Blog

Drain clogs are a reality of home ownership. Clogs can develop at any time in any area of your house. Often, the solution is a plunger and some drain cleaner, but sometimes, a serious problem develops, and you need a professional.  

Expert drain cleaning in Poughkeepsie tackles major issues that basic, DIY fixes can’t solve. Learn more about when DIY fixes work, when they don’t, and what to do next.  

Common Drain Problems  

It’s inevitable that some items will end up in your drains, and the occasional non-water-soluble item may pass through just fine. The issue is that drains and plumbing pipes are not large, so enough waste material will eventually create a blockage.  

These are some of the most common materials and situations that cause drain problems. 

• Grease, Fats, and Oils: Even when poured hot, oils eventually cool and solidify, forming waxy clogs that capture other debris.  

• Hair: Human hair and pet fur easily knot inside drains. Combined with soap scum, hair forms dense clogs. 

• Food Waste: Food particles don’t always break down. Starches, eggshells, coffee grounds, and fibrous vegetable scraps expand or tangle inside pipes.  

• Baby Wipes: Most “flushable” wipes don’t break down fast enough to move through pipes and can accumulate into large blockages. 

• Tree Roots: Tiny pipe cracks release vapor and moisture, attracting roots that grow into the opening and expand.  

When DIY Works  

Homeowners should definitely practice regular DIY drain cleaning. This kind of maintenance can prevent some larger issues from developing. Additionally, these fixes can be a good first step when you have a small clog.  

• Use a Plunger: A plunger uses suction to dislodge shallow blockages and restore good drainage. 

• Try a Drain Snake: Also called an auger, this tool can remove hair, soap residue, and other debris that are stuck deeper in the drain. 

• Flush With Hot Water: Fill your sink or tub with hot (not boiling) water and let it drain all at once. The heat and pressure can help shift minor buildup. 

• Add Dish Detergent: Hot water mixed with a bit of degreasing dish soap can break down oily residue. Pour the mixture slowly into the drain, then follow with more hot water. 

• Use a Drain Cleaner: These bacteria-powered cleaners naturally dissolve organic material without damaging pipes. They’re good for mild clogs and routine maintenance. 

Be mindful that your drains and pipes are not invincible. Don’t plunge or snake too aggressively and avoid adding too much product and overflowing your drain. Slow and steady wins the race here.  

When DIY Fails  

DIY doesn’t work for major clogs, recurring clogs, sewer line issues, or structural pipe issues. Sagging, cracked, or improperly sized pipes can slow drainage even with proper household habits. Older sewer lines may shift or become offset over time. When clogs keep returning, a plumbing inspection is usually needed to confirm the underlying problem. 

Tree roots also pose a significant problem for homeowners. Roots are attracted to the posture in pipes close to the ground. Over time, small roots break through plumbing, filling lines, and damaging property as they grow.  

To solve any of these significant issues, homeowners need a professional.  

Professional Techniques  

Expert plumbers use several proven methods to accurately diagnose and resolve your drain issues, including: 

• Camera Inspection: Before any cleaning begins, experts perform a camera inspection to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the clog. This lets them see what’s happening inside your pipes without opening walls or causing damage. 

• Drain Snaking: For most everyday clogs, a drain snake is highly effective. It works its way through the blockage, breaking up debris so it can move freely through the line and restore proper flow. 

• Hydro-Jetting: When snaking isn’t enough, especially for stubborn issues like tree roots infiltrating your pipes, water jetting steps in. Using highly pressurized water, this method blasts away tough obstructions and cleans the pipe walls for a long-lasting fix. 

If the camera inspection reveals a serious issue like tree roots, a professional can recommend repiping services to remove the plant and replace the broken pipe. 

Benefits of Professional Service  

The sooner a professional can address a drain issue, the better. These blockages only get worse and worse with use. Even DIY solutions can exacerbate certain blockages. For example, continuing to pour drain cleaner and hot water down a root-infested drain can create an even bigger blockage. However, if a professional can catch a tree root issue early, then they can replace fewer feet of pipe and prevent backups.  

Drain cleaning is also an integral part of long-term issue prevention. A home’s plumbing system is complicated and interconnected. A clogged drain in one part of the house can affect the rest of your plumbing system over time. Proper pipe safety requires maintaining your entire plumbing system.  

Why Choose T.Webber  

With over 30 years of plumbing experience in the Hudson Valley, we bring a level of expertise and professionalism you can trust. Our fully licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians provide clean, respectful service with clear communication from start to finish. We use high-quality materials, deliver professional cleaning, and focus on long-term plumbing solutions rather than short-term fixes.  

The T.Webber professionals are trusted by homeowners throughout the region. We treat every home with care and handle every project with meticulous attention to detail.  

Schedule Drain Cleaning 

Dealing with a main line clog? Struggling with a constantly backed-up drain? The professionals at T.Webber are ready to help. Contact us today at (845) 630-1947 for expert drain services.