Drain Cleaning in Washington, DC

Local clog or main line?

What causes clogs in DC homes

With a median year built of 1957, much of the District's housing has older drain piping. Cast iron drains in rowhouses can scale and corrode on the inside, which narrows the pipe and catches grease and paper. Older sewer laterals can let in tree roots at joints. Kitchen grease, wipes and hair are behind most of the rest.

Storms and basement backups

About one-third of the District is served by a combined sewer system developed before 1900, which carries both sewage and stormwater in the same pipes. The rest has separate sanitary and storm sewers. During heavy summer storms, drains can be overwhelmed, and basement floor drains are the lowest point for water to come back up. If water backs up only in storms, a plumber can talk with you about a backwater valve and whether your lateral is in good shape. Sewer problems in the public system go to DC Water at 202-612-3400.

How a plumber clears a drain

1. Find the access point. A cleanout, the fixture trap or the basement main.
2. Clear the line. A cable machine cuts through hair, grease and roots; water jetting scours buildup from the walls of the pipe.
3. Look inside. A sewer camera shows breaks, sags, roots or heavy scale that will cause the clog to return.
4. Talk about next steps if the camera finds damage worth repairing.

What to avoid

• Pouring several chemical drain openers in a row. They can damage old pipe and splash on whoever opens the line next.
• Flushing wipes, even ones labeled flushable
• Pouring cooking grease into the sink

What affects the price

• Which line is clogged and how easy it is to reach
• Whether there is a usable cleanout
• Cabling versus jetting, and whether a camera inspection is added
• After-hours timing