Drain Cleaning & Repair

Slow Drain? Backup? Gurgling?

Drain clogs don't just slow you down—they signal buildup, poor flow, or failing pipe sections that'll keep coming back until the root cause is fixed.

The Tankless Plumber clears drains mechanically (no harsh chemicals) and helps you decide: one-time clear vs. fix the underlying problem. Owner-operated by Andy Bello, a licensed plumber with [43/45] years in the trade—including decades on Boise's older homes where cast-iron stacks, bellied lines, and root intrusion create recurring drain nightmares.

📞 Call/Text: 208-995-6791
Backup happening now? Call—we'll walk you through damage control.

Common Drain Problems We Handle

Fixture-Level Clogs (Single Drain Slow/Blocked)

• Kitchen sink clogs (grease, food debris, soap buildup)

• Bathroom sink clogs (hair, toothpaste, soap scum)

• Tub/shower clogs (hair, soap, shampoo residue)

• Toilet clogs (paper, wipes, foreign objects)

• Floor drain clogs (basement/laundry room lint, sediment)

Multiple Fixtures Affected (Main Line Issue)

• Toilet + tub backing up together (main drain blockage)

• Gurgling sounds when other fixtures drain (venting or main line)

• Basement floor drain backup (main sewer line obstruction)

• Multiple slow drains across house (main line buildup or root intrusion)

Recurring Drain Problems (Repair Required)

• Weekly/monthly repeat clogs (grease trap missing, bellied pipe, root intrusion)

• Slow flow that never fully clears (scale buildup, corroded cast iron)

• Odors from drain (dry P-trap, cracked pipe, venting failure)

• Backups during heavy rain (combined sewer system overwhelm, foundation drain issue)

How We Clear + Diagnose Drains

Step 1: Identify Scope (One Fixture vs. Main Line)

• One fixture slow? → Likely fixture-level clog (cable clean = 30-60 min)

• Multiple fixtures slow? → Likely main line blockage (access via cleanout)

• Toilet + tub backing up? → Main drain obstruction (urgent—sewer gas risk)

Step 2: Mechanical Clearing (No Harsh Chemicals)

Cable/Snake Method (Most Common)

• What it is: Rotating steel cable (1/4" to 3/4" diameter) breaks through clogs

• Best for: Hair, grease, paper, soap buildup

• Reach: Up to 100 feet from access point

• Time: 30-90 minutes for fixture drains; 1-2 hours for main lines

Hydro-Jetting (Heavy Buildup/Roots)

• What it is: High-pressure water (3000-4000 PSI) scours pipe walls clean

• Best for: Grease buildup, root intrusion, scale deposits

• Reach: Entire line from cleanout to street connection

• Time: 2-4 hours (setup, jetting, verification)

• Cost: Higher than cable (quoted separately)

Why we don't use chemical drain cleaners:

• Damage older pipes (cast iron, galvanized)

• Create toxic fumes when mixed

• Only dissolve soft clogs (hair, grease)—do nothing for roots, scale, foreign objects

• Mask underlying problems without fixing them

Step 3: Flow Verification + Root Cause

• Test drain flow (run water 2-3 minutes, check for backup)

• Assess why it clogged (grease disposal? hair accumulation? pipe condition?)

• Recommend prevention (strainers, disposal use, enzyme treatments)

Step 4: Repair Strategy (If Needed)

If drain clogs weekly/monthly, you have one of these issues:

• Bellied/sagging pipe (low spot collects debris—requires excavation/repair)

• Root intrusion (tree roots in clay sewer line—requires hydro-jet or pipe lining)

• Corroded cast iron (scale buildup, rough interior—requires replacement)

• Missing/inadequate venting (slow flow, gurgling—requires vent stack work)

We'll camera inspect (optional service) to show you exactly what's causing repeats.

What's Included

Every drain cleaning visit includes:

• Evaluate affected drains (one fixture? multiple? main line?)

