Common problems and how a plumber fixes them
| The problem | Usual cause | What the plumber does |
|---|---|---|
| One slow sink or tub | Hair, soap or food buildup near the fixture | Clears the trap and line with a hand or drum auger |
| Several drains slow at once | A clog in the main line | Clears the main line from a cleanout, often with a camera check |
| Water coming up through a floor drain | A main sewer blockage | Clears the main line and checks for roots |
| Clog keeps coming back | Grease, scale or roots along the pipe | Hydro jetting after a camera inspection |
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Signs you need professional drain cleaning
- More than one drain is slow or backing up at the same time, which usually means a main line clog
- Gurgling from toilets or drains when another fixture runs
- Water coming up through a basement floor drain
- A clog that comes back within weeks of plunging or a store bought cleaner
- Sewage smell from drains
When does a clog need hydro jetting instead of a snake?
A drain snake (auger) is the right tool for a single blockage such as hair, wipes or a foreign object. Hydro jetting, which uses high pressure water to scour the whole pipe wall, is better for recurring clogs caused by grease, scale or tree roots, and is often recommended after a sewer camera inspection shows buildup along the line.
Hydro jet drain cleaning
A jetter sends water through a specialized nozzle at very high pressure, cutting through grease and roots and flushing the debris downstream. It's common for restaurant kitchen lines and for older Indianapolis homes where roots have found their way into clay sewer pipe. Because jetting is powerful, a good contractor will usually camera inspect first to make sure the pipe is sound.
What should never go down the drain?
Never pour cooking grease, fats or oils down a sink, and never flush "flushable" wipes, paper towels, cotton swabs or feminine products. Coffee grounds, eggshells, rice, pasta and stringy vegetable scraps also cause kitchen and garbage disposal clogs.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
Store bought chemical cleaners can damage older pipes and seals, and they rarely clear a main line clog. If a plunger doesn't fix it, a plumber with the right equipment is usually cheaper than repairing pipe damage later.
How this works: Plumbers in Indianapolis Today is a referral service. When you call 317-314-8486, we connect you with an independent, licensed plumbing contractor who serves your area. The contractor quotes, performs and stands behind the work, not us.
Related plumbing services
How much does drain cleaning cost in Indianapolis?
Price depends on which drain is blocked, how far the clog is from an access point, and whether the job needs a standard snake, a camera inspection or hydro jetting. The contractor will quote before starting, so you know the cost up front.
How often should drains be cleaned?
Most homes only need drain cleaning when there's a problem. Homes with large trees near the sewer line, and restaurants with heavy grease use, often benefit from scheduled cleaning every one to two years.