Clogged Drain Repair
A clogged drain can go from a small inconvenience to a bigger mess quickly. It can happen right before guests arrive or on a Sunday when everything’s closed. R&L Plumbing provides clogged drain repair for homes and businesses across San Francisco and the East Bay, with 24/7 emergency service for active backups and other urgent problems.
We use the right tools to find and clear the blockage, whether the problem is limited to one drain or affects more of your plumbing system.
| What you’re seeing | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| One slow sink or tub | Hair, soap scum, or grease buildup |
| Gurgling sounds from a drain | Partial blockage or a venting issue |
| Multiple drains backing up at once | Main sewer line blockage |
| Recurring clogs in the same spot | Root intrusion or pipe damage |
What Causes a Clogged Drain?
Kitchen drains often clog when grease, food scraps, and coffee grounds build up inside the pipe over time. Bathroom drains commonly collect hair and soap residue. In older sewer lines, tree roots can also grow through cracks and restrict flow.
Sometimes the cause is more straightforward. Wipes, small objects, and other debris can lodge in a pipe and block the drain.
Our Clogged Drain Services
Depending on the cause and location of the blockage, our services can include:
- Drain snaking and cabling for regular clogs
- Hydro jetting for grease buildup and stubborn blockages
- Sewer video inspection to see what's happening inside the pipe
- Root intrusion removal or sewer line repair when the pipe is damaged
- Preventive drain maintenance to help reduce clogs in the future
- Emergency drain clearing, available day or night
Quick Things You Can Try Before Calling Us
For a slow drain, hot tap water and a little dish soap may help loosen minor grease buildup. A plunger can also clear some simple clogs.
Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, especially in older plumbing. They can damage some pipes and may not solve a deeper blockage. If the drain stays slow or starts backing up, it’s time to have the line checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my drain keep clogging even after I clean it?
A clog that keeps coming back can point to a problem deeper in the line, such as root intrusion, pipe damage, or buildup that hasn’t been fully cleared. A camera inspection can help identify the cause.
Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?
It depends on the condition of the pipe. We check the line before recommending hydro jetting. If the pipe is fragile or damaged, we’ll recommend another cleaning method or discuss repair options.
How fast can someone come out for a clogged drain?
We offer same-day service for many clogged-drain calls. If water is actively backing up into your home or business, let us know so we can treat it as an emergency.
What does it mean if multiple drains clog at the same time?
Multiple clogged drains often point to a blockage in the main sewer line rather than one individual drain. Our sewer line repair page covers those problems in more detail.
Get Your Drain Cleared Fast
If you have an active clog or backup, call, text, or schedule online. For routine maintenance rather than an active blockage, see our drain cleaning page.