• Mechanical clearing (cable method for most jobs)

• Flow verification (run water, confirm no backup)

• Prevention guidance (fixture-specific tips)

• Diagnosis of repeat issues (if applicable)

Typical drain clearing jobs included in base service:

• Kitchen sink drain (P-trap to wall connection)

• Bathroom sink/lavatory drain

• Tub/shower drain

• Toilet clog (standard auger)

• Floor drain (laundry, basement)

• Single-fixture branch line to main stack

What's NOT Included (Unless Quoted Separately)

• Main sewer line cleaning (cleanout to street—requires access, larger equipment)

• Hydro-jetting (heavy grease buildup, root intrusion—quoted after diagnosis)

• Camera inspection (video scope to identify pipe condition—$[XX] add-on)

• Pipe replacement (cracked, bellied, or failed sections—quoted separately)

• Excavation (access to buried lines—quoted separately)

• Drywall/tile/floor restoration (if access cuts required)

Typical Time Windows

Emergency situations: Sewage backing up into house? Call immediately. We'll walk you through shutoff (stop using water) and prioritize your visit.

Customer Prep Checklist

✅ Stop using affected drains (more water = more backup)
✅ Clear under-sink cabinets (if kitchen/bathroom sink clog)
✅ Note when it started (suddenly? gradual? after specific event?)
✅ Note which fixtures are affected (one sink? toilet + tub? whole house?)
✅ Locate your main cleanout (usually basement, crawlspace, or yard—3-4" white/black cap)
✅ Secure pets (we'll be accessing multiple drains)

What NOT to do before we arrive:

• ❌ Don't use chemical drain cleaners (toxic, ineffective, damages pipes)

• ❌ Don't use coat hangers or improvised tools (can puncture pipes)

• ❌ Don't flush repeatedly if toilet is backing up (overflow risk)

• ❌ Don't use "drain bladders" (can burst old pipes)

What You Get

✔ Free-flowing drain—not just temporarily pushed through
✔ Root cause diagnosis (if recurring issue)
✔ Prevention plan (fixture-specific maintenance)
✔ Repair options (if underlying problem requires fixing)
✔ Workmanship warranty—[X years] on clearing work

Why Boise Homeowners Choose The Tankless Plumber for Drains

Drain Challenges in Older Boise Homes

If your home was built before 1980, you're dealing with:

• Cast-iron drain stacks (corrode from inside, create rough surfaces that catch debris)

• Clay sewer lines (brittle, prone to root intrusion at joints)

• Bellied/sagging lines (settled foundation, poor original grading)

• Shallow pitch (minimal slope = slow flow = frequent clogs)

• Shared venting (multiple fixtures on one vent = gurgling, slow drains)

What that means for drain work:

• Cable cleaning may work temporarily, but if the pipe is corroded/bellied, clogs return

• Camera inspection shows you the actual pipe condition (not just a guess)

• Strategic replacement (e.g., kitchen drain stack) may be smarter than repeated clearing

We'll show you what's happening and give you the choice: keep clearing or fix it once.

Drain Maintenance — Prevent Repeats

Kitchen Sink Drains

• No grease down the drain (solidifies in pipes, catches debris)

• Run cold water during disposal use (hot water liquefies grease, then it re-solidifies)

• Use sink strainer (catch food debris before it enters drain)

• Monthly enzyme treatment (BioDrain, Green Gobbler—breaks down organic buildup naturally)

Bathroom Sink/Tub/Shower Drains

• Use hair catchers (TubShroom, OXO strainers—80% of clogs are hair)

• Weekly hot water flush (gallon of boiling water melts soap scum)

• Avoid bar soap residue (liquid soap = less buildup)

• Monthly enzyme treatment (prevents biofilm/soap scum accumulation)

Toilet Drains

• Nothing but waste + toilet paper (no wipes—even "flushable" ones clog)

• Don't flush: cotton swabs, dental floss, hair, feminine products, paper towels

• Older low-flow toilets (pre-1994) = weak flush = frequent clogs (consider replacement)

Main Sewer Line

• Annual hydro-jetting (if you have tree roots nearby)

• Camera inspection every 3-5 years (if pre-1980 home with clay lines)

• Root treatment (RootX treatments via cleanout access—kills roots in pipes)

Service Area — Treasure Valley

Boise (North End, East End, Bench, Downtown, Foothills) • Meridian • Eagle • Kuna • Star • Nampa • Caldwell • Middleton • Nearby Treasure Valley communities

FAQ — Drain Cleaning + Repair

Q: Why do my drains keep clogging?
A: Recurring clogs = underlying problem:

• Weekly repeats: Bellied pipe, root intrusion, or heavy grease buildup

• Monthly repeats: Corroded cast iron (rough interior catches debris)

• Seasonal repeats: Tree roots (worse in spring/summer) or shared sewer line issues

Solution: Camera inspection shows the actual problem. Then you decide: keep clearing or fix it.

