San Francisco Drain Cleaning

What Causes Drain Clogs?

Even well-maintained drains clog every so often. People pour grease, soap, and hair down their drains regularly. When this residue catches on the edges of pipes it creates blockages.

Some substances and objects can create stubborn clogs in your drains. If your shower, toilet, or sink isn’t working, you may want to call a plumber in San Francisco, CA. Our licensed drain plumbing experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing have the tools to help you!

Need honest and reputable drain cleaning in San Francisco? We've got you covered. Call us or reach out online to book your service.

Mr. Rooter Plumber cleaning a drain.

Drain Cleaning FAQs

How to Avoid Clogged Drains

One of the best ways to avoid clogs is to ensure you don’t flush the wrong substances and objects down the drain. What about my garbage disposal? Great question. Check out our blog to see a list of items you shouldn't put down on your garbage disposal.

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Avoid flushing the following down your drains:

  • Eggshells
  • Coffee grounds
  • Fruit pits
  • Produce stickers
  • Paint
  • Medications
  • Household cleaners
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Paper towels
  • Condoms
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Ear swabs
  • Cotton pads
  • Makeup removal wipes
  • Kitty litter
  • Grease, oils, and fats

What's Safe to Flush Down a Toilet?

Make sure only human waste and single-ply toilet paper get flushed down your toilet as well. Toilets can clog quite easily, especially if you have an older plumbing system. Finally - avoid flushing flushable wipes down your toilet, too.

Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

No - flushable wipes are not flushable. A common culprit to clogged toilets, and backed-up plumbing systems as a whole, are flushable wipes. Our professional recommendation is to stick with toilet paper and avoid those "flushable" wipes.

Why Flushable Wipes Aren't Flushable

Curious to know why flushable wipes aren't flushable? For this - we'll need to explore the science of toilet paper. Toilet paper is 100% safe to flush down toilets because it disintegrates as soon as it hits the water. This makes it possible for toilet paper to flow freely out of your home through your drainpipes

Flushable wipes, on the other hand, don't break down the same way toilet paper does. Over time they'll likely get stuck in your drainpipe which could result in extensive plumbing issues.

How Much Does It Cost to Clear a Drain?

Mr. Rooter drain plumber pointing at pipes under kitchen sink while a homeowner watches

The cost of clearing a clog varies depending on the location and severity of the problem. For example, a clog under the kitchen sink is easy to access and can probably be resolved in under two hours. The faster a job is likely to be, the less expensive it will be.

However, some clogs are more complicated to fix. For example, if several of your drains are having issues, you likely have a problem with your main sewer line. If your main sewer line is blocked, you will need the help of a licensed plumbing professional to help.

Different issues can cause sewer line clogs, but one of the most difficult to fix is tree roots. Tree roots are incredibly powerful and seek nutrients from any nearby sources. If tree roots are causing a block in your main sewer line your sewer line might need to be replaced. This makes the repair much more expensive.

How Often Should a Sewer Be Cleaned?

Routine cleaning for your sewer line can help keep it up and running longer. On average, you should aim to have your sewer lines cleaned every 18 to 22 months.

Regularly cleaning your sewer lines prevent build-up in your pipes. It can also keep you ahead of any plumbing repairs you might need in the future.

If a plumber is cleaning your sewer lines, they might notice tree roots intruding on your pipes.

If you have cast iron pipes, your plumber might see the beginnings of corrosion. This means you will know ahead of time that your pipes will need replacing soon.

Professional Drain Cleaning Near Me

We utilize video cameras to inspect your pipes. This gives you the opportunity to see the problem before we move ahead. Our staff uses HydroScrub® technology to ensure we rinse away any clogs thoroughly.

We know that you rely on a functional plumbing system. That's why our technicians are available 24/7 for emergency services. When you choose us, you’ll receive quality service from professionals. We charge the same price any time and any day.

For fast service from a plumber who serves the entire San Francisco area and can handle your drain cleaning project, call our team.

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