Drain & sewer questions, answered.
The most common questions homeowners ask us. Still stuck? Just call.
General
What services do you offer?
We specialize in drain cleaning, sewer camera inspection, and hydro-jetting, plus basement waterproofing and mini excavator work such as sewer line dig-outs and drainage trenching.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Baltimore, Dundalk, Glen Burnie, Catonsville, Pasadena, Arbutus, Washington D.C. and the surrounding metro counties. Call us at (240) 332-5647 or visit our Service Areas page if you're not sure whether you're in our area.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We're a licensed contractor and fully insured for the work we perform.
Are you a licensed plumber?
No — we're a licensed contractor that specializes in drain cleaning, waterproofing, and excavation, not a full service plumbing company. We specialize in mechanical drain clearing (snaking, jetting, and camera inspection).
What's the difference between a drain cleaning contractor and a plumber?
A drain contractor clears and inspects existing drain and sewer lines — removing clogs, roots, and buildup, and diagnosing problems with a camera. A licensed plumber installs and alters the plumbing system itself (supply lines, gas lines, fixtures, repiping). We handle the drain and sewer side; anything that requires altering the plumbing system, we refer out.
What kind of work would you refer to a licensed plumber?
Things like repiping, installing or moving fixtures, water heater work, water-supply lines, and gas lines. If your issue turns out to need that, we'll let you know rather than work outside our lane.
How long have you been in business?
We've been serving the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metro area since 2010.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes — we provide free estimates for most jobs. Diagnostic camera inspections among other inspections may carry a fee, which is credited toward the repair.
How do I schedule service?
Call or text us at (240) 332-5647, or request an appointment through our website.
Do you handle emergencies or after-hours calls?
Yes — we offer 24/7 emergency and after-hours service for backups and active leaks. Emergency rates may apply.
Drain Cleaning
What is drain cleaning (snaking)?
It's the mechanical clearing of a clogged or slow drain using a cable auger ("snake") to break up or pull out the blockage and restore flow.
What causes a clogged drain?
Common causes are grease, hair, soap scum, food waste, "flushable" wipes, foreign objects, tree roots, and long-term buildup inside the pipe walls.
How do I know if it's a small clog or a bigger sewer problem?
If one fixture is slow, it's usually a local clog. If multiple fixtures back up at once, or you hear gurgling and see water at the lowest drain, that often points to a main sewer line issue — a camera inspection tells us for sure.
Can you clear kitchen sink clogs?
Yes — kitchen lines clog often from grease and food buildup, and we clear them regularly.
Can you clear bathroom, shower, and tub drains?
Yes. These are typically hair and soap buildup, which we clear by snaking the line.
Can you clear a main sewer line clog?
Yes — main line backups are one of our core jobs. We can also camera the line afterward to confirm the cause.
How long does a typical drain cleaning take?
Most straightforward clogs take under an hour. Main line and heavily built-up lines can take longer.
Do store-bought chemical drain cleaners work? Should I use them?
We don't recommend them. They often don't fully clear the clog, can damage older pipes, and create a hazard for whoever services the line afterward. Mechanical clearing is safer and more reliable.
Why does my drain keep clogging?
Repeat clogs usually mean there's buildup, a partial root intrusion, a sag or "belly" in the line, or a pipe defect. A camera inspection is the best way to find the underlying cause.
Can tree roots get into my drain lines?
Yes — roots seek moisture and enter through joints and cracks, especially in older clay or cast-iron sewer lines. We can cut them out and camera the line to assess the damage.
What's the difference between snaking and hydro-jetting?
Snaking punches through a clog to restore flow. Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the pipe walls clean, removing grease, sludge, and roots more thoroughly. Snaking is great for a quick clear; jetting is better for buildup and prevention.
Will drain cleaning damage my pipes?
Proper mechanical cleaning is safe for pipes in sound condition. If a line is already cracked or badly corroded, we'll usually spot it on camera and talk through the right fix rather than force it.
Do you clear outdoor drains, yard drains, and downspout lines?
Yes — we clear exterior area drains, yard drains, and buried downspout lines, and we can excavate and replace them if they're collapsed.
Sewer Camera Inspection
What is a sewer camera inspection?
We feed a waterproof video camera through your drain or sewer line to see the inside of the pipe in real time — locating clogs, roots, cracks, bellies, and other defects.
