Professional Oahu Drain Cleaning Services

Even with regular drain cleaning and maintenance, clogs can still develop over time. Understanding what commonly causes drain clogs can help you take preventative measures and know when to call in the professionals at Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service. Here are some of the most frequent culprits behind stubborn drain backups:

Hair

Hair is one of the biggest perpetrators when it comes to clogged bathroom drains. Every time you shower, wash your hair, or shave, loose strands get washed down the drain. Over weeks and months, this hair can bind together into a thick, matted mess—creating a nasty clog. Using drain covers can help catch hair before it goes down the drain.

Food Waste

In the kitchen, anything from coffee grounds and egg shells to cooking grease and small food particles can cling to the sides of your pipes and slowly build up over time. Be diligent about not letting food waste go down the drain and maintain a routine drain cleaning schedule.

Fats, Oils, and Grease

Speaking of kitchen drains, fats, oils, and grease are likely the biggest offenders. When hot greasy liquids go down the drain, they can solidify as they cool, sticking to the pipes and creating gunky clogs. Instead, always pour grease into an old can or container and dispose of it properly.

Soap Scum and Hard Water

Bathrooms are prone to soap scum and hard water mineral buildup over time. These substances can accumulate on the interior of pipes, gradually narrowing the diameter until water flow is obstructed. Regular drain cleaning helps flush out these materials.

Toilet Paper Overload

Only human waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed down a toilet. Using too much toilet paper or flushing other items like baby wipes (even those labeled “flushable”) can overwhelm toilet drains and cause major clogs.

Tree Roots

Invasive tree roots are a big headache, especially for outdoor drains and sewer lines. As roots seek moisture, they can bore into pipes and cause obstructions as they continue growing within the plumbing system. Removing these root masses requires professional equipment.

Foreign Objects

From kids’ toys to dropped rings and loose items that accidentally fall in, foreign objects flushed or washed down drains are a common clogging issue. Sometimes these objects get lodged right away, other times they travel farther down before getting stuck.

Aging Pipes

Older plumbing systems with corroded, damaged pipes are more prone to catching debris and developing clogs over the years. Mineral buildup and pipe erosion can lead to backups that require pipe repair or replacement.

As you can see, many different factors can contribute to annoying drain clogs over time. While some causes are unavoidable, being mindful about what goes down your drains and maintaining regular professional cleaning can go a long way. If you do experience a severe clogged drain in your Oahu home or business, don’t hesitate to call the certified drain cleaning experts at Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service!

While routine drain cleaning every 6-12 months is recommended for maintaining proper plumbing function, there are some telltale signs that it’s time to call Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service for professional drain cleaning right away. Don’t ignore these indicators of a potential clogged drain—letting the issue persist can lead to overflowing drains, water damage, foul odors, and even burst pipes down the line.

Slow Drain

One of the first signs of a clogged drain is a sink, shower, or tub that drains slower than normal. If you notice the water pooling up and taking a long time to go down after doing dishes, showering, or giving the kids a bath, it’s likely debris buildup causing a blockage that needs to be cleared.

Gurgling Sounds

Does your toilet or sink make gurgling, bubbling noises when draining? This abnormal sound is caused by air trapped in the drain by a clog, creating those glug-glug noises as the water tries to make its way down the obstructed pipes. Gurgling is a surefire signal that you’ve got a nasty clog forming.

Bad Odors

Few things are as unpleasant as getting a whiff of rotten, sewage-like odors wafting up from your drains. Terrible smells are a common side effect of accumulated gunk, bacteria, and waste being trapped in your pipes by a stubborn blockage that needs to be removed through drain cleaning.

Recurring Clogs

If you have to frequently unclog the same sink, shower, or toilet drain over and over again, it means there is a more serious clog farther down the pipes that a plunger or store-bought chemical solution just can’t fix. Repeated drain cleanings are just a temporary fix—you need professional help to locate and fully eliminate the underlying clog.

Multiple Fixture Backup

When one clogged drain causes other drains or fixtures in your home to backup, gurgle, or drain slowly, it indicates a severely blocked main sewer line that requires industrial drain cleaning equipment to power through the clog. Multiple fixture issues demand an expert’s attention.

Flooded Areas

Of course, one of the most obvious and alarming signs you desperately need drain cleaning is if you have areas of pooled, stagnant water caused by an overflowing drain that can’t take on any more influx of water. Drain flooding is an emergency situation that requires immediate professional drain snaking to clear the clog.

