Fort Collins Sewer & Drain Services

Common Home Sewer & Drain Questions

$93 Drain Cleaning

Clear your drain guaranteed!
Expires 12/31/24

Contact Us

Learn About Financing Your Project
Learn More

Allen Service – Fort Collins’ Premier Plumbing Experts

Blocked drains and sewer line problems can silently disrupt the comfort of homes in Fort Collins. With Allen Service, rest assured that every clog and sewer drain worry is met with swift, effective solutions. Our experienced plumbing professionals provide the highest quality plumbing services, including advanced sewer and drain cleaning, maintenance, and repair, to residences in Fort Collins and Boulder, CO.

If you’re dealing with a sewer drain dilemma, your local plumbing experts at Allen Service provide the service and support you need to preserve your daily comfort. This FAQ section is crafted to answer your pressing questions on how to keep your water flowing seamlessly.

What Is the Difference Between Drain and Sewer Cleaning?

Drain cleaning typically involves clearing clogs from the drains within your home, including sinks, showers, and bathtubs. It addresses blockages in the individual fixtures.

Sewer cleaning deals with larger-scale blockages in the main sewer line that connects your home to the municipal sewer system. It is a more extensive process that handles issues affecting the entire property’s plumbing system.

How Can I Prevent My Drains From Becoming Clogged?

Regular maintenance is essential to preventing clogged drains. Avoid disposing oil, grease, coffee grounds, or fibrous food waste that can create blockages in your drains. Use drain screens to catch hair and other debris in your showers and sinks. Running hot water through your sinks after each use can help prevent build-up. Always consider scheduling professional drain cleaning services annually to keep your drains clear and functional.

When Do I Need to Replace My Drain Lines?

Drain lines may need replacement if you frequently experience backups, notice foul odors, or see sinkholes in your yard. Older homes with original plumbing may require drain line replacement due to aging materials. Regularly scheduling maintenance service allows our plumbing experts to monitor the ongoing health of your drain lines. A detailed history and insightful approach will keep you well-informed of your system’s condition.

What Do I Do if My Drains Are Slow or Not Draining?

If your drains are slow or not draining properly, it may indicate a blockage or build-up. Try a plunger to clear minor clogs. If the problem persists, it’s recommended to contact our professionals at Allen Service. We can effectively diagnose and treat the issue using advanced techniques like water jetting, especially for stubborn or recurrent blockages.

How Do I Deal With Tree Roots in My Drain Line?

Tree root intrusions in your drain lines can develop into serious plumbing issues, often requiring a plumbing professional’s intervention. Our Allen Service plumbers are highly trained to eliminate root intrusions and will help you determine the best course of action designed to uproot the problem and prevent regrowth.

For severe invasions, replacing the affected pipes might be necessary, but regular maintenance can help you prevent significant damage caused by tree roots.

How Can I Tell if I Have a Clogged Drain or Pipe?

Common signs of a clogged drain or pipe include slow drainage, a gurgling noise coming from your drains, unpleasant odors, and water backup from sinks, showers, or toilets. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to contact a professional plumber who can accurately diagnose and rectify the issue.

How Do You Clean a Clogged Drain?

Cleaning a clogged drain begins with identifying the type of blockage. Minor clogs can often be cleared with a plunger or a handheld drain auger. More stubborn blockages may require professional tools like a plumber’s snake or water jetting service. Regular maintenance, avoiding problematic waste disposal, and using drain screens can help you prevent disruptive drain clogs.

How Often Should I Have My Drains Inspected or Cleaned?

Regular drain cleaning and inspections are recommended at least once a year to maintain the functionality of your plumbing system. If problems like frequent clogs, slow drainage, or unpleasant odors persist, it’s advisable to have your drains inspected more frequently. Always consult a professional plumber such as Allen Service to determine the appropriate schedule based on your circumstances.

What Is the Best Way to Unclog a Drain in an Emergency?

In an emergency, a plunger is often the fastest way to unclog a drain. If that doesn’t work, a plumber’s snake or a handheld drain auger can be used to tackle tougher clogs. However, severe blockages may require professional assistance. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes. It’s always advised to prioritize safety and contact a plumbing expert if you’re ever in doubt.

