Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered:
What causes drains to clog?
Clogs often build up over time from everyday use, common culprits include grease, food particles, soap residue, hair, and mineral buildup. In some cases, objects that shouldn’t go down the drain or even tree roots in your main line can block your pipes.
How do I know if I need a professional drain cleaning?
Signs include slow-draining sinks or tubs, water backing up, persistent clogs, unpleasant odors coming from drains, gurgling sounds in pipes, or multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time.
Can I clear a clog myself, or should I call a pro?
Minor blockages may respond to a plunger or simple DIY methods, but if the clog is recurring, stubborn, involves multiple drains, or causes backups, it’s best to call a professional to avoid damaging your pipes.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?
While chemical cleaners may break up some clogs, they can also corrode pipes, harm septic systems, and create safety hazards. Most professionals recommend avoiding them for regular use.
How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?
Most homes benefit from a professional cleaning every 12–24 months, depending on usage, the age of your plumbing, and whether you’ve had recurring issues in the past.
What methods do professionals use to clean drains?
Pros typically use tools like mechanical snakes, augers, high-pressure hydro-jetting systems, and video camera inspections to accurately diagnose and clear clogs.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional drain cleaning service?
Professional cleaning removes buildup thoroughly, helps prevent future clogs, reduces the risk of backups or sewer issues, and can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Why do my drains smell?
Odors often come from trapped debris, buildup inside the pipes, bacteria growth, or a blockage farther down the line. A proper cleaning can eliminate the source of the smell.
What is a camera inspection, and do I need one?
A camera inspection uses a small waterproof camera to look inside your pipes so technicians can pinpoint blockages, cracks, tree root intrusion, or other issues. It’s especially helpful for recurring problems.
What should I avoid putting down my drains?
Avoid grease, oils, coffee grounds, wipes (even “flushable” ones), feminine products, excess food scraps, and anything that doesn’t break down easily. These items often cause buildup and clogs.
What drain cleaning services do you offer?
Today’s Drains provides drain cleaning, sewer and drain cleaning, main drain cleaning, main line sewer cleaning, hydro jetting, drain snaking, and clogged drain repair for residential and commercial customers.
Do you offer emergency drain cleaning?
Signs include slow-draining sinks or tubs, water backing up, persistent clogs, unpleasant odors coming from drains, gurgling sounds in pipes, or multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time.
Can I clear a clog myself, or should I call a pro?
Yes. We offer main sewer line cleaning, sewer main cleaning, and main line drain cleaning to help clear serious blockages and restore flow.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?
While chemical cleaners may break up some clogs, they can also corrode pipes, harm septic systems, and create safety hazards. Most professionals recommend avoiding them for regular use.
Do you provide sewer camera inspections?
Yes. We offer sewer camera inspections to help identify clogs, buildup, damage, and other issues inside drain and sewer lines.
What methods do professionals use to clean drains?
Pros typically use tools like mechanical snakes, augers, high-pressure hydro-jetting systems, and video camera inspections to accurately diagnose and clear clogs.
What is hydro jetting and when is it needed?
Hydro jetting is a high-pressure drain flushing service used to break up heavy buildup, grease, and debris inside pipes. It is often recommended for stubborn or recurring drain and sewer problems.
Can you help with clogged drain repair?
Yes. Our drain snaking service can help clear clogged drains and restore drainage in sinks, tubs, showers, and other lines.
Can you help with clogged drain repair?
Yes. We provide clogged drain repair for slow drains, recurring clogs, and blocked lines in kitchens, bathrooms, floor drains, and main sewer lines.
Do you clean kitchen drains?
Yes. We offer kitchen drain cleaning to help remove grease, food buildup, and other common causes of sink clogs.
Do you clean bathroom drains?
Yes. We provide bathroom drain cleaning for tubs, showers, bathroom sinks, and other clogged bathroom drains.
Do you service floor drains?
Yes. We offer floor drain cleaning and drain clean out service for clogged or slow-moving floor drains.
How do I know if I need sewer line cleaning?
Common signs include slow drains throughout the home, frequent backups, foul odors, gurgling sounds, and recurring clogs. A sewer camera inspection can help confirm the issue.
Do you work on both drain and sewer lines?
Yes. Today’s Drains handles both drain and sewer service, including drain clearing, sewer cleaning, main line cleaning, and related inspections.
Do you serve both residential and commercial properties?
Yes. We work with both homeowners and businesses needing drain cleaning, sewer cleaning, and related service.
What areas do you serve?
We serve a wide range of Twin Cities and surrounding Minnesota communities, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Elk River, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and many nearby areas.
What’s the difference between drain cleaning and sewer cleaning?
Drain cleaning usually refers to clearing individual drain lines like sinks, tubs, or floor drains, while sewer cleaning focuses on larger main lines that carry wastewater out of the property.
Can you help with recurring drain clogs?
Yes. If clogs keep returning, we can inspect the line and recommend the right solution, whether that’s drain snaking, hydro jetting, or sewer camera inspection
Do you provide estimates before service?
Today’s Drains can review the issue, explain the recommended service, and help customers understand next steps before work begins.