Drain and Toilet Clog Removal for Customers in Charlottesville, VA

Looking for reliable plumbing professionals who can help clear a clogged drain or toilet? Contact our experts at The Otter Guys today. We provide safe and efficient removal services for toilet and drain clogs throughout the Charlottesville, VA area. No matter the cause of the drain blockage, you can rely on our team to get the job done right the first time.

Signs It’s Time to Call Your Charlottesville, VA Plumber for Removal Of Drain Clogs

Don’t let drain blockage and toilet problems turn into a larger plumbing emergency. If you have a persistent clog or are having issues with recurring blockages in your toilet or bathroom sinks, call our experts for immediate service in Charlottesville, VA. We will explain your options for drain cleaning or clog removal and make sure the job is completed safely and accurately.

When Should You Call Someone?

If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s best to give a professional a call as quickly as possible. Clogged drains and other issues with your home’s plumbing are not issues that you want to drag out. If left unchecked, drain plumbing issues can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. It’s important to get these things looked at! 

A professional will be able to determine where exactly the drain clog is and what’s responsible for the clog. From there, they will take the steps necessary to remove the clog, returning your plumbing system to normal in no time. At The Otter Guys, we work hard to ensure your plumbing issues are always met. 

Causes of Clogged Drains

Who wants to call the repairman? Knowing the common causes of a clogged drain can help you avoid them altogether. Here are some of the most common reasons people experience clogged drains:

Hair

You never realize how much hair you have until you clear a clogged drain. Whether it’s human hair or animal fur, hair is one of the biggest causes of clogged drains. When taking a shower, your hair may fall and clog the tub drains. It can also slow down your bathroom sink drain. Issues arise when hair is combined with grease and other sticky substances like soap, forming a clog in your drain pipe. 

To make sure your drains are clean, you should consider installing a drain guard that is designed to catch hair. Of course, it’s important to clean these guards regularly, but installing these guards can help prevent drain clogs. Be sure not to use commercial drain cleaners when trying to clear a clog, as it can be damaging to your plumbing. 

Dirt

If you’re dirty, the first thing you should do is take a shower. Unfortunately, dirt can wreak havoc on the drain pipes in your home. Excess dirt can build up and clog your drain. When combined with hair and other greasy substances, a blockage can form in the drain. 

When dealing with dirt, it’s best to let professionals handle it. Experts also recommend that you rinse or remove the excess mud/dirt on your clothes, body, etc., before taking a shower. You can do this by using a hose or even jumping in a swimming pool if possible. 

Mineral Buildup

The water we shower with contains several different minerals. In some homes, hard water can be common. This hard water is notorious for buildup and insoluble mineral masses. These minerals can easily block your drains and reduce the flow of water. You can solve this by installing a water softener. 

Food Waste

Clogs in your kitchen sink are typically caused by food waste. In order to avoid these clogs, it’s best to not let food waste go down the drain, even if your sink has a garbage disposal. Even with a garbage disposal, the oil and grease found on the food can solidify and block your pipes. 

If you want to avoid these blockages, you should absorb the oil of vegetables, fruits, meat, or chicken on tissue paper before washing them off in your sink. Many homeowners choose to set up a compost bin for food waste. If you’re still noticing blockages, give our team a call and we can help unclog drains. 

Soap

It may seem unfair, but the soap you need to clean your body can often be responsible for your clogged drain. Most soaps are made up of fats and minerals, which can accumulate over time. This is also known as soap residue or soap scum. Soap residue and soap scum can clog your laundry, bathroom, and shower drains. 

Soap scum can also combine with hair and mineral buildup, leading to severely clogged drains. If you want to avoid these clogs, you should use soap-free washes. While this may seem redundant, these soaps can be effective in cleaning your body, clothes, and dishes. Pressure cleaning can also remove the traces of soap buildup. If you opt for pressure cleaning, you should let a professional handle the job for you. 

Toilet Paper

The most common cause of clogged drains in the toilet is toilet paper buildup. If you use a moderate amount of toilet paper, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, excessive use of toilet paper can clog your toilet drain plumbing and even prevent your toilet from flushing. If you’re experiencing a clogged toilet, you should first try a plunger or toilet auger. However, if these methods don’t work, it’s time to contact a professional service. 

Cat Litter

If you have a cat in your home, you should be mindful of how cat litter can damage your drainage system. Cat litter is notably terrible for your system. If allowed, it can practically ruin your home’s drainage system. Litter combined with the clay and sand often found in the cat litter can create large clumps that block your drain pipes. 

We highly recommend that you never flush out cat litter. Instead, place the litter in an old grocery bag and throw it away in the trash. If you have mistakenly flushed it down the drain, you should call a professional plumber before any serious problems occur. 

Small Objects

It’s not uncommon for small objects to find their way into your drain pipe, especially if you have children living in your home. We’ve heard plenty of stories of a child deciding it would be a good idea to flush their favorite toy down the toilet. As you can imagine, these objects pose a threat to your drainage system. 

In an effort to avoid this issue, you should educate your children about toilet fixtures. If you want to be extra careful, a sink guard for your bathroom and kitchen sink should be able to catch these items. If a small object is lodged in your drains, call a professional to come out and take a look. 

Tree Roots

Tree roots can be dangerous as they’re next to impossible to spot without specialized drain pipe cameras. Once let in, tree roots can cause catastrophic damage to your drains, often leading to the need for complete replacements. Even the tiniest crack in a drain pipe can be an entry point for nearby tree roots. 

Once they start growing within the pipe, it’s next to impossible to fix without repiping. This is a nightmare scenario for homeowners, but the good news is it’s relatively rare compared to other clogged drain issues. More good news: if you experience this issue, our team of experts will be ready to help at a moment’s notice. 

Cotton Products

Cotton products can also be incredibly harmful to your pipes. In order to avoid any damage, you should never flush out any cotton product. This includes products such as wipes, cotton swabs, diapers, or feminine hygiene products. Cotton products will not break down after flushing and can easily clog up the drain. For example, tampons will grow up to 10 times their size by absorbing fluid. You should be extremely careful when disposing of cotton products and never flush them down the drain. 

We Have the Expertise to Help You

If you need to unclog drains in your home, it’s time to give The Otter Guys a call. We have a team of trained and experienced technicians ready to come to your home, well-equipped to tackle your plumbing needs. We also offer other services such as repiping and new unit installation. 

When it comes to the plumbing system of your home, you need to be sure you’re working with a company you can trust. We have years of experience working with homeowners in the Charlottesville, VA, area, so we can better understand the specific needs of your system. We offer top-of-the-line services, as well as unmatched customer service!

Why Choose The Otter Guys as Your Toilet And Drain Clog Removal Experts in Charlottesville, Virginia?

We understand how stressful it can be to deal with an unexpected clog–particularly if the problem leads to major water damage. When you work with our experts, you can be confident that the problem will be resolved using safe and efficient methods. We will take the time to assess the problem and carry out the solution that best benefits your home. Expect honest advice, upfront pricing, and quality workmanship that will ensure your long-term peace of mind.