Slow Drain or Sewer Line Problem? How to Tell
One slow drain usually means a local clog. Several slow drains, gurgling, a sewage smell or a wet patch in the yard point to the main sewer line. A camera inspection shows which it is. Hot Springs Plumbing & Drains offers drain cleaning and sewer line camera inspections.
One fixture or many?
A single slow sink or tub usually has a local clog. If several fixtures drain slowly at once, or water backs up in a floor drain or tub when you use the washer, the main line is the likely cause.
What do the signs mean?
Gurgling sounds, a sewage smell, or a damp or sunken patch in the yard suggest the line outside the house, not the sink.
Why not just use chemicals?
Chemical cleaners can open a hole in a clog and leave the cause behind, and they can be hard on old pipe. A machine and cable removes the blockage itself.
When is a camera the right next step?
When the same drain keeps clogging, or when you are buying a home. The camera shows roots, cracks and bellies so the fix is based on the real pipe.
What can I do to prevent clogs?
Keep grease, wipes and paper towels out of the drain, and use strainers in sinks and tubs.
Quick answers
How do I know it is a sewer line problem?
Several fixtures draining slowly at once, gurgling, a smell or wet ground suggest the main line.
Can you clear the main line?
Yes. Main line clearing is part of drain cleaning.
Do you offer camera inspections?
Yes. See our sewer line camera inspection page.
Talk to us about your problem
04Drain Cleaning
Slow sinks, blocked tubs and backed-up main lines cleared, with the cause found.
Explore Drain Cleaning
06Sewer Line Camera Inspection
A camera on a cable shows what is inside the sewer line: roots, cracks, bellies and blockages.
Explore Sewer Line Camera Inspection
01Open 24/7Emergency Plumbing
Burst pipes, flooding and sudden plumbing failures. Open 24 hours, every day. Call or text.
Explore Emergency PlumbingPlumbing problem? Call or text now.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text (909) 970-0815 and say what is happening.