Drain Cleaning

Slow Drains? We’ll Get Things Flowing Again

A slow drain is more than an inconvenience — it’s often a warning sign. That gurgling sink or shower that won’t drain properly is telling you something is building up in your pipes. Left alone, a slow drain becomes a clogged drain, and a clogged drain can turn into a sewage backup.

At Acme Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been clearing drains throughout Portland since 2008. We use professional-grade equipment that actually solves the problem — not just pushes it further down the line.

Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning

You might be tempted to reach for a bottle of drain cleaner, but those chemicals rarely fix the real problem (and can damage your pipes). Here’s when to call a professional:

• Multiple slow drains — If more than one fixture is backing up, the problem is likely in your main line
• Recurring clogs — If you’re plunging the same drain every few weeks, there’s a deeper issue
• Gurgling sounds — Air bubbles in your pipes indicate a partial blockage
• Foul odors — Bad smells from drains often mean organic buildup or a venting problem
• Water backing up — When water from one fixture backs up into another, that’s a main line issue
• Standing water — Water pooling around floor drains is a red flag

Our Drain Cleaning Methods

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. The right approach depends on what’s causing your clog:

Drain Snaking (Mechanical Cleaning)

For most household clogs — hair, soap buildup, food particles — a professional drain snake cuts through the blockage and pulls it out. Our commercial-grade snakes reach further and work better than anything you’d find at the hardware store.

Hydro Jetting

For tough blockages and grease buildup, we use high-pressure water jets to scour the inside of your pipes clean. This is especially effective for:

• Restaurant and commercial kitchen drains
• Homes with recurring grease clogs
• Older pipes with decades of buildup
• Preparation before pipe relining

Video Camera Inspection

Can’t find the clog? We’ll send a small camera down your line to see exactly what’s going on. This helps us:

• Locate the exact position of blockages
• Identify root intrusion
• Spot cracks, breaks, or bellied pipes
• Determine if cleaning or repair is needed

What Causes Drain Clogs in Portland Homes?

Over 18 years of drain cleaning in the Portland area, we’ve seen it all. Here are the most common culprits:

Kitchen Drains

• Grease and cooking oils — The #1 cause. They solidify in pipes and catch everything else
• Food particles — Even with a garbage disposal, some foods shouldn’t go down the drain
• Soap residue — Builds up over time, especially in older pipes

Bathroom Drains

• Hair — Combines with soap to form stubborn clogs
• Soap scum — Particularly from bar soap
• “Flushable” wipes — They’re not really flushable

Main Sewer Lines

• Tree roots — A major problem in Portland’s older neighborhoods
• Pipe deterioration — Cast iron and clay pipes break down over time
• Settling or bellied pipes — Creates low spots where debris collects

Pricing: What Drain Cleaning Costs

We believe in transparent pricing:

• Single drain clearing: Starting at competitive rates for basic snaking
• Main line cleaning: Priced based on access and severity
• Camera inspection: Often included with main line service, or available standalone
• Hydro jetting: Premium service for tough commercial or residential clogs

We’ll give you a firm quote before starting work. No surprises.

Prevent Future Clogs: Simple Maintenance Tips

Once we’ve cleared your drains, here’s how to keep them flowing:

1. Use drain screens — Catch hair and debris before it enters pipes
2. Run hot water after use — Helps flush grease and soap through
3. Monthly enzyme treatment — Breaks down organic buildup naturally
4. Never pour grease down drains — Let it cool and throw it in the trash
5. Schedule annual maintenance — A quick professional cleaning prevents big problems

Portland’s Tree Root Problem

If you live in an older Portland neighborhood with mature trees, root intrusion is a real concern. Tree roots seek out moisture, and your sewer line is a prime target. Signs of root problems:

• Slow drains throughout the house
• Gurgling toilets
• Soggy spots in your yard
• Recurring main line backups

We can cut through roots and clear your line, but if root intrusion is chronic, we may recommend pipe relining or replacement to permanently solve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should drains be professionally cleaned?

For most homes, every 1-2 years is sufficient as preventive maintenance. Homes with older pipes, frequent cooking, or known root problems may benefit from annual cleaning.

Can I use chemical drain cleaners?

We don’t recommend them. They rarely solve the real problem, they can damage pipes (especially older ones), and they’re harsh on the environment. Professional cleaning is more effective and safer.

How long does drain cleaning take?

A single drain clearing typically takes 30-60 minutes. Main line cleaning may take 1-2 hours depending on access and severity. We’ll give you a time estimate when we arrive.

Do you offer same-day service?

Yes, for most drain cleaning calls we can provide same-day service. Call us in the morning and we’ll often be there by afternoon.

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Dealing with a clogged or slow drain?

Don’t let a small problem become a big one. Contact us today or call (207) 555-7890 to schedule service.