Slow drains, gurgling, sewer backups. Here's what causes them in Phoenix and how to know when to snake, jet, or camera the line.
Drain clearing isn't one job — it's a family of jobs. Slow kitchen sinks, gurgling tubs, sewer backups: each calls for a different tool. Here's how to read what your drain is telling you.
Almost always grease and food. Phoenix kitchen drains build up a hardened layer of cooking oils on the inside of the pipe over time, and it gradually narrows the flow path. A snake clears the immediate clog; hydro-jetting removes the layer entirely.
Most likely a dry P-trap (which lets sewer gas back into the house — fix by running water down the drain for 30 seconds), or biofilm buildup on the drain walls (fix with an enzyme cleaner or a snake-and-flush). Persistent smell despite both = call us; could be a venting issue.
A snake (mechanical auger) punches a hole through the clog. Good for quick fixes on simple branch-line clogs. A hydro-jetter uses high-pressure water (2,500–4,000 PSI) to scour the pipe walls clean. Better for grease, mineral, and root removal in mains and large drains.
When the line keeps backing up despite clearing, when we suspect tree-root intrusion or a pipe collapse, or before any major work to confirm the line condition. The camera lets us see what we're dealing with before we recommend the fix.
Yes, especially in older neighborhoods. Roots seek moisture; sewer lines have moisture. Mature trees in Phoenix yards (mesquites, sissoo, eucalyptus) all send roots toward sewer lines through joint cracks. We can cut roots out with a jetter or root-cutter attachment, but the long-term fix is line replacement or trenchless reline.
Hot water and dish soap can move a fresh grease clog. An enzyme cleaner (Bio-Clean or similar) helps prevent future build-up. Don't pour bleach or harsh chemical drain cleaners — they damage older pipes and rarely fix the underlying problem.
Schedule online or call. $89 service call, waived with any approved repair.
