Routine Maintenance
Routine Maintenance | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Charleston
When Charleston’s warm salt air meets aging pipes, clogs can crop up at the worst possible moments. HEP’s routine maintenance team keeps your plumbing flowing freely with expert drain opening that clears blockages before they become emergencies. Our licensed technicians arrive on time, respect your home, and use cutting-edge hydro-jetting and video inspection tools to diagnose and solve problems quickly.
From Folly Beach bungalows to historic downtown townhomes, we tailor maintenance plans that fit your schedule and budget, backed by transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. Count on HEP to protect your pipes, prevent messy backups, and give you year-round peace of mind—so you can spend less time worrying about plumbing and more time enjoying Lowcountry living.
FAQs
How often should I schedule routine drain maintenance in Charleston?
Because Charleston’s humid subtropical climate accelerates organic buildup inside pipes, we recommend professional drain maintenance once every 12–18 months for most homes. Older historic properties with cast-iron or clay lines, or homes surrounded by large trees, may benefit from service every 6–9 months to prevent root intrusion and corrosion-related clogs.
What are the signs that my drains need professional opening instead of DIY remedies?
Slow sinks or tubs that don’t clear after standard household treatments, recurring gurgling sounds, foul sewer odors, water backing up when another fixture is used, and multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time all point to a deeper blockage that requires professional augering, hydro-jetting, or camera inspection rather than chemical drain cleaners.
Which drain-opening methods do you use and are they safe for my pipes?
We begin with a video camera inspection to locate the blockage. For minor clogs we use flexible hand or motorized augers. For heavy grease, soap, or sand buildup (common in coastal areas) we use hydro-jetting that propels water at 3,000–4,000 PSI to scour pipe walls without harsh chemicals. Older or fragile pipe sections are protected with pressure-controlled jetting heads and rubber bladder attachments to avoid damage.
Can routine drain maintenance help me avoid emergency plumbing calls during hurricane season?
Yes. During heavy rains and storm surges, regional sewer lines often run at capacity. Clear, unobstructed house drains allow wastewater to exit quickly and lower the chance of backups into your home. Pre-season maintenance also reveals weak pipe joints or root intrusions that could collapse under high flow, giving you time to repair them before storms hit.
What does a typical drain maintenance visit cost in the Charleston area?
For a single-story residence with up to two bathroom groups and a kitchen, routine maintenance (camera inspection plus standard augering) generally runs $145–$225. Hydro-jetting heavier buildup or servicing additional clean-outs can add $75–$150 per line. We provide upfront, flat-rate quotes after the initial inspection and offer annual maintenance plans that reduce per-visit costs by 10–15%.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use between professional visits?
Store-bought caustic cleaners can damage older metal and PVC pipes, jeopardize septic systems, and create toxic fumes in Charleston’s warm, humid environment. Instead, we suggest a monthly hot-water flush followed by an enzymatic drain treatment that digests organic matter without corrosion. Avoid pouring fats, coffee grounds, or fibrous foods down kitchen drains to extend the interval between professional cleanings.