Sewer cleaning in San Antonio, TX
Every toilet, tub and sink empties into one main sewer. If it slows, the whole house slows, so we open it at the cleanout and run it clear out to the city tap.
Signs you need this
- Every drain in the house is slow
- Sewage odor inside or in the yard
- Water rising in a tub or shower when the toilet flushes
- Gurgling from floor drains
Why it happens
What we pull out of main lines is mostly roots, cooled grease from the kitchen branch and wipes that never broke down. Clay and cast iron mains in older houses have joints that roots slip through. PVC holds up better, though clay soil settling under it can leave a dip where solids pile up.
What we check first
- Cleanout location, or the best access point if there is not one
- How far out the stoppage is
- What the cable brings back
- Whether a camera run is recommended after
Your options
Cable the main
Standard clearing for a stoppage, done from the cleanout.
Jet the main
For roots and grease that keep coming back.
Add a cleanout
For homes without one, so the next service is quick and does not go through a toilet.
Before we get there
- Stop running water and flushing
- Find the cleanout in the yard or near the house
- Keep pets and kids away from the area
What affects the price
Main line clearing from an outdoor cleanout is a set price. No cleanout, a very long run or a stubborn root mass adds time. Adding a cleanout is a separate small project that makes future service cheaper.
Many south side homes built before the 1980s do not have an outdoor cleanout. Adding one is a small job that makes every future sewer call faster and cleaner.
Sewer cleaning questions
Are wipes really a problem?
Yes. Even wipes labeled flushable do not break down like toilet paper. They are one of the top causes of main line clogs we clear.
Who is responsible for the line to the street?
Generally the owner is responsible up to where the private line meets the public main. Call your water utility if you want that spot confirmed for your lot.
Can you clear it at night?
Yes. A sewer backup is one of the calls we take around the clock.
What does a cleanout look like?
A capped pipe, usually 3 or 4 inches across, sticking up in the yard near the house or along the side wall.