Need Help with a plumbing emergency?

The most common cause for slow or clogged drainage in the kitchen sink is food waste. It is imperative for dishes and cookware to be wiped clean before washing in the sink or dishwasher to promote longevity in your drainage system. Dishwashers come equipped with internal filters that are meant to be cleaned on a regular basis. Kitchen sinks can also come equipped with garburators. These devices are not designed for large quantities of food waste and require flushing after use. Other household fixtures that use small diameter pipe such as the bathroom vanity, the tub and or shower typically clog because of hair. The hair can usually be removed by uninstalling the pop-up drain stopper. Otherwise a straining device in your tub or shower can help prevent slow drainage. Larger diameter drain and sewer pipes can clog from what is being flushed down the toilet but typically it is a sign that your sewer pipe has shifted or roots are growing in it. If the underground sewer in your home is made from cast iron, clay or asbestos cement you may be subjected to clogging. Practices that can help are…… limit what is flushed to toilet paper only. Baby Wipes of any kind are to be avoided. Paper Towel, Feminine hygiene products, and contraceptives are all drain stoppers. Scheduling an annual drain cleaning service can prevent unwanted flooding issues. Placing a battery operated water alarm near a basement floor drain can limit damage in the event of a backup.

If you notice an unpleasant smell in the area of plumbing fixtures it is most likely caused by venting issues in your system. All drains require vents. Vents are plumbing pipes typically inside walls that allow sewer gas to discharge through your roof and also admit air into your piping so water/effluent can drain. If vents are not installed properly or at all, sewer gas can be emitted into your living space. Sewer gas can also be emitted into your living space in other ways, such as a bad seal on your toilet flange or backfall on a drainage pipe.

Balah Plumbing offers drain cleaning on Fixtures supplied by 2″ drainage or smaller starting at $135.
Cleaning of drainage 3″ or larger including underground sewer starts at $225.

Additional fees from drain cleaning may include removal and re-install of toilet if required for sewer access. Other hidden fees may include material cost for re-assemble of fixture drains.