immediately.
Drain and sewer services
Drain Cleaning
Clearing blockages in kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and floor drains. We assess the location of the blockage before selecting the clearing method.
Main-Line Blockages
Main-line blockages affect multiple fixtures simultaneously. Camera inspection locates the exact position and nature of the blockage before clearing.
Camera Inspection
A drain camera provides a direct view inside the pipe — confirming location, identifying root intrusion, pipe condition, and collapse without guessing.
Root Intrusion
Tree roots enter drain lines through joints and cracks, causing slow drains and recurring blockages. Assessment determines whether clearing, lining, or replacement is appropriate.
Sewer Backups
Sewage backing into the basement is an emergency — stop using all fixtures and call immediately. Backwater valve installation can prevent recurrence.
Preventative Maintenance
Scheduled drain cleaning for commercial kitchens, older homes, and properties with a history of blockages. Catches problems before they become emergencies.
Sewage backup — health caution
Sewage water is a serious health hazard. If sewage is backing up into your basement, do not attempt to clean it up without appropriate protective equipment. Keep people and pets away from the area. Contact us directly and indicate that sewage is involved. Significant contamination may also require a water damage restoration specialist — something outside the scope of plumbing work.
Call now for sewage backupFrequently asked questions
Drain problem?
For sewage backup, call immediately. For slow drains, submit a request.
Call (204) 555‑0100Request ServiceRequest a callback
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