Why would I need a camera inspection?
To pinpoint the exact cause and location of a problem before spending money on a repair, or to confirm the condition of a line for peace of mind.
Should I get a camera inspection before buying a house?
Yes — a pre-purchase sewer scope is one of the smartest inspections a buyer can get. Sewer line repairs are expensive, and they're usually not covered by a standard home inspection.
Can you tell me exactly where the problem is?
In most cases, yes. We can locate the depth and position of the defect from above ground so any repair can be targeted instead of guessed at.
Do I get video or photos from the inspection?
Yes — we can provide a recording and/or still images of the inspection on request.
What problems do camera inspections commonly find?
Root intrusion, grease and scale buildup, cracked or collapsed pipe, offset joints, bellies (low spots that hold water), and misconnections.
How much does a camera inspection cost?
All services are quoted on a per-case basis — call (240) 332-5647 or fill out a Quote Form, and the fee is often credited toward any resulting repair.
Can you inspect a line that's completely blocked?
Usually we clear the blockage first, then run the camera so we can see the pipe condition clearly.
Hydro-Jetting
What is hydro-jetting?
It's a cleaning method that uses a specialized nozzle and high-pressure water to blast the inside of the pipe clean — removing grease, sludge, scale, and small roots.
When is hydro-jetting the better choice over snaking?
When there's heavy grease or sludge buildup, recurring clogs, or you want to fully clean the pipe rather than just punch a hole through the clog.
Is hydro-jetting safe for older pipes?
For pipes in sound condition, yes. On older or fragile lines we usually camera first to confirm the pipe can handle it and adjust pressure accordingly.
Can hydro-jetting remove roots and grease?
Yes — it's very effective on grease and can cut through smaller root intrusions. Heavy roots may still need mechanical cutting or excavation.
How often should I have a line hydro-jetted?
It depends on use, but many commercial kitchens and grease-prone lines benefit from a scheduled cleaning (every 6–12 months). Most homes only need it as issues arise.
How much does hydro-jetting cost?
All services are quoted on a per-case basis — call (240) 332-5647 or fill out a Quote Form, and the fee is often credited toward any resulting repair.
Basement Waterproofing
What is basement waterproofing?
It's a system of drainage and sealing solutions that keeps water from entering your basement or manages it before it causes damage.
Why is my basement leaking or wet?
Common causes are hydrostatic pressure in the soil, poor exterior grading, failed or missing drainage, foundation wall cracks, clogged footer drains, or a failed sump pump.
What waterproofing methods do you offer?
We offer interior and/or exterior solutions — interior drainage systems, sump pumps, exterior excavation and membrane sealing, crack repair, and grading/drainage improvements.
What is an interior French drain (drain tile)?
It's a perforated drainage channel installed around the interior perimeter of the basement floor that collects water and routes it to a sump pump, keeping the floor and walls dry.
What is a sump pump and do I need one?
A sump pump sits in a pit at the low point of your basement and pumps collected water away from the house. If your basement takes on water or you have an interior drainage system, you need one.
Do you install and replace sump pumps?
Yes — we install and replace sump pumps, and we can add battery backup systems so the pump keeps working during power outages.
Can you fix foundation wall cracks that leak?
Yes — we repair leaking cracks with the appropriate sealing method and address the drainage causing the pressure behind them.
Do I need interior waterproofing or exterior drainage — how do I know?
It depends on where and how water is entering and on your grading and soil. We assess the source first, then recommend the approach that actually fixes the cause rather than just the symptom.
Does your waterproofing work come with a warranty?
It depends — our waterproofing systems can come with a warranty. Call (240) 332-5647 to ask us for the specifics for your job.
How long does a waterproofing job take?
Most interior systems take 1–3 days; exterior excavation projects can take longer depending on scope and access.
Will waterproofing stop mold and musty smells?
Controlling the water is the essential first step. Once the moisture source is managed, existing mold can be addressed and the musty smell typically clears.
Can you help with standing water in the yard around the house?
Yes — poor yard drainage often drives basement water. We can regrade, install exterior drainage, and bury downspout lines to move water away from the foundation.
Mini Excavator & Excavation Work
What excavation work do you do?
Sewer and drain line dig-outs and replacements, drainage trenching (French drains, downspout lines), exterior waterproofing excavation, and related digging with our mini excavator.
