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clogged drain cleaning services and repair services in the bay area

We proudly serve the San Francisco Bay Area including Santa Clara County, San Mateo county, and Alameda county.

0% APR Financing Available!
 

Licensed & Insured:  CSLB #1057926
Trusted Plumbing Experts Across the Bay Area

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Why Do Drains Clog? Top Causes & How to Prevent Future Blockages

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Top Causes of Clogged Drains

 

1. Hair Buildup in Bathroom Drains

Hair easily tangles with soap scum, creating stubborn clogs in showers, tubs, and sinks.

Prevention: Install a hair catcher and clean it regularly.

 

2. Grease and Oil in Kitchen Drains

Grease hardens as it cools, coating the inside of pipes and trapping debris.

Prevention: Never pour grease down the drain. Dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash.

 

3. Food Waste and Coffee Grounds

Certain food scraps, even with a garbage disposal, can block your sink drain.

Prevention: Scrape plates into the trash and avoid rinsing starchy or fibrous foods down the sink.

 

4. Soap Scum and Hard Water Deposits

Soap and mineral buildup narrow your pipes over time.

Prevention: Switch to liquid soap and consider a water softener to reduce scale.

 

5. Non-Flushable Items in Toilets

Items like wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products do not break down and can clog toilets and main lines.

Prevention: Only flush toilet paper and human waste.

 

6. Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines

Roots seek moisture and can infiltrate underground pipes, causing severe blockages or pipe collapse.

Prevention: Have annual sewer inspections if you have trees near your main line.

 

 

Preventative Tips to Keep Drains Flowing

 

  • Use drain strainers in kitchen and bathroom sinks.

  • Flush drains with hot water and vinegar monthly.

  • Be cautious of what you dispose of down sinks and toilets.

  • Schedule professional drain cleaning once a year to remove buildup.

 

Need Help Now?

 

Whether you’re dealing with a slow drain or a major backup, Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter is here to help.

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Emergency Clogged Drain? Here’s What to Do Before Calling a Plumber

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Step 1: Stop the Water Flow

 

If water is backing up or overflowing:

 

  • Toilets: Open the tank lid and press the flapper valve to stop water from entering the bowl.

  • Sinks and Bathtubs: Turn off the faucet to stop additional water from draining into the fixture.

 

 

Step 2: Use a Plunger

 

  • For sinks/tubs: Remove the stopper, fill with a few inches of water, and plunge for 20–30 seconds.

  • For toilets: Use a flange plunger to create a tight seal and plunge steadily.

 

If the clog doesn’t move after a few attempts, stop plunging to avoid pushing it deeper.

 

 

Step 3: Try Hot Water and Dish Soap

 

Grease clogs in kitchen sinks may break up with hot water and soap:

 

  • Heat water until hot (not boiling).

  • Mix in dish soap.

  • Slowly pour down the drain and wait 10 minutes before flushing with hot water.

 

Avoid boiling water on PVC pipes—it can damage them.

 

 

Step 4: Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

 

Avoid chemical drain cleaners that can corrode pipes. Instead, try this natural solution:

 

  1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain.

  2. Add 1 cup of vinegar.

  3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.

  4. Flush with hot water.

 

If the clog remains, the blockage may be deeper than your drain trap.

 

 

Step 5: Use a Drain Snake

 

  • Insert a drain snake or auger and rotate the handle to break up or retrieve the clog.

  • For hair clogs, use a plastic drain tool to pull out the blockage.

 

Don’t have the tools or don’t want to risk pipe damage? Contact Repipe Champions for immediate help.

 

 

When to Call a Professional Plumber

 

Call a licensed plumber right away if:

 

  • The clog keeps returning.

  • Multiple drains are clogged simultaneously.

  • Water backs up into other fixtures (e.g., flushing toilet causes water in the tub).

  • You detect a sewer odor.

  • There is standing water or flooding.

 

Why Repipe Champions for Emergency Drain Cleaning?

 

  • 24/7 Service – We respond quickly when it matters most.

  • Licensed and Insured – Skilled plumbers you can trust.

  • Advanced Tools – We use hydro jetting, power augers, and camera inspections.

  • No Hidden Fees – Honest pricing with clear communication.

  • Satisfaction Guaranteed – Fast, effective solutions with long-term prevention in mind.

 

Get Help Now – Fast, Reliable Emergency Drain Services

 

Don’t let a clogged drain turn into a disaster. Contact Repipe Champions Plumbing and Rooter now for fast, professional service.

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