Drain Cleaning Without the Guesswork
A clogged drain may be a simple stoppage, but recurring clogs can point to a bigger issue. The goal is to clear the problem when possible and help you understand why it happened.
Need help? Call or text Brian directly at (314) 620-4809.
Common Drain Calls
Kitchen sink stoppages, bathroom sink clogs, shower and tub drains, toilet backups, laundry drains, floor drains, drains that smell bad, and drains that gurgle can all point to different issues.
Single-Fixture Clogs vs. Whole-House Backups
Not every clog is the same, and the difference matters. A single-fixture clog — just one sink, tub, or toilet backing up — is usually isolated to that fixture's drain line and is often the simpler fix. A whole-house or main-line backup, where multiple fixtures back up at once or water comes up in the lowest drain in the house, points to a stoppage in the main sewer line itself and needs to be treated differently. Our emergency guide walks through how to tell the two apart if you're dealing with it right now.
Main Sewer Stoppages, Tree Roots, and Cast Iron
Main sewer line stoppages are common in older parts of Franklin County, where cast iron and clay drain lines have had decades for roots, scale, and settling to take their toll. Tree roots are a frequent culprit — they find their way into small cracks or joints in aging pipe and grow into full blockages over time. Recurring clogs in the same area of the home, especially after we've already cleared it once, are often a sign of root intrusion or a cast iron line that's corroding from the inside.
When a Camera Inspection Makes Sense
If a drain keeps clogging, a main line backs up, or we clear a stoppage but can't tell what caused it, a camera inspection lets us see exactly what's happening inside the pipe — roots, a belly in the line, cracked or offset cast iron, or a collapsed section — instead of guessing. That's the difference between a repeat service call and a real, lasting fix.
Recurring Clogs Need Attention
If the same drain keeps clogging, there may be grease buildup, roots, a sag in the line, a damaged pipe, or something being sent down the drain that should not be there.
What Not to Put Down the Drain
Grease, coffee grounds, wipes, feminine products, paper towels, pasta, rice, potato peels, and fibrous foods are common causes of drain problems.
💡 Brian's Professional Tip
Chemical drain cleaners rarely fix the real problem. They may open a small path temporarily, but recurring clogs usually need to be physically cleared and understood.
Myth vs. Fact
❌ Myth: Store-bought drain cleaner fixes clogged drains.
✅ Fact: It may temporarily burn through part of a clog, but it often does not remove the buildup causing the problem and can be rough on plumbing.
See Our Work
Want to see the kind of work we do? Visit our project gallery to see real Posey Family Plumbing jobs from local homes.
View Our Work →Ask Brian
Have a plumbing question? Call or text Brian directly at (314) 620-4809. Even if you are not sure you need a plumber yet, we are happy to help you understand your options.