Drain Opening Services in Harrisburg, PA
Is your sink or shower drain clogged? If you’ve tried to clear it and nothing has worked, it might be time to call in a professional plumber. We are a family-run business, and this is demonstrated by our commitment to our neighbors. We’ve been providing caring customer service, dependable plumbing repairs, maintenance, and upgrades throughout Central PA. Contact us now to get a free estimate on all of our HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and drain services.
"We recently had our 40+ year-old boiler serviced by Adam. He was kind, courteous, professional, and relatable—but most importantly, an excellent teacher. As he disassembled the unit, he explained each component, the most common causes of failure, and which parts to monitor as the boiler approaches its fifth decade. His educational approach was greatly appreciated and instilled confidence in his “something to consider for the future” recommendations."
"We have used Handyside services for 10 years. They do not suggest replacing equipment or parts unless they are definitely needed. The company's expertise in every area we've needed is perfect."
We will absolutely be using Handyside again. Their work was excellent and their employees were friendly and took the time to explain things.
Common Drain Issues We Address in Harrisburg Homes
Every Harrisburg home is susceptible to different drain problems depending on what goes down the drain pipes. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most frequent plumbing issues our drain cleaning company encounters:
Kitchen sinks often become blocked due to a buildup of food particles, grease, and soap residue. These materials can accumulate over time, creating stubborn clogs that slow down or completely block the drain. A blocked kitchen sink can make everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning difficult, and if left untreated, it can lead to unpleasant odors and potential water damage in your kitchen.
Hair, soap scum, and other bathroom byproducts can easily form clogs in shower, bathtub, and sink drains. These blockages can prevent proper drainage, leading to standing water and potential mildew growth. Leaving clogged bathroom drains unattended can create unsanitary conditions and make your bathroom a hazardous place to be.
Toilet clogs are a major inconvenience that can bring your entire bathroom to a standstill. The most common cause of toilet clogs is flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed, like wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products. These items don’t break down like toilet paper and can easily clog the narrow pipes in your drainage system. A clogged toilet can overflow, creating a messy situation that poses health risks and requires immediate attention.
A clogged sewer line is a plumbing emergency. Unlike clogs in individual drains, a sewer clog affects your entire drainage system. The most common signs of a sewer line clog include slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds in the pipes, and even sewage backups in your drains. If left untreated, clogged sewer lines can cause sewage to overflow inside your home, posing serious health risks and requiring extensive repairs.
Don’t forget about your outdoor drains! Leaves, twigs, and even tree roots can clog gutters, downspouts, and storm drains. A clogged drain outdoors can cause water to pool around your foundation, potentially leading to leaks and water damage in your basement. Additionally, overflowing gutters can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
Our Drain Opening Process
Inspection and Diagnosis
The first step is to identify the culprit behind the clog. Our drain cleaning professionals are equipped with state-of-the-art video inspection cameras. These cameras are thin and flexible, allowing them to navigate even the tightest bends in your plumbing system. The camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor, giving us a clear view of the inside of your pipes. This visual inspection allows us to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the clog. With this information, we can then choose the most practical drain cleaning service for your specific situation.
Drain Cleaning Methods
Once we’ve identified the cause and location of the clog, we’ll recommend the best course of action. Below is a brief overview of some of the most common techniques we use to eliminate stubborn drain clogs. All of our methods are engineered to blast away debris without resulting in damaged pipes.
- Drain Snaking: This method utilizes a long, flexible metal cable with an auger on the end called a drain snake. Our drain cleaning experts will insert and feed the snake down the line, rotating it to break up and dislodge the clog. This approach is ideal for tackling clogs caused by hair and soap scum.
- Hydro Jetting: For tougher clogs or those located deep within the sewer line, we use hydro jetting. This powerful technique involves using a specialized tool that propels a high-pressure stream of water through the drain pipe. The force of the water can clear away even the most stubborn blockages, including grease buildup, tree roots, and mineral deposits.
- Chemical Drain Cleaning: In some rare cases, we might recommend using a mild chemical drain cleaner as a last resort. However, it’s important to note that chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on your pipes and should only be used under the supervision of a professional plumber.
Post-Cleaning Verification
Once we’ll run water through the drain and observe the flow rate and conduct a final video inspection to confirm that the clog has been completely removed and there’s no risk of recurring clogs in the near future.
Preventative Drain Cleaning Services to Avoid Future Clogs
Why wait for a clog to cause a major disruption in your home when you can sidestep it altogether? Routine inspection services and regular cleanings remove buildup that leads to slow drains and blockages, protecting your entire plumbing system. This includes septic systems, where clogs can cause costly backups throughout your home. Think of it as an investment – affordable cleaning now prevents future headaches.
Schedule a Drain Opening Service in Harrisburg Today!
Struggling with drainage issues? Contact us at Handyside Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical! We offer competitively priced, long-lasting solutions to folks throughout the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania region. Our professional plumbers use specialized tools to safely but effectively expel blockages. We also conduct regular cleanings and inspections to prevent clogs from coming back.
FAQs About Our Drain Opening Services
There are a few steps you can take to help maintain your drains and prevent clogs. One is to avoid dumping grease, oil, or food scraps down the drain. These substances can harden and create blockages over time. Another tip is to use a drain strainer to catch any hair or debris before it enters the pipes. Finally, consider using natural cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda instead of harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes.
This depends on several factors, including the age of your home, the type of plumbing system you have, and how frequently you use your drains. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to schedule routine cleanings at least once a year. However, if you notice any recurring clogs or slow draining, it’s best to schedule cleanings more frequently.
There are several signs that indicate a possible clog in your drain. These include slow draining sinks or tubs, gurgling sounds coming from the pipes, foul odors emanating from your drains, and water backing up into other fixtures.
While it may seem like a quick and easy solution, we do not recommend using store-bought drain cleaners to remove clogs. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and are not always effective in completely removing the clog. It’s best to leave it to the professionals who have the latest technology and expert techniques to safely and effectively clear your drains.
The average drain cleaning service can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the severity of the blockage. For simple clogs, such as hair or food buildup, a plumber may use a plumbing snake or hydro jet to clear the blockage in a relatively short amount of time. However, for more stubborn clogs or those located deep within your pipes, it may take longer to fully remove and clear the obstruction. Your plumber will be able to give you an estimated timeline based on their assessment of the situation.