Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Slow Drain
Many homeowners in Virginia Beach make the mistake of ignoring a slow drain, hoping it will fix itself. Unfortunately, plumbing problems rarely age well. A slow drain is usually the first symptom of a significant blockage building up deep within your pipes.
Leaving a clog untreated can lead to:
- Bacteria and Mold Growth: Standing water is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold spores that can impact your family's health.
- Pipe Corrosion: The waste trapped in your pipes can break down the pipe material over time, leading to leaks.
- Structural Damage: If a pipe bursts or leaks behind a wall due to pressure buildup, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in water damage restoration.
A Note on Chemical Drain Cleaners
We strongly advise against using store-bought chemical drain cleaners. These harsh chemicals generate heat and can eat away at PVC and old metal pipes, often causing more damage than the clog itself. Furthermore, they usually only burn a small hole through the sludge, providing only a temporary fix. For a permanent solution, you need a professional.
Our Drain Cleaning Services
At Denny's Plumbing, we don’t just poke at the problem; we solve it. We have the equipment to handle any clog, from a simple bathroom sink blockage to a major sewer line obstruction.
1. Kitchen and Bathroom Drains
In the kitchen, grease, soap, and food waste (even with a garbage disposal) build up on the inner walls of your pipes like cholesterol in an artery. In the bathroom, the culprits are usually hair, toothpaste, and soap scum. We use professional-grade snakes and cabling equipment to cut through this debris and restore full flow.
2. Toilet Clogs
If a plunger isn't doing the trick, the blockage is likely further down the line or caused by a foreign object (toys, wipes, or hygiene products). "Flushable" wipes are rarely actually flushable! We can safely remove these obstructions without damaging your porcelain.
3. Main Sewer Line Cleaning
If multiple drains in your house are backing up simultaneously (e.g., you flush the toilet and water comes up in the shower), you likely have a main sewer line blockage. In the Virginia Beach area, tree roots are a common cause. Roots seek out the moisture in sewer lines, penetrating and crushing the pipes.
Advanced Technology: Hydro Jetting and Camera Inspections
For stubborn recurring clogs, Denny's Plumbing utilizes state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and obliterate the problem.
- Video Camera Inspection: We stop the guesswork. By feeding a high-definition waterproof camera into your plumbing, we can see exactly what is causing the problem and where it is located. This allows us to recommend the most cost-effective repair.
- Hydro Jetting: For heavy grease buildup or sludge that a snake can't remove, we use Hydro Jetting. This process blasts water at extremely high pressure (up to 4000 PSI) into your pipes, scouring the walls clean and flushing away debris. It leaves your pipes looking almost as good as new.
Why Choose Denny's Plumbing?
We know you have choices when looking for a plumber in Hampton Roads. Here is why your neighbors choose Denny's Plumbing:
- Local Expertise: We have been serving Virginia Beach and the surrounding 757 area for years. We understand the local infrastructure and the common plumbing issues specific to our region.
- Honest Pricing: No bait-and-switch tactics. We provide clear assessments and fair pricing before we begin the work.
- Respect for Your Home: Our technicians are courteous, professional, and clean up after themselves. We treat your home as if it were our own.
Schedule Your Drain Cleaning Today
Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day or damage your home. Whether it’s a minor annoyance or a major backup, Denny's Plumbing is ready to help.
Contact us today at
757-499-5150 to schedule your service!
Frequently Asked Questions About Clogged Drains
Q: Can I just use a chemical drain cleaner like Drano?
A: We strongly recommend against it. While they might offer a temporary fix for minor slow drains, chemical cleaners use caustic ingredients that generate heat. This can warp PVC pipes and corrode older metal pipes found in many Virginia Beach homes. Furthermore, if the chemical doesn't clear the clog, it sits in the pipe, creating a hazardous situation for the plumber who eventually comes to fix it.
Q: Why does my drain clog keep coming back?
A: If a clog returns shortly after you "fixed" it, you likely only poked a hole through the blockage rather than removing it entirely. This is common with plunging or using small hand snakes. It could also indicate a larger issue further down the line, such as tree root intrusion or a belly (sag) in the sewer pipe. Our camera inspection can identify the root cause so we can fix it permanently.
Q: What is a "P-Trap" and is that where the clog is?
A: The P-Trap is the curved pipe usually visible under your bathroom or kitchen sink. Its job is to hold a small amount of water to prevent sewer gases from coming up into your home. Because of its shape, it is a very common place for debris, jewelry, and hair to get stuck.
Q: How can I prevent hair from clogging my shower drain?
A: The most effective method is a simple mesh drain cover or "hair catcher," which you can buy at any hardware store. Make it a habit to clean this cover after every shower. Additionally, try to brush your hair before getting in the shower to remove loose strands.
Q: Is it safe to flush "flushable" wipes?
A: No. Despite the marketing on the package, "flushable" wipes do not break down in water like toilet paper does. They remain intact and can snag on rough spots in your pipes, creating a net that catches other debris. This is one of the leading causes of major sewer backups we see in the 757 area.
Q: How do I know if I have a main sewer line blockage?
A: A main sewer line clog is a plumbing emergency. Watch for these warning signs:
- Multiple drains clogging at the same time (e.g., sink, toilet, and shower).
- Water backing up in odd places (e.g., flushing the toilet causes water to gurgle up in the bathtub).
- Sewage smells coming from your drains.
- Gurgling sounds from the toilet when the washing machine runs.
Q: Do you offer emergency drain cleaning?
A: Yes! We know plumbing disasters don't strictly happen between 9 and 5. If you have a major backup that threatens your home, call Denny's Plumbing at 757-499-5150 right away
