Drain Cleaning Services — Metro Atlanta & Gwinnett County

A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems. Whether it's a slow bathroom sink, a kitchen backed up with grease, or a shower drain clogged with hair, clogs disrupt your daily routine and can indicate larger plumbing issues.

Henson Mechanical Heating Air and Plumbing provides professional drain cleaning and clog removal throughout Georgia. We use advanced equipment—drain snakes, hydro-jetting, and sewer cameras—to clear clogs safely and effectively without damage to your pipes.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains:

Bathroom Drains (Sinks, Showers, Tubs):

• Hair accumulation (most common cause)
• Soap scum and residue buildup
• Mineral deposits (in hard water areas)
• Toothpaste and personal care products
• Mineral deposits from shampoo and conditioners

Kitchen Drains:

• Grease and cooking oil solidifying in pipes
• Food particles and vegetable matter
• Mineral buildup
• Soap residue mixed with grease