Q: Should I use chemical drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid-Plumr)?
A: No. Here's why:

• Damages pipes: Corrodes cast iron, galvanized, and old PVC joints

• Toxic fumes: Especially if mixed with other cleaners (bleach + acid = chlorine gas)

• Doesn't work on roots, foreign objects, or heavy buildup

• Masks the problem: Drain seems clear, then clogs again in 2 weeks

Better option: Call us. Mechanical clearing is safer, more effective, and shows us what's actually happening.

Q: What if multiple drains are slow or backing up?
A: Main sewer line blockage—requires immediate attention:

• Stop using water (every flush/shower adds to backup)

• Call us immediately: We'll access the main cleanout and clear the line

• Possible causes: Tree roots, collapsed pipe, grease buildup in main line, city sewer backup

Q: How long does drain cleaning take?
A:

• Single fixture: 1-1.5 hours (most jobs)

• Main line: 2-3 hours (requires cleanout access, larger equipment)

• Hydro-jetting: 3-4 hours (setup, jetting, verification)

Q: Can you repair the drain line if it's damaged?
A: Yes. If camera inspection shows:

• Cracked/broken pipe: Section replacement (dig + replace)

• Bellied/sagging pipe: Re-pitch or replace sagging section

• Root intrusion: Hydro-jet + root treatment OR pipe lining (trenchless)

• Corroded cast iron: Replace drain stack or transition to PVC

Repairs quoted separately after diagnosis.

Q: What's a camera inspection, and do I need one?
A: Video scope of your drain line—shows:

• Pipe material and condition

• Exact location of blockages, cracks, roots

• Bellied/sagging sections

• Scale buildup or corrosion

You need it if:

• Clogs return weekly/monthly

• Multiple fixture backups

• Pre-1980 home with cast iron or clay lines

• Considering house purchase (pre-inspection)

Cost: $[XX] (may be included in hydro-jetting or repair quotes)

Q: Do you offer hydro-jetting?
A: Yes—quoted separately after assessment. Best for:

• Heavy grease buildup (restaurant-grade cleaning for home kitchens)

• Root intrusion (clears roots from pipe walls)

• Scale deposits (hard water buildup in older pipes)

• Pre-sale prep (clear entire line before inspection)

Not recommended for: Fragile pipes (very old cast iron, clay), recent repairs (could dislodge joints)

Q: What's the difference between a cleanout and a drain?
A:

• Drain: Fixture opening (sink, tub, toilet)

• Cleanout: Access point to main drain line (3-4" cap, usually basement/crawlspace/yard)

Main line clogs require cleanout access. If you don't have one, we may need to access via roof vent or install a cleanout (quoted separately).

Q: Can tree roots damage my sewer line?
A: Absolutely—especially in Boise:

• Pre-1980 clay pipes: Roots infiltrate at joints, create blockages

• Trees within 20 feet: Willows, cottonwoods, elms = aggressive root systems

• Seasonal patterns: Worse in spring/summer (active root growth)

Solutions:

• Annual hydro-jetting (cuts roots out)

• Root treatment (RootX via cleanout—kills roots chemically)

• Pipe lining (trenchless repair—seals joints from inside)

• Strategic replacement (dig + replace section with PVC—permanent fix)

Q: What if my drain backs up after hours?
A: [YES/NO + FEE] (placeholder—client to confirm after-hours policy)

Related Services

• Kitchen sink clogs + disposal issues — Faucet, valve, disposal service

• Toilet + bathroom drain problems — Toilet, shower, bath service

• Water damage from backup — Leak detection + plumbing repair

• Prevent clogs with water treatment — Water softener service

📞 Call/Text: 208-995-6791
✉ Email: tanklessplumber@yahoo.com

Clogged drain? Let's clear it—and stop it from coming back.