406 W 75th St Suite E, Kansas City, MO 64114
Sewer Cleaning Services
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About Our Sewer Cleaning Services
At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we specialize in restoring full flow to residential main sewer lines by clearing deep obstructions, removing root intrusion, flushing heavy debris and diagnosing underlying pipe defects that lead to chronic backups. Sewer lines operate as the primary drainage pathway for the entire home, so when a blockage forms in the sewer lateral, symptoms appear across multiple fixtures at once. Addressing these issues requires specialized equipment, skilled technicians and a process that targets both the immediate obstruction and any contributing pipe conditions.
Sewer blockages form gradually over time, often developing long before the homeowner notices any slow drainage. Grease and solids accumulate on the interior pipe walls, early root infiltration enters through weak joints, paper accumulates in low spots, and debris becomes compacted in older clay or cast-iron lines. Unless the pipe is professionally cleaned, buildup continues until the flow path becomes restricted or fully blocked.
Our team uses advanced equipment, such as sectional cable machines, heavy-duty root-cutting attachments, hydro jetting (when appropriate), and high-resolution sewer cameras, to identify the obstruction, remove it safely and restore the system’s full internal diameter. Every job is approached systematically, ensuring long-term performance.
Warning Signs of a Sewer Line Blockage
The sewer line gives several early and late-stage warning signals when flow is restricted. Recognizing these symptoms helps homeowners act quickly before the problem escalates into a full backup.
Multiple Fixtures Backing Up Simultaneously
When sinks, tubs or toilets throughout the home back up at the same time, it indicates a blockage in the main sewer lateral, not in an individual drain.
Sewage Odors in the Yard
A strong sewer smell outdoors, especially near the main line route, suggests that sewage may be struggling to move through the pipe or that wastewater has begun to escape through cracks or separated joints.
Wet Spots or Sinkholes in the Lawn
Standing water or soft, sunken patches in the yard can indicate an obstruction forcing wastewater toward weak points in an aging pipe.
Toilet Bubbling When Using Other Fixtures
Air trapped behind a blockage rises through the plumbing system. If the toilet bubbles when running a sink, shower or washer, it’s a classic sign of a main-line obstruction.
Water Pooling Around Floor Drains
During severe blockages, wastewater reverses direction and seeks the lowest exit point, often a basement or utility room floor drain.
Recurring Drain Slowdowns
If slow drainage returns frequently after basic drain clearing attempts, a deeper obstruction is typically forming in the sewer lateral.
Strong Odors Inside the Home
Sewer gas entering through traps or drains indicates insufficient venting due to restricted flow.
These symptoms warrant immediate inspection because delays can result in backups, overflow, or hidden structural damage to the sewer line.
Sewer Cleaning vs. Drain Clearing: What’s the Difference?
Homeowners often use the terms interchangeably, but they describe very different levels of service.
Drain clearing typically involves pushing a cable through a clog in a single fixture or branch line. This creates only a temporary opening through the obstruction, leaving most of the buildup behind. Sewer cleaning, however, is a full-system process that removes the obstruction, scrubs the pipe walls and restores the sewer line’s internal diameter for long-term performance.
At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we perform true sewer cleaning, not just clearing a temporary hole, ensuring lasting results and improved system flow.
Sewer Cleaning Methods and When We Use Them
Different sewer problems require different tools, and choosing the right method depends on the condition of the pipe, the type of obstruction and the overall behavior of the drainage system. At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer Plumbing, we begin by evaluating the line’s material, slope, age and accessibility, as well as the symptoms the homeowner is experiencing. Once we understand the full picture, we select the safest and most effective technique for restoring flow.
Cable Machines / Snaking
Cable machines are typically used for compacted debris, paper buildup, early root intrusion and moderate obstructions, especially in older pipes where more aggressive cleaning could cause damage. Snaking breaks apart the blockage and restores flow while remaining gentle enough for fragile or aging lines, though it does not fully scrub debris from the pipe walls. Costs vary based on line length, access, pipe condition and the nature of the obstruction, but snaking is generally the least resource-intensive method due to its fast setup and straightforward operation.
Hydro Jetting / High-Pressure Sewer Line Cleaning
When a sewer line is coated with thick grease, hardened scale or years of organic buildup, hydro jetting becomes the preferred solution, provided a camera inspection confirms the pipe is structurally stable. Jetting uses controlled high-pressure water to scour the interior walls of the pipe, removing accumulations that a cable machine can only partially disrupt. This method is highly effective for long-term performance because it restores the pipe’s internal diameter and prevents recurring clogs. Cost factors include line length, buildup severity, access to cleanouts, and the amount of jetting required.
