When it becomes urgent
If sewage is coming up into the house, stop running water and flushing toilets until the line is cleared. Every gallon you use has to go somewhere.
What you can safely check first
A main line clog isn't a do-it-yourself job, but a couple of checks tell you what you're dealing with, and one of them might mean you don't need us at all.
- Stop running water and flushing toilets. That keeps the backup from getting worse.
- Note which drains are affected. If it's only one sink or tub, it's a drain clog, not the main line, and you can try clearing it first.
- Ask a neighbor if they're having the same problem. If they are, the blockage may be in the city's line, and your water utility should be your first call.
What might be behind it
More than one thing can cause this, which is why the plumber finds the cause first.
A clog in the main line. Everything in the house drains into one main line. A clog there backs up the lowest drains first, like a tub, a shower, or a floor drain.
Roots or damage in the sewer line. Tree roots can grow into older pipe through small gaps, and a sagging or cracked section catches waste. Both cause backups that return.
A backup that's coming in now. Sewage actively coming into the house can't wait for a scheduled visit. We clear the line and make it safe first.
How we fix it
We check the affected fixtures and locate the restriction in the shared drain or sewer line. Clearing a blockage may restore flow. Recurring backups can call for a camera inspection to check roots or pipe damage before discussing a repair.
Depending on the cause, the relevant services are drain cleaning or sewer line repair.
Where we fix it
Our plumbing shop is at 910 Cable St in Conroe. We also serve the surrounding towns. Check our plumbing service area and ZIP codesbefore requesting a visit.