There are many different signs you may be dealing with a drain clog, including:

• Slow-draining water

• Your sink or bathtub is backed up with water

• Gurgling sounds coming from your drains

• Unpleasant odors coming from your drains caused by stagnant water

• Standing water in your sink or tub

• Suddenly high water bills

• And more

If you notice any of these signs of a clogged drain, it is important that you act quickly! Not taking signs of a clogged drain seriously can result in more severe and costly damage to your plumbing system.

The most common causes of clogged drains include:

• Cooking fats, oils, and grease

• Scraps of food such as coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, potato peels, and more

• Soap scum

• Mineral buildup

• Human and pet hair

• Disposable wipes like makeup or baby wipes

• Small foreign objects like toys 

• Invasive tree roots that grow in small cracks in the sewer line

• And more

Understanding these causes can help Austin residents take preventative steps, such as avoiding pouring oils down the sink or installing drain guards to catch hair and debris. Regular inspection can also catch issues early, before they develop into significant blockages. For invasive tree roots, specialized equipment used by professionals can effectively manage the problem without damaging underground pipes.

It is generally recommended to get your drains professionally cleaned every 1-2 years for preventative maintenance.

How often you should get professional drain clearing depends on several factors, including:

• The age of your plumbing system

• Your usage

• The type of pipes you have

• And more

However, if you have begun noticing signs of a potential clog such as slow drainage, or you live in a home with an older plumbing system, you may need to schedule professional drain clearing more frequently. 

We are a homegrown, local, family-run business that is committed to providing the highest level of work and exceptional customer service. 

In addition to that:

• We utilize advanced tools to carry out the best practices and methods in the industry

• We serve Austin, San Marcos & the surrounding areas

• We offer emergency appointments to handle all of your emergency plumbing needs as quickly as possible

It is extremely challenging to go about your day-to-day when your plumbing system is having problems. Let the team at 1st Home & Commercial Services handle your plumbing issues and restore your home back to working order as soon as possible. 

Choosing the right service provider can significantly impact the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system. Our commitment to transparent communication and regular feedback loops ensures that clients are kept informed at every step of the process, providing peace of mind and a stress-free service experience.

Regular maintenance of your drains goes beyond preventing clogs and blockages. It also helps extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. Consistent upkeep reduces wear and tear, which can otherwise lead to the need for more intensive repairs or replacements. In addition, regular cleaning helps maintain water quality by preventing the accumulation of debris and sediment that can affect taste and clarity.

Residents of Austin, TX, also benefit from the peace of mind knowing that their home systems are operating efficiently. Given the city's hard water, which tends to leave mineral deposits in pipes, regular maintenance becomes even more vital. A systematic maintenance plan tailored to your home's specific needs can save money in the long run by reducing repair costs and improving water efficiency.

Drain cleaning is an essential service and offers a number of benefits for you and your family. Below are a few of the benefits that you can enjoy after having professional drain cleaning services in your Austin home.

• Consistent water pressure: Have you noticed that your home's water pressure is inconsistent? Do you wish the water pressure on your shower head was stronger? With professional drain cleaning services, you will be able to enjoy your showers the way you desire.

• A cleaner home: One of the most important things about drain cleaning services is that they offer a cleaner and more hygienic home environment for you and your family. If your home's drains are not cleaned and cleared the correct way, it can leave drain flies nesting inside. These moth-like flying insects can then make their way into your home, spreading bacteria.

• Eliminates unpleasant odors: Another benefit of drain cleaning is that you will be able to get rid of any unpleasant odors coming from your home's drains. Oftentimes, sediment buildup in your drains, such as grease and oil, can get stuck, which explains where that unpleasant smell is probably coming from. Professional drain cleaning services thoroughly clean your drains, eliminating all sediment buildup and unpleasant odors, allowing your drain system to work at optimal levels.

If you are looking for drain clearing services in Austin, TX, you can trust us to get the job done for you. Our Austin drain cleaning experts use only high-quality plumbing material and equipment for all drain cleaning services in order to ensure the optimal functioning of your drain system and to help you avoid potentially costly repairs in the future.

With the exception of bored kids who are home for summer break, there are few things more demanding of your immediate attention than a clogged drain. 

Here are some tips you can try to fix a clog before calling a plumber:

• Try flushing the drain with boiling water. While there’s no guarantee that this method will flush large blockages, often a boiling water flush will help disintegrate smaller, lighter problems. Note: boiling water works best on metal pipes. Use caution using water over 175 degrees on PVC pipes.

• Make your own drain cleaner. If you have the sneaking suspicion that your clog is caused by grease, try making your own drain cleaner with vinegar and baking soda. Simply take ½ cup of baking soda and put it down into the drain as far as you can get it. Pour vinegar on that, creating the fizzing action that will help clear your drain.

• Use a plunger. It's important to get over the “eww factor” of your household plunger because it’s an important part of your drain clearing arsenal. But you have to know how to use one effectively. Chances are your plunger is a cup plunger which you can place on top of a sink or tub drain and start plunging away. For toilets, however, you should have a flange or toilet plunger—they fit down the narrow drain of a toilet.

• Try a drain auger. A great tool to have around the house is a drain auger. This is basically a hand-operated version of the kind of plumbing snake that plumbers use. You can buy them for about $20 at your local hardware or home improvement store.

If after trying DIY methods you still have a clogged drain, call 1st  Home & Commercial Services. Our licensed plumbers in Austin are well-trained to unclog any type of drain.

If you are experiencing recurring issues with your drains clogging, it's important to investigate the root cause. Common causes could include incorrect disposal of certain materials or possibly an underlying issue with the plumbing system itself. Consider having a professional assessment to identify the source of the problem. Our team at 1st Home & Commercial Services can assist with diagnosing persistent issues, ensuring that your plumbing system functions smoothly over the long term.

Preventing future clogs involves practicing proactive maintenance and adopting good habits. Avoid disposing of fats, oils, grease, and fibrous foods down the kitchen sink. Use strainers over drains to catch hair and larger debris, reducing the risk of clogs. Regular professional inspections and cleanings can also effectively maintain your system, ensuring that minor blockages are addressed before becoming significant issues.

In Austin, plumbing operations, including drain clearing, must adhere to specific local regulations. The city's plumbing code sets standards for safety and efficiency that all service providers must follow. At 1st Home & Commercial Services, we are well-versed in these codes and ensure compliance in all our operations, offering you peace of mind knowing that your home or business adheres to local standards.

Chemical drain cleaners are widely available, but they are not always safe for repeated use. These products can potentially cause damage to pipes, particularly if used frequently. They can also pose health risks if used improperly. We recommend more eco-friendly and safe methods, such as mechanical cleaning, that thoroughly address the problem without risking your plumbing system's integrity or your family's health.

1st Home & Commercial Services sets itself apart through a commitment to genuine customer service and high-quality work. Being family-operated, we understand the importance of community and customer relationships. We pride ourselves on transparent communication during the entire service process. Coupled with our licensed, certified, and insured technicians, we guarantee that our customers receive efficient and responsible solutions suitable for their unique needs.