CLOGGED BATHROOM SINK — CLEARED FAST

A stopper pull and clean — the #1 bathroom clog — is the cheapest fix and the most common one. If the clog is past the stopper and we have to drop the trap and cable the line, it steps up from there. Replacing a worn-out pop-up assembly that's catching every clog is a separate line item. All flat-rate, quoted before we start.

Almost always hair plus soap. Long hair catches on the pop-up stopper, soap scum builds on the hair, and within months you have a felt mat. Fix: drop a $35 hair guard into the drain, OR replace the old chrome pop-up with a modern lift-and-turn assembly. Both eliminate 80% of repeat clogs.

Lift the pop-up and clean it manually first — that clears half of all bathroom clogs in 5 minutes. If that doesn't work, a small drain auger from the hardware store ($15) often does. NEVER use chemical drain cleaners (Drano, Liquid Plumr) — they corrode chrome traps, ruin pop-up rubber seals, and make our snake job harder.

Kitchen clogs are mostly grease and food scraps, often deeper in the line (3-6 feet). Bathroom clogs are mostly hair and soap, almost always within 18 inches of the drain. Bathroom clogs are faster and cheaper to clear because they're closer to the access point.

Three things. First, drop a hair guard over the drain — a couple of dollars at any hardware store. Second, lift and clean the pop-up monthly — 30 second job, prevents 90% of clogs. Third, every 6 months pour 1 cup baking soda + 1 cup white vinegar down the drain, let sit 15 minutes, flush with hot water — breaks up early-stage soap scum.

Could be. Could also be the linkage rod underneath the sink has popped off the lift arm. Open the cabinet under the sink, look at the back of the drain pipe — there's usually a horizontal rod connecting the lift handle to the stopper. If it's disconnected, just pop it back on. If the linkage itself is corroded, we can replace the pop-up assembly, quoted flat-rate.

Two possibilities. First, biofilm buildup on the inside of the pop-up and overflow — clean those with hot water + dish soap and a small brush. Second, dry P-trap (sink hasn't been used in weeks) — sewer gas comes up. Run water for 30 seconds. If smell is persistent, the trap arm or vent could be wrong — call us.

That's a mainline issue, not a sink branch issue. The clog is past where the bathrooms meet — usually in the building drain or sewer line. Different job, different price — mainline cable clearing is quoted separately. We diagnose with a camera if needed.

Yes. Service Savings Agreement Plan ($189/year) includes an annual home plumbing inspection and one drain camera inspection per year. Catches early-stage clogs and pipe issues before they become emergencies. Service members get 15% off any clog clearing or repair.