What Causes a Sewer Line to Become Clogged?

A sewer line can get clogged for various reasons, from grease build-up and food waste to hair, soap scum, and other debris. Tree roots infiltrating the sewer line can also lead to blockages. Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, like diapers, wipes, or feminine hygiene products, often contributes to sewer line clogs. Scheduling plumbing maintenance on a routine basis will help prevent these issues from becoming an emergency.

How Can I Tell if I Have a Sewer Line Backup?

Signs of a sewer line backup can include multiple drains in your home backing up simultaneously, foul odors emitted from your drains, and water pooling around the basement drain. Frequent toilet overflows or gurgling sounds from your drains might also indicate a sewer line backup. A professional inspection is recommended if you suspect a backup.

What Should I Do if I Have a Sewer Line Backup?

If you suspect a sewer line backup, you should immediately stop using all water fixtures and appliances to prevent further backup. Contact an emergency plumbing service such as Allen Service right away. We can conduct a thorough inspection, accurately diagnose the issue, and provide an effective, long-lasting solution.

How Do You Clear a Sewer Line Blockage?

Clearing a sewer line blockage involves comprehensive procedures and professional equipment. For minor clogs, a plumber’s snake may suffice. However, severe blockages often require advanced methods like water jetting. In some cases, a camera inspection becomes necessary to identify the exact location and nature of the blockage. It’s crucial to hire a professional plumber for this task to ensure the blockage is properly and safely cleared and to avoid further damage to your plumbing system.

What Commonly Causes Clogged Sewer Lines?

Clogged sewer lines are commonly caused by a build-up of household waste, such as grease, hair, and soap scum. Flushing inappropriate items like diapers, wipes, or feminine hygiene products can also create blockages. Tree roots infiltrating the sewer line can lead to significant obstruction.

What Can I Do to Keep My Drain Lines Running Properly?

To maintain your drain lines properly, perform regular preventative actions such as using drain screens to catch debris and avoid disposing grease or oil down the sink. Run hot water through sinks after use to prevent residue build-up. Routine professional inspection and cleaning can also be beneficial for the health of your plumbing system.

How Can I Find out if My Plumbing System Is up to Code?

To determine if your plumbing system is up to code, we highly advise consulting with our licensed plumbers at Allen Service. We can perform a thorough inspection of your system to check for compliance with local building and plumbing codes. We have an in-depth understanding of these codes and remain current on any changes, especially for renovations and new system installations.

What Is the Difference Between Sewer Lines and Drain Lines?

Sewer lines and drain lines serve different purposes in a plumbing system. A drain line transports wastewater from sinks, showers, and toilets in your home to the primary sewer line. The sewer line is a larger pipe that carries this wastewater from your home’s drain lines to the municipal sewer system or septic tank.

What Are the Warning Signs My Sewer Lines Inspected?

Warning signs that your sewer lines need a close inspection include frequent drain clogs or backups, foul odors emanating from your drains, gurgling sounds, and water pooling in your yard or basement. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our plumbing specialists at Allen Service immediately for a thorough sewer line inspection to prevent further damage.

What Products and Services Do You Offer for Sewer and Drain Cleaning?

At Allen Service, we offer comprehensive sewer and drain cleaning services, water jetting services, and trenchless sewer line repair. We utilize the industry’s latest technology to ensure the most efficient and effective cleaning solution for your specific plumbing circumstance. Our aim is to provide long-lasting solutions to maintain your plumbing system’s optimal functionality.

We handle both minor and major blockages, providing professional advice for preventative maintenance. If you’re in need of plumbing assistance, you can always count on our rapid response at Allen Service.

Trust Allen Service to Keep Your Water Flowing

At Allen Service, we’re dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and guidance to make informed decisions about your home’s plumbing health in Fort Collins. If you have more questions, our lines are always open, ensuring you have the expert support to maintain a reliable home sewer and drain system. Contact Allen Service to get help with plumbing problems and schedule service today.