Clogged Drain Cleaning

Drain cleaning across Lee & Collier County

A clogged drain never picks a good time. It shows up when guests are over, when the dishwasher is running or ten minutes before everyone needs a shower. We clear it fast, and we tell you honestly whether it was a simple blockage or a sign of something bigger.

• Kitchen sink drain cleaning: grease, food scraps and soap buildup that slow or stop the sink and dishwasher.
• Bathroom sink, tub and shower drains: hair, soap scum and mineral buildup that cause standing water.
• Toilet clogs: blockages that a plunger won't move, including repeat clogs that point to a deeper issue.
• Main sewer line clogs: when several drains back up at once or water comes up in the tub or floor drain.
• Floor drains and laundry drains: garage, utility room and washing machine standpipe drains.
• Camera inspection for repeat clogs: a look inside the pipe to find roots, breaks or buildup. See sewer camera inspections.

We're a Florida state-certified plumbing contractor (license CFC1429748), based in North Fort Myers, and a second-generation family business. Our licensed plumbers do the work, and owner Mike leads every job.

Signs you need drain cleaning

Drains rarely clog all at once. They slow down first, and that slowdown is your cue to call before the pipe blocks completely and water ends up on the floor.

• Water drains slowlySink, tub or shower takes longer and longer to empty.
• Gurgling soundsAir is pushed through a partial blockage when water moves.
• Sewer smellOdor from drains can mean buildup or trapped waste in the line.
• Several drains slow at onceA sign the main sewer line is partly blocked.
• Toilet bubbles when the tub drainsWater and air are looking for a way around a main-line clog.
• Water backs up in a floor drainThe line is blocked past that point. Stop using water.
• Standing water in the showerOften hair and soap scum packed into the trap or drain.
• Clog returns within weeksCleared once but not fixed. The cause is deeper in the pipe.

Where clogs come from, and what we do about each

The right fix depends on the cause. Using the wrong tool on the wrong clog wastes time and can damage the pipe. Here is what we usually find in Southwest Florida homes.

Kitchen grease and food buildup. Grease goes down the drain as a liquid, then cools and coats the inside of the pipe. Layer after layer, the opening shrinks until water barely moves. We clear it with the right equipment for the pipe size and rinse the line so the grease does not simply move further down. We'll also tell you what to keep out of the drain, because a few habits make a big difference.

Hair and soap scum in bathrooms. Hair knots around soap and minerals, and it collects at the trap and the pop-up assembly. Often the blockage sits close to the drain opening and can be removed without opening a wall. A drain strainer is a cheap habit that prevents most repeat visits.

Toilet clogs. A single clog from too much paper is simple. A toilet that clogs again and again can have a partial blockage in the line or a problem with the toilet itself. We check both before we call it fixed. Flushing wipes, even ones labeled flushable, is a common cause of blockages in drain and sewer lines.

Main-line clogs. When the main drain that carries waste out of the house is blocked, every fixture is affected. This is the one you shouldn't wait on, because the next flush can push water into your home. We clear the line and, if it has clogged before, recommend a camera inspection to see why.

Tree roots. Roots look for water and find it at tiny pipe joints. Over time they grow inside the line and catch everything that passes. Clearing roots restores flow, but the roots grow back unless the damaged section is repaired. That is a conversation about sewer line repair, and we'll show you the camera footage so you can see it yourself.

Why chemical drain cleaners cost you more in the end

The bottle under the sink promises a quick fix. Sometimes it opens a small clog. Often it doesn't, and then a plumber arrives to work around a pipe full of harsh chemicals.

• They can damage pipes. Strong caustic and acid drain products generate heat and can soften or weaken older pipes, fittings and some toilet and fixture finishes.
• They sit above a stubborn clog. If the blockage doesn't dissolve, the chemical pools in your sink or tub and becomes a hazard for the person who has to clear it.
• They only treat the opening. A cleaner can burn a small hole through a clog without removing it, so water drains for a few days and then stops again.
• They're hard on septic systems. Many Lee County homes outside city sewer service are on septic, where harsh chemicals can harm the bacteria that treat waste.

If you've already used a chemical cleaner, tell us when you call. We'll wear the right protective gear and know what we're dealing with. Mechanical cleaning removes the clog itself instead of dissolving a small piece of it.

Repeat clogs and camera inspection

If the same drain clogs every few months, clearing it again is not the answer. Something is causing the clog, and a camera can show you what. A small waterproof camera travels through the line while we watch the live image. We can see grease coating, roots, a sagging section, a cracked pipe or an offset joint, and we can tell you how far down the problem sits.

That changes the conversation from guessing to knowing. Instead of paying for clearing again and again, you can see the cause and decide on a lasting fix, whether that is a spot repair, a small adjustment in how a fixture drains or a plan for a larger repair. Read more about our camera inspections.

Drain cleaning for Southwest Florida homes

Drain problems have local patterns. Knowing them helps us find the cause faster.

• Slab homes. Most Florida homes sit on a concrete slab, so drain pipes run under the floor. A clog there is reached from a cleanout or fixture, and a break under the slab needs a camera to locate.
• Older neighborhoods. Cast iron and clay drain lines in older homes in central Fort Myers and North Fort Myers can roughen and scale inside, which catches waste. Roots find their way into aged joints.
• Septic and sewer. Some areas are on septic and some on city sewer. We'll tell you which one you're dealing with, since the fix and the cautions differ.
• Seasonal homes. Drains in a home that sits empty for months can dry out, release odors and collect debris. Running water in every drain before you return helps, and we can check them if something smells off.
• Storms. Heavy rain and flooding can push debris into lines and overload drainage. After a storm, if a drain slows, call early.

Our residential plumbing team handles drains alongside leaks, fixtures and water heaters, so one visit can often cover everything on your list.

What a drain cleaning visit looks like

1. Call or book online. Tell us which drain is clogged and what you've tried. Backups and overflowing fixtures are prioritized, and emergencies are answered 24/7.
2. We find the blockage point. We check whether one fixture or many are affected, which tells us whether the clog is local or in the main line.
3. You get an upfront price. The price is agreed before work begins. If the situation changes, we explain before going further.
4. We clear the line and test it. We run water through to confirm full flow, and we protect your floors while we work and clean up after.
5. You get the honest answer. If a clog points to a bigger issue, we tell you what we found, show you the evidence and give you options with no pressure and no hard sell.
6. You're covered for a year. Our 1-year personal guarantee covers parts and service. If something we did fails, we fix it free.

If the clog is something simple like a hairball in the trap, you won't pay for a bigger job than you need. That is how we've worked since 2016.

How to keep drains clear between visits

• Use drain strainers in showers, tubs and kitchen sinks to catch hair and food.
• Keep grease out. Pour cooled cooking grease into a container and throw it in the trash, never down the sink.
• Flush only toilet paper. Wipes, cotton products and paper towels don't break down.
• Run the garbage disposal with cold water and avoid fibrous scraps such as celery, corn husks and potato peels.
• Don't ignore a slow drain. Slow today usually means blocked in a few weeks.
• Ask about periodic cleaning for lines that have clogged before. Our plumbing maintenance plan includes a whole-home plumbing check.

Drain cleaning near you

We clear drains in every city in Lee and Collier County, including:

Drain cleaning FAQ

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