Root Cutting & Root Removal
Root cutting is necessary when tree roots have entered the sewer line through compromised joints, cracks or deteriorated pipe segments. We use specialized cutting heads designed to shear off root masses without driving them deeper into the system, followed by flushing to remove leftover organic fragments. Root cutting resolves the blockage but does not prevent future growth, so we also advise homeowners on long-term solutions such as joint repair, spot replacement or trenchless rehabilitation. Cost factors depend on the extent of intrusion, pipe condition and the time required to clear the line.
Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments are applied selectively to slow root regrowth or manage biological buildup, but they are never used as substitutes for proper mechanical cleaning. We avoid store-bought chemical drain cleaners because they can corrode pipes, damage seals and endanger both the plumbing system and homeowner safety. When chemical treatments are appropriate, they are applied in controlled amounts by trained technicians, with cost factors tied to treatment type and frequency.
Preventative Sewer Line Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is one of the most effective ways to reduce emergency repairs and extend sewer line lifespan. Most homes benefit from sewer cleaning every 18 – 22 months, particularly those with large trees, older clay or cast-iron pipes, or a history of root intrusion. Routine maintenance removes early-stage roots and sediment before they become full obstructions, preventing backups, protecting pipe integrity and improving overall system function.
Emergency Drain Unclogging
A full blockage in the main sewer line can cause wastewater to back up into tubs, toilets and floor drains. Signs include overflowing drains, toilets that won’t flush, rapid gurgling during fixture use or strong sewer odors indoors. Our emergency response team quickly identifies the obstruction, breaks through it using mechanical cutting or rodding equipment, and restores wastewater flow to prevent further damage.
Why Choose 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer for Sewer Cleaning?
- Advanced equipment for deep, long-lasting cleaning
- Diagnostic-driven approach for accurate solutions
- Safe methods chosen based on pipe condition
- Clear communication and transparent pricing
- Long-term guidance to prevent future issues
FAQs
What causes sewer line blockages?
Sewer lines often clog when materials build up inside the pipe or when outside forces restrict flow. Common causes include tree roots entering through joints, grease solidifying in the main line, wipes and debris creating dense obstructions or structural issues like pipe bellies that allow waste to settle. Aging clay or cast-iron pipes can also crack or shift, letting soil infiltrate the line and create blockages.
What's the difference between sewer cleaning and drain clearing?
Drain clearing focuses on removing clogs in individual fixtures or branch lines, such as sinks, tubs or showers. Sewer cleaning targets the main sewer lateral, which carries all household wastewater to the municipal connection. Sewer cleaning often involves deeper diagnostics, like camera inspections, and equipment designed to cut roots, remove heavy buildup or restore flow through long sections of pipe.
How often should I have my sewer line cleaned?
Most homes benefit from professional sewer cleaning every 18 – 24 months, especially if the line has a history of root intrusion, grease buildup or recurring backups. Older properties or homes with large trees may need more frequent maintenance. Regular cleaning helps maintain the pipe’s full internal diameter and reduces the risk of sudden blockages.
What are the signs I need emergency sewer cleaning?
Will sewer cleaning damage old pipes?
Service Areas
100 Year Plumbing & Sewer proudly serves:
Fairway KS, Grandview MO, Kansas City KS, Kansas City MO, Leawood KS, Lees Summit MO, Lenexa KS, Merriam KS, Mission Hills KS, Mission KS, Olathe KS, Overland Park KS, Prairie Village KS, Roeland Park KS, Shawnee KS.
Our Service Guarantee
At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we’re committed to delivering dependable plumbing solutions. Our licensed technicians are trained to evaluate problems thoroughly, provide honest recommendations and complete every job with precision. We focus on quality workmanship, clear communication and long-term reliability, whether we’re supporting routine maintenance, resolving an urgent issue or upgrading part of your home’s plumbing system. Every service is backed by our dedication to professionalism and the respectful care of your property.
When you’re ready to move forward, we make it simple. Our scheduling team can answer questions, walk you through your options and set up service at a time that works for you. Reach out today to get started or request an estimate for your project.
406 W 75th St Suite E, Kansas City, MO 64114
clientcare@onehundredyearplumbing.com