Sewer Cleaning | Mother

Mother's Sewer Cleaning Service

From mineral scaling in the shower to organic grease clogs in kitchen drains, Dallas-Fort Worth plumbing is under constant attack. Homeowners in DFW are more likely to experience a drain blockage than other Texas residents.

We're Mother, a modern plumbing service that provides dependable, hassle-free solutions for homeowners who value quality. Our 5-star rated drain cleaning service offers long-term, chemical-free solutions that last.

Call us if you have standing water, a clogged sink or any other plumbing issue related to your drains.

Why Is My Drain Backed Up?

Our research team compiled a list of Mother drain cleaning service calls from the last 3 years. Most drain clogs and blockages in DFW homes are caused by one of the following 5 issues.

Debris Creating a Sewer Clog

One of the most common causes of drain blockages is a buildup of debris such as grease, hair, soap scum, food particles, and other household waste. Over time, these materials accumulate inside your pipes, restricting water flow and leading to slow drains or complete blockages.

Kitchen drains are most frequently blocked by fats, oil and grease (FOG clogs). These organic clogs attract other material like food scraps, hair and soap scum to create tough blockages that travel down into your sewer line. 

Sink and tub drains are blocked by hard mineral deposits, hair, soap scum, toothpaste and shaving cream. 

Toilet drains face challenges from toilet paper overuse, paper towels, feminine hygiene products and items that shouldn't be flushed. 

Roots in Sewer Line

Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and nutrients, and small cracks in sewer pipes attract them. Once inside, roots grow and expand, eventually creating a drain clog, and sometimes pipe breaks. If you have mature trees near your sewer line, root intrusion could be a potential cause of your drainage issues.

Cracked Sewer Lines and Fittings

Old or weakened drain pipes can develop cracks, allowing water to leak out and surrounding soil or debris to enter the pipe. This can lead to blockages and eventual pipe collapse if left unaddressed.

Rubber and plastic fittings dry, crack and degrade over time thanks to exposure to DFW's hard water. The wax seal around your toilet, gaskets and plastic plumbing materials are susceptible to cracks and leaking.

Cast Iron Pipe Problems

Many older homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, have cast iron drain pipes. Over time, these pipes corrode from the inside out, leading to restricted flow, leaks, and eventual failure. If your home has cast iron pipes, replacement or lining options may be necessary to prevent ongoing drainage issues.

Separated Pipes

Soil shifting, foundation movement, or poor installation can cause drain pipes to separate at their joints. This can create a blockage where debris catches at the separation point or lead to leaks that attract further debris buildup.

Separated drain pipes occur frequently in DFW thanks to our expansive clay soil and aging home plumbing systems. Call us right away if you notice slow draining or wastewater backup — you may be saving yourself from a future sewer line break.

Sewer Cleaning FAQs: You Asked, We Answer

Can I Use My Other Drains Before My Drain Service?

If the clog is isolated to one branch of your plumbing system, such as a single bathroom, any other drain line in your home should still function normally.

If it's a main sewer line blockage it's best to avoid using water anywhere in the home until a professional drain cleaning is scheduled to resolve the problem. How do you know if it's the main sewer line? If multiple drains across different areas of your home are backing up, this likely indicates a main sewer line issue.

How Long Will My Sewer Cleaning Service Take?

Most residential drain cleaning jobs are completed in one appointment that takes less than an hour. Our simple $299 drain cleaning appointment includes a free video camera inspection, plus a complimentary bottle of Endure for ongoing clog prevention.

What's the Best Drain Cleaner for Home Use?

Enzymatic cleaners are the best option for home plumbing systems in Dallas-Fort Worth. They offer non-toxic, non-caustic solutions to the 2 biggest causes of blocked drains in our area — hard mineral scaling and organic grease clogs.

Chemical drain cleaners make both of these problems worse — they'll break up your clog, but they also eat away at your drain pipe. We don't recommend them for home use, and our plumbers never use them on the job.

Mother's plumbing experts are trained and certified to use Endure, an enzyme drain cleaner that's safe for regular drain cleaning use once per month. Its active ingredient converts organic material into harmless carbon dioxide gas that passes safely into the city sewer system.

Do DIY Drain Cleaning Methods Work?

Even the best DIY solutions for drain blockage only last a short time. They're meant to "tide you over" before plumbers arrive, not solve the root issue forever.

If you suspect a grease clog or other organic blockage, don't use baking soda and vinegar. This combination sticks to your organic clog and only makes it bigger.

More Fast Plumbing Answers About Drain Clogs

Bathtub and toilet clogged at the same time?

Toilet keeps overflowing after your flush?

Drain not working (even after plunging and Drano)?

Bathroom smells like sewage?

Toilet always clogging?

What to Expect During a Drain Cleaning

How Long Will It Take to Unclog My Drain?

Simple sink or shower clogs can often be cleared in less than an hour, while more complex sewer line blockages may take a few hours to resolve. We worked on one sewer line for a day and a half before we got it unclogged!

What Tools Will You Use to Unclog It?

We use a combination of professional-grade drain cleaning tool tailored to the specific blockage:

• Drain Snakes (Augers): Used for minor to moderate clogs, breaking apart and removing debris inside the pipe.
• Hydro Jetting: A high-pressure water jet that clears out grease, roots, and other obstructions in sewer lines.
• Video Camera Inspections: We always perform a camera inspection to find the root cause of your clog, and to ensure it's safe to run a drain machine through your pipes.

Most drain cleanings fall into our $299 drain cleaning special if they can be accessed without going on the roof of the home. Pricing depends on the severity of the clog and the tools required to clear it.

Hydro jetting is usually a middle ground option, and some clogs require sewer line repair which is more expensive. We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees, and don't begin any work without your explicit approval.

What If There’s a Bigger Issue?

If drain cleaning reveals a more serious issue, such as collapsed pipes or severe root intrusion, we will provide a full assessment and recommend repair options.

We believe in transparency, so you’ll receive a clear breakdown of what’s wrong and what solutions are available. You'll be able to make an informed decision before we continue work.

How Do I Keep My Drains Clear?

Once your drain lines have been cleaned the next step is keeping them clear.

What Happens If It Clogs Again Right After You Leave?

We stand by our work, but some drains can clog again quickly if there’s an underlying issue like root intrusion or pipe damage. If your drain backs up soon after a cleaning, we’ll work with you to determine if a deeper issue needs to be addressed.

How Can I Maintain My Pipes?

Regular maintenance is key to preventing recurring clogs. Some best practices include:

• Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the drain.
• Use a drain strainer to catch hair and debris in sinks and tubs.
• Schedule annual drain cleaning, especially if you’ve had previous issues.
• Use enzyme-based drain cleaners rather than a chemical drain cleaner. Endure Pipe Maintenance breaks down and eliminates organic buildup and keep pipes clear.
• Join our Pipeline Membership, which includes regular drain maintenance to keep your plumbing system in top condition. You'll also receive a $300 annual drain cleaning coupon.

If you’re experiencing persistent drain problems, contact us for expert plumbing service and reliable solutions.