Clogged Drain in Your Twin Cities Home? Here Is What to Do
The Most Common Causes of Clogged Drains in Twin Cities Homes
Drain clogs are an inevitable part of homeownership. In the kitchen, the main culprits are cooking grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps. In the bathroom, hair and soap scum bind together to form tough blockages. In older Twin Cities homes, tree roots invading the main sewer line are a frequent and serious issue.
Safe DIY Fixes to Try First
Before calling a professional, you can try safe DIY methods. Start with a standard cup plunger to dislodge the blockage. You can also pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain, let it sit for 15 minutes, and flush with hot water. A simple plastic drain snake can also pull out hair clogs near the surface.
What You Should Never Do
Never use liquid chemical drain cleaners. These products use caustic acids that generate intense heat. While they might temporarily clear a clog, they literally eat away at your pipes, leading to leaks and thousands of dollars in replacement costs.
Warning Signs You Have a Bigger Problem
A single slow sink is usually a local clog. However, if multiple drains are backing up simultaneously, toilets are gurgling when the shower runs, or you smell a foul sewage odor, you likely have a main sewer line blockage. This requires immediate professional attention.
How Professional Drain Cleaning Works at AJ Alberts
When you call AJ Alberts for drain cleaning, our licensed technicians use professional-grade motorized augers and hydro-jetting equipment to completely clear the pipe, not just poke a hole in the clog. We get your water flowing fast and reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
No, chemical drain cleaners are not safe. They contain highly corrosive acids that can melt plastic pipes, corrode older metal pipes, and cause severe chemical burns to plumbers who have to work on the drain later.
How much does drain cleaning cost in the Twin Cities?
The cost depends on the location and severity of the clog. A simple sink snake costs less than clearing a main sewer line with tree roots. We provide upfront pricing before starting.
What is hydro jetting?
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water streams to blast away years of grease, scale, and debris from the inside walls of your pipes, restoring them to near-original capacity.
How often should drains be cleaned?
For most homes, professional drain cleaning is only needed when a stubborn clog occurs. However, older homes with root intrusions may need annual main line clearing.
Stubborn Clog Won't Budge?
Stop fighting with the plunger. Let the drain clearing experts at AJ Alberts fix it fast.