Drain cleaning

Repeat clogs usually mean the pipe has a defect that catches debris: roots, a sagging section (belly), heavy scale, or grease buildup that a cable only punched through. A camera inspection shows which.

Occasional use is unlikely to hurt modern PVC, but they rarely clear a real clog, can damage older metal pipe, and are hazardous to the person who opens the drain next.

A cable opens a path through the clog. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the pipe wall, removing grease and scale so the clog is less likely to return.

If more than one drain is slow, water comes up in the tub or shower when the toilet flushes, or the lowest drain in the house backs up, the clog is in the main line. A clog in one sink or tub only is usually local to that fixture.

Yes, with the disposal off and the dishwasher drain hose clamped or the other sink basin covered so pressure isn't lost. Don't plunge after pouring chemical drain cleaner into the sink.

Gurgling means air is being pulled through the trap because water can't drain freely — usually a partial clog downstream or a blocked plumbing vent. If several fixtures gurgle, have the main line and vent checked.

Keep grease, coffee grounds and fibrous food out of the kitchen sink, use hair catchers in showers and tubs, and flush only toilet paper — including skipping wipes labelled 'flushable'. Running hot water after using the kitchen sink helps move residue along.

Several fixtures slow at once, water backing up into a tub when the toilet flushes, or an overflow at the lowest drain in the house point to the main line rather than one drain.

Repeat clogs usually mean roots, a sag or a break in the pipe. A camera inspection shows the cause so you aren't paying for cleaning that can't fix it.