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If your drains are slow, backing up, or smell like something died in them, you probably need professional help — not another bottle of Drano. Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air has been clearing drains in Chattanooga since 1989, and we’ve seen it all. Below are the signs it’s time to call, and what’s likely causing the problem.
Why Store-Bought Drain Cleaners Aren’t the Answer
Those chemical drain cleaners at the hardware store might work temporarily, but they’re rough on your pipes — especially if your home has older plumbing. Use them too often and you’ll end up with corroded pipes on top of whatever caused the clog in the first place.
If you’re reaching for the bottle more than once or twice a year, that’s a sign there’s a bigger issue. Better to have someone actually look at what’s going on than keep throwing chemicals at it.
Signs Your Drains Need Professional Attention
1. Slow-Draining Sinks
If water pools in your sink or tub before slowly trickling away, something’s building up in your pipes. Usually it’s the usual suspects — grease, hair, soap scum — accumulating over time. Homes in hard water areas also deal with mineral deposits that narrow the pipes and make clogs more likely.
A slow drain isn’t an emergency, but it will become one if you ignore it long enough.
2. Standing Water in Multiple Fixtures
When more than one drain is backing up at the same time, you’re not dealing with a simple clog anymore. That’s usually a blocked sewer line.
Other signs of a sewer line issue: gurgling sounds when you flush, foul smells coming from drains, or discoloured water backing up into your tub or shower. If you’re seeing any of that, call us. We’ll run a camera down the line to find out exactly what’s happening.
What Causes Sewer Line Blockages
Your main sewer line can clog just like any other drain, but the causes are often different. Common culprits include:
Cooking grease that solidifies in the pipe. “Flushable” wipes that aren’t actually flushable. Paper products, feminine hygiene items, or anything else that doesn’t break down the way toilet paper does.
Tree roots are another big one — they grow into cracked pipes looking for water and can completely block the line. And yes, occasionally rats. They can enter through damaged pipes and make the problem worse.
We use high-pressure jetting to clear blockages and camera inspections to see the full picture. If there’s damage to the pipe itself, we’ll walk you through the repair options.
3. Toilet Backups That Keep Coming Back
Everyone deals with the occasional clogged toilet. But if your toilet backs up regularly, or if plunging only fixes it temporarily, there’s something deeper going on.
Common causes: too much toilet paper at once, or people flushing things that shouldn’t be flushed — wipes, tissues, cotton balls, feminine products. These don’t break down and create stubborn blockages further down the line.
If you’re dealing with repeated backups, don’t keep flushing and hoping for the best. You’ll end up with an overflow and a much bigger mess. We’ll clear the line and let you know what’s causing the problem so you can avoid it happening again.
Get It Fixed Before It Gets Worse
Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air has been serving Chattanooga and the surrounding areas since 1989. We’re family-owned, and we don’t upsell — if you just need a drain cleared, that’s what we’ll do.
Routine maintenance can catch small issues before they turn into expensive emergencies. If you’re noticing any of the signs above, or just want someone to take a look, give us a call.
Call (423) 250-9376 or contact us online to schedule service. We’re available 24/7 with no overtime charges on nights or weekends.