Structural Issues

While less common in newer homes and buildings, older pipes that haven’t been properly maintained can suffer from cracks, collapses, off-sets, and other structural damage that obstructs the flow of water and waste. Complex structural issues require professional video camera inspection and likely pipe repair or replacement.

Don’t ignore drain issues and make the mistake of letting a small clog turn into a plumbing nightmare! At the first sign of sluggish drains, foul smells, or recurring clogs, pick up the phone and call the friendly drain cleaning experts at Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service. We have all the heavy-duty equipment and proven solutions to get your drains completely unclogged and flowing freely again.

At Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service, we can’t stress enough the importance of regular professional drain cleaning for your Oahu home or business. While it may seem like an inconvenience, setting up drain cleaning appointments every 6-12 months provides a wide range of benefits that ultimately save you time, money, and headaches down the line. Here’s a closer look at why keeping up with drain maintenance pays off:

Prevent Clogs & Backups

The obvious top benefit of drain cleaning is that it prevents nasty clogs and backed up drains before they can occur. By routinely scouring your pipes, our plumbers eliminate built-up gunk, hair, grease, and debris that would otherwise cause a full-blown clogged drain over time. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Improve Drain Flow

Even if drains aren’t fully clogged yet, built-up residue narrows pipes and reduces water flow efficiency over time. Professional drain cleaning blasts away this buildup to restore optimal drainage and prevent frustratingly slow drain issues moving forward.

Remove Odors

Decaying organic matter and backed-up waste creates foul, noxious odors that no homeowner wants lingering in their living spaces. With regular cleaning, bacteria and sewage smells are eliminated to keep your drains running fresh and odor-free.

Avoid Potential Flooding

When left ignored, severely clogged drains can suddenly back up and overflow—leading to interior water damage, mold risks, and costly flood remediation needs. Preventative drain cleaning avoids this mess altogether by keeping water flowing smoothly.

Extend Pipe Lifespan

Without routine maintenance, pipes are susceptible to corrosion, cracks, and erosion over many years of accumulated mineral buildup, grease, and debris. Drain cleaning helps preserve the structural integrity and longevity of your plumbing system.

Stop Pest Infestations

Drain clogs create moisture sources and entry points that can attract bugs, rodents, and other unwanted pests looking for water. By keeping drains clear, you eliminate potential pest problems before they can take root.

Identify Other Issues

During a thorough drain cleaning, experienced plumbers can also identify other emerging plumbing issues like pipe damage, root intrusion, leaks, and needed repairs before they become major headaches.

Save Money Long-Term

While there is an upfront cost for routine drain cleaning, it’s incredibly affordable compared to the expensive alternative of dealing with backed-up drains, water damage, mold remediation, burst pipes, and even potential health hazards from exposure to sewage water. Maintaining clean drains saves you big in the long run.

Increase Home Value

Well-maintained plumbing is a key selling point that increases property resale value. Potential home buyers will have peace of mind knowing the drains and pipes have been routinely cleaned and cared for over the years.

From odor prevention to water flow improvement, pest control to money savings, there are so many great reasons to make drain cleaning a regular part of your home services. Trust the professionals at Steve’s to keep your Oahu plumbing system in tip-top shape year after year!

When it comes to keeping your drains flowing freely, routine professional cleaning is essential. But how often should you have this service done? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, most plumbing experts recommend deep cleaning drains every 6-12 months, with the frequency depending on a few key factors:

Usage Level

Drains that see heavy, constant use (like in a busy household with multiple residents) will need more frequent cleaning every 6 months or so to stay on top of debris buildup. Lightly used drains in a small home or rental property can typically go 12 months between cleanings.

Drain Type

Kitchen drains tend to clog faster due to food particles, grease, and oils constantly going down them. These drains may need cleaning every 6 months. Bathroom drains can sometimes go a bit longer between cleanings if properly maintained.

Plumbing Age

Older plumbing systems with aging pipes are more vulnerable to buildup from mineral deposits, corrosion, and erosion over many years of use. Having drains professionally cleaned every 6 months helps extend the lifespan of mature plumbing.

Preventative Habits

Households that are diligent about avoiding harsh chemical drain cleaners, using drain strainers/covers, and being mindful about what goes down their drains can buy a bit more time between cleanings—up to 12 months potentially.

No matter how often you choose to schedule drain cleaning, the bottom line is that regular maintenance pays off in the long run. Skipping this service leads to inevitable buildup that causes foul odors, sluggish drainage, frequent clogs, and potential water damage from backed-up drains.

At Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service, we recommend most Oahu homeowners plan for drain cleaning every 6-12 months as a good rule of thumb. Consistent cleaning at this interval goes a long way in preventing plumbing headaches and costly emergency calls. Our professional drain cleaning uses advanced technology and eco-friendly Bio-Clean solutions to thoroughly scour every inch of your drains, getting them back into peak condition.

While routine professional drain cleaning from Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service is the best way to keep your pipes clear and flowing, there are also some simple steps you can take at home to maintain your drains between service appointments. A little preventative care goes a long way!

Even with scheduling drain cleanings every 6-12 months, buildup can still start accumulating over time from hair, soap, grease, food particles, and other debris. Don’t let that gunk get out of control—stay on top of maximizing your drain flow with these easy tips:

Use Drain Covers/Strainers

One of the simplest yet most effective drain maintenance tricks is using drain covers or strainers to catch hair, food bits, and other solid matter before it washes down the pipes. Be diligent about cleaning out the drain cover frequently to prevent blockages from forming.

Avoid Grease/Oil Build-Up

In the kitchen, pouring hot grease, fats, and oils down the drain is a surefire way to develop clogs quickly as that greasy gunk cools and coats the insides of your pipes. Always let grease cool and solidify first, then toss it in the trash—never down the drain!

Don’t Treat Drains Like Garbage Disposals

Your sink drain is not a garbage disposal. Coffee grounds, eggshells, fruit pits, large food scraps and other solid waste should go in the trash or compost—not get washed down drains where they can easily create blockages over time.

Schedule Hot Water Flushes

A simple baking soda and vinegar flush, followed by flushing the drain with a kettle of boiling hot water can help break down and dissolve minor buildups to keep water flowing smoothly between cleanings.

Use Eco Drain Cleaners

If you do notice slower drainage, resist the urge to reach for toxic chemical drain cleaners from the store. Instead, try using a safe, enzyme-based eco cleaner like the Bio-Clean solution Steve’s plumbers use. Let it sit for a while before flushing with hot water.

Be Wary of “Flushable” Wipes

Despite the misleading label, “flushable” wet wipes, baby wipes, and similar products do not actually break down after being flushed. Over time, these wipes can create mega clogs, so it’s best to simply toss them in the garbage instead.

Check for Water Leaks

Frequently inspect under sinks and around toilets for any minor leaks, moisture, or dripping that could indicate a plumbing issue requiring repair. Small leaks can lead to major water damage and mold growth when ignored.

Vent Pipes Clear

Make sure outdoor vent pipes are free of debris, bird nests, or other obstructions that could interfere with proper venting and cause a slow drain situation inside your home. Inspect vent pipes annually and clean as needed.

Listen & Sniff for Problems

Stay alert for gurgling sounds, persistent drain odors, or any unusual noises coming from your pipes that could signal a blockage brewing. Catching issues early makes them easier to fix!

Keeping up with these simple habits between scheduled drain cleaning appointments from Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service ensures your drains stay free-flowing for the long haul. And if you do run into any stubborn clogs or slow drains, our certified Oahu plumbers are just a call away!

One of the major pluses of hiring Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service to take care of your drains is that our Oahu drain cleaning services do not have any negative side effects. When you hire our team to deal with your clogged drains, you can rest assured that you are making the best choice for your Oahu home. In contrast, store-bought drain cleaning solutions can cause substantial problems—all for the sake of convenience. These drain cleaners theoretically operate by dissolving drain clogs, but they often leave portions of the obstruction within your plumbing system. Store-bought drain cleaners also rely on highly caustic liquids that can damage your plumbing system, especially if you have to use them repeatedly to clear the same persistent clog. And if all that wasn’t bad enough, store-bought cleaners are highly toxic. They are bad to keep within your home and even worse for the environment.

At Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service our Oahu drain cleaners do not rely on toxic chemicals to resolve your clogged drain issues. Instead, we use Bio-Clean—a highly effective, industry-leading organic drain cleaning solution. The combination of natural bacteria and enzymes in Bio-Clean is designed to eat through dead organic waste in your plumbing system thoroughly, leaving no residual damage to your pipes. Our plumbers will also completely clear your drain clog, if not solely with Bio-Clean, than by using advanced technology to snake it out. Our mission is to do everything within our power to protect and enhance your plumbing system, so when it comes to your drains, you can always trust Steve’s to leave them better than we found them.