Common Drain & Sewer Problems

Several warning signs indicate you might have a serious drain or sewer issue that requires professional attention:

• Slow draining in multiple fixtures throughout your home, not just isolated to one sink or tub
• Gurgling sounds coming from drains, toilets, or pipes after using water
• Foul odors emanating from drains or your yard (could indicate a sewer line break)
• Water backing up into tubs or showers when you flush the toilet or run the washing machine
• Sewage backups in basement floor drains or toilets
• Wet spots or lush patches in your yard, especially during dry weather
• Visible water damage on walls, floors, or ceilings

If you notice any of these signs, it's best to call us at (218) 283-8858 for a professional assessment before the problem worsens and causes expensive damage to your property.

Kitchen drains are particularly susceptible to clogs due to the various substances that go down them daily. The most common causes include:

• Grease and oil - These substances harden as they cool, creating sticky blockages that trap other debris
• Food particles - Even with a garbage disposal, food scraps can accumulate in pipes
• Coffee grounds - These don't break down and can create dense, compacted clogs
• Starchy foods - Pasta, rice, and potatoes expand in water and create pasty blockages
• Soap scum - Builds up over time, narrowing pipes and trapping debris

To prevent kitchen clogs, avoid pouring grease down drains (collect it in a container instead), use sink strainers to catch food particles, and run plenty of cold water when using your garbage disposal.

For stubborn kitchen clogs, our professional hydro-jetting service can completely clear your pipes without damaging them. Learn more about our kitchen drain solutions.

Bathroom drains face unique challenges compared to other drains in your home. The most common causes of recurring bathroom clogs include:

• Hair - The primary culprit in shower and bathtub drains
• Soap scum - Creates a sticky residue that traps hair and other debris
• Toothpaste and dental products - Can harden in pipes
• Bath products - Bath bombs, oils, and bubble baths can leave residue
• Foreign objects - Small items like cotton swabs or children's toys

Prevention tips include installing drain screens to catch hair, avoiding oil-based bath products, and running hot water down drains regularly to help dissolve soap residue.

If you're experiencing recurring bathroom drain clogs, our professional drain cleaning service can provide a thorough solution. We use specialized equipment to remove all debris and buildup, not just break through the clog like many DIY methods. Contact us for fast service.

Main sewer line blockages are particularly serious as they affect your entire plumbing system. In International Falls, these are the most common causes:

• Tree root intrusion - Roots naturally seek water sources and can penetrate small cracks in pipes
• Frozen pipes - Common in our northern Minnesota climate during winter months
• Collapsed or damaged pipes - Due to age, ground shifting, or improper installation
• Foreign objects - Items flushed down toilets that shouldn't be (wipes, hygiene products, toys)
• Grease buildup - Accumulated over time from kitchen waste
• Scale buildup - Mineral deposits from hard water that narrow pipes

Signs of a main line blockage include multiple drains backing up simultaneously, sewage odors, or gurgling toilets when using other fixtures.

Our professional services include camera inspection to pinpoint the exact location and cause of main line blockages, followed by appropriate clearing methods such as hydro-jetting or mechanical augers. For root intrusion, we offer specialized cutting tools and preventative treatments. Learn about our main line services.

While some minor clogs can be addressed with DIY methods, knowing when to call a professional can save you time, money, and prevent damage to your plumbing system.

Appropriate for DIY attempts:

• Simple sink clogs - First-time clogs in a single sink
• Slow drains - When the issue is recent and minor
• Hair clogs - Near the drain opening that can be removed with a zip tool

Call a professional when:

• Multiple drains are clogged or backing up simultaneously
• DIY methods have failed or only provided temporary relief
• Sewage odors are present in your home or yard
• Water is backing up into multiple fixtures
• You have older pipes that could be damaged by harsh chemicals
• The clog is deep within your plumbing system
• You suspect a main sewer line issue

When in doubt, call us at (218) 283-8858 for a professional assessment. We can quickly diagnose the issue and recommend the most effective solution. Contact us for service.

International Falls experiences some of the coldest temperatures in the continental United States, making frozen pipes a serious concern. Here's how to protect your plumbing during our extreme winters:

Preventative Measures:

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces
• Seal leaks or cracks in walls, floors, and foundations near pipes
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze
• Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines run through the garage
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing
• Let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes during extreme cold
• Maintain consistent heating throughout your home, even when away

If You Suspect Frozen Pipes:

• Turn off the water at the main shutoff valve
• Apply gentle heat to the frozen section using a heating pad, hair dryer, or towels soaked in hot water
• Never use open flame devices like blowtorches or propane heaters
• Call professionals if you cannot locate or thaw the frozen section

If you experience a frozen or burst pipe emergency, call our 24/7 emergency line at (218) 283-8858. Learn about our emergency services.