Can you dig up and replace a broken sewer line?
Yes — when a line is collapsed or too damaged to clear, we excavate and replace the affected section (or the full run) and restore flow.
What is an open-trench sewer repair?
It's the traditional method of excavating down to the damaged pipe, replacing it, and backfilling. It's often the most direct fix when a line is collapsed or badly offset.
Do you do trenching for French drains and yard drainage?
Yes — we trench and install drainage systems to move water away from your foundation and low spots in the yard.
Can a mini excavator fit in a tight backyard or through a gate?
Yes — that's the advantage of a mini excavator. It fits through narrow gates and tight side yards where full-size equipment can't, with less disruption.
Will excavation tear up my lawn or driveway?
Any dig disturbs the surface, but a mini excavator minimizes the footprint. We backfill and restore the area and can discuss final grading and finish restoration as part of the job.
Do you locate underground utilities before digging?
Always. We arrange a Miss Utility (811) locate before any excavation so gas, water, electric, and other lines are marked. It's required by law in Maryland and it protects you and us.
Do I need a permit for excavation or a sewer replacement?
Many sewer and drainage jobs require a permit. We pull the required permits as part of the job and advise you on what's needed.
Do you do exterior excavation for basement waterproofing?
Yes — for exterior waterproofing we can excavate down to the foundation wall to seal it and address the footer drainage.
Can you install or dig out window wells and egress?
Yes — we handle window well and related excavation. Ask us about your specific project.
How deep can you dig?
It depends on the machine and site conditions. Our mini excavator handles typical residential sewer and drainage depths; we'll confirm feasibility during the estimate.
Pricing, Estimates & Warranties
How much does drain cleaning cost?
All services are quoted on a per-case basis — call (240) 332-5647 or fill out a Quote Form, and the fee is often credited toward any resulting repair.
Do you charge for estimates?
Estimates are free for most work. Diagnostic camera inspections may carry a fee that's credited toward the repair.
Why are quotes so different between companies?
Scope and quality vary — some quotes only punch through a clog, while others include a camera inspection, full cleaning, or a real repair. We're specific about what's included so you can compare fairly.
Do you offer financing?
Yes — we can offer third party financing on larger projects like waterproofing and excavation. Call (240) 332-5647 to ask us for details.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, check, and major credit/debit cards.
Scheduling & What to Expect
How soon can you come out?
We often offer same-day or next-day service. Call (240) 332-5647 early for the best chance at a same-day slot.
Do you offer same-day service?
Yes, when our schedule allows — especially for active backups.
What should I do before you arrive?
Clear access to the affected drain, sink cabinet, or basement area if you can, and stop running water into a backed-up line. That's it — we'll handle the rest.
Do I need to be home during the service?
We prefer someone 18+ be present to approve the work and provide access, but ask us — we can sometimes arrange alternatives.
What happens if you can't clear the clog?
If a line can't be cleared mechanically, that usually means a deeper defect. We'll camera the line, show you what's going on, and lay out the repair options rather than keep charging to fight it.
Do you clean up after the job?
Yes — we clean the work area before we leave. For excavation, we backfill and restore the surface (per the agreed scope).
Prevention, Maintenance & DIY
How can I prevent clogs?
Keep grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps out of drains; use drain screens for hair; and never flush wipes or paper towels. Periodic cleaning of grease-prone lines also helps.
What should I never put down my drains or toilet?
Grease and oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, fibrous foods, "flushable" wipes, paper towels, feminine products, and cat litter. When in doubt, throw it in the trash.
Are "flushable" wipes actually flushable?
No — despite the label, they don't break down like toilet paper and are a leading cause of clogs and sewer backups.
How often should I have my drains cleaned?
Most homes only need it when problems appear. Homes with big trees near the sewer line, older pipes, or a history of backups benefit from annual maintenance and periodic camera checks.
What are the warning signs of a sewer line problem?
Multiple slow or gurgling drains, sewage odor, water backing up at the lowest fixture, unusually green patches or sinkholes in the yard, and frequent repeat clogs.
Should I use enzyme or bacterial drain treatments?
Enzyme-based maintenance products are gentler than harsh chemicals and can help keep a clean line clear, but they won't clear an existing clog — that needs mechanical cleaning.
