Drain & Sewer Questions, Answered
Straight answers to the drain and sewer questions we hear most, grouped by topic. If yours is not here, call us and we will walk you through it.
Clogs
What's the difference between snaking and hydro jetting a drain?
A cable machine, or snake, punches a hole through a clog so water can pass. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the entire pipe wall clean of grease, sludge and buildup. We use cable machines for most clogs and jetting when the buildup keeps coming back.
Will chemical drain cleaners fix a stubborn clog?
Rarely. Over-the-counter chemicals dissolve a hole through part of the clog, but the rest of the buildup is still there. They can also corrode older pipes, especially cast iron. Mechanical clearing removes the whole clog instead.
Why does my kitchen sink keep clogging?
Kitchen sinks clog from grease that cooled and hardened in the line, food scraps, and garbage disposal waste collecting in the trap and branch. A cable clears it, and hydro jetting cleans the grease off the walls so it returns more slowly.
What shouldn't I pour down the kitchen drain?
Cooking grease and oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta and rice, and fibrous foods. Grease is the biggest problem. Scrape plates into the trash and wipe grease out with a paper towel before washing.
Sewer Lines
How do I know if the clog is in the main sewer line?
If several fixtures back up at once, you hear gurgling, or water comes up in the basement floor drain or the lowest tub, the blockage is likely past where those drains join, out at the main line.
Do tree roots really get into sewer pipes?
Yes. Roots seek moisture through joints and cracks in older sewer laterals, especially clay and cast iron. They tangle with waste and restrict the line. Cutting and jetting clears them, but a camera inspection shows whether the pipe is damaged.
Why do my drains keep clogging over and over?
A clog that returns every few weeks usually means buildup is coating the pipe wall, or roots or a damaged section are involved. That is the case where a camera inspection earns its place, because it shows the inside of the line.
Hydro Jetting & Camera
When does hydro jetting beat snaking?
Jetting beats snaking when the clog is buildup coating the pipe wall rather than a single obstruction, or when the same drain keeps clogging. Jetting scours the walls clean instead of just poking a hole through the clog.
Do you check the pipe with a camera before jetting it?
On older or fragile pipe we run a camera first to make sure the line can take the pressure. The camera also shows us what is in there, roots, grease, scale, or a break, so we jet the right way.
Should I get a camera inspection before buying a home?
It is a good idea. A camera shows roots, cracks, offsets, bellies, grease and blockages before you own the problem. It is also useful after repeat clogs and before deciding on a repair.
Grease Traps
How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
The common rule of thumb is to clean a grease trap before fats, oils, grease and solids reach about 25 percent of its depth. Heavier fryer use and higher meal volume mean more frequent cleaning. Use our schedule tool for a suggested range.
Do you install or repair grease traps?
No. We clean grease traps and clear the lines around them. We do not install or repair the traps themselves.
Commercial
Do you clear urinals and commercial restroom drains?
Yes. Uric scale and buildup narrow urinal lines and cause slow or overflowing urinals and odor in high-traffic restrooms. We clear them for offices, restaurants, schools, venues and retail.
Do you offer scheduled commercial drain maintenance?
Yes. For restaurants, property managers and high-use facilities, scheduled drain and grease trap cleaning keeps lines from shutting down operations. Tell us your kitchen and we will set an interval.
Service Area
What towns do you serve?
We serve Reading and the surrounding towns directly: Muhlenberg Township, Laureldale, Wyomissing, West Reading, Spring Township, Sinking Spring, Mount Penn, Lower Alsace Township, Leesport, Maidencreek Township and Blandon, and Bern Township.
What if I'm outside your main area?
We serve the rest of Berks County with a trip charge. Call us with your address and we will confirm whether you are in our main area or whether a trip charge applies.
Try Our Tools
Areas we serve: Reading and Berks County. Outside our main area we serve the rest of Berks County with a trip charge.