Persistent Blockages
Persistent Blockages | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Philadelphia
Clogged sinks, sluggish tubs, and stubborn sewer lines don’t stand a chance against HEP. Our Philadelphia team combines decades of local experience with cutting-edge tools to pinpoint and clear even the most persistent blockages—fast. From the first friendly phone call to the final flow test, you’ll feel the relief of honest pricing, tidy workmanship, and technicians who treat your home like their own.
Whether tree roots have invaded your main line or grease has choked the kitchen drain, our round-the-clock drain opening specialists arrive equipped for any scenario: high-definition camera inspections, power-snaking, and eco-friendly hydro-jetting are all on the truck. Count on HEP to restore free-flowing pipes today and share preventive tips that keep your drains clear tomorrow.
FAQs
What are the most common reasons drains keep clogging in Philadelphia homes?
In Philly, aging cast-iron and clay pipes, invasive tree roots from narrow city yards, heavy grease and food buildup from busy kitchens, and items like wipes or paper towels that don’t break down all contribute to stubborn blockages. The city’s older infrastructure also means many service lines have developed scale and cracks that trap debris and slow flow, making repeat clogs more likely.
How do your plumbers locate and clear a persistent blockage?
We start with a video camera inspection to pinpoint the clog’s exact location and check pipe condition. Depending on what we find, we use high-pressure hydro-jetting to scour grease, scale, and roots, or electric cable machines (snakes) for solid obstructions. If the pipe is damaged, we can perform trenchless spot repairs or lining to prevent future backups without digging up your yard or sidewalk.
How can I tell if the problem is in a single fixture or my main sewer line?
If only one sink or tub drains slowly, the clog is probably in that branch line. But if multiple fixtures back up at once—especially lower-level toilets or floor drains—it usually points to a main sewer line blockage. Gurgling sounds, water coming up in the tub when you flush, or sewage odors from basement drains are strong indicators of a main line issue that needs professional attention right away.
Will store-bought chemical drain cleaners solve a chronic clog?
Chemical cleaners can sometimes punch a small hole through soft buildup, but they rarely clear the entire obstruction and often do more harm than good. Repeated use can corrode old metal pipes, soften PVC joints, and create toxic fumes. For recurring or severe clogs, mechanical or hydro-jetting methods are safer, more thorough, and protect your plumbing investment.
How fast can you respond to an emergency blockage in the Philadelphia area?
We offer 24/7 emergency service across the city and surrounding suburbs. A licensed technician can typically be on-site within 60–90 minutes, day or night. Our trucks are stocked with cameras, jetters, and cable machines so we can diagnose and clear the blockage in one visit whenever possible.
What preventative steps can I take after you clear my drains?
Dispose of grease in a container instead of the sink, use hair catchers in tubs and showers, and flush only toilet paper—no wipes, feminine products, or paper towels. Schedule a professional sewer camera check every 18–24 months if you have large street trees or an older clay line. Finally, consider an annual hydro-jetting maintenance service; it keeps interior pipe walls slick and greatly reduces the chance of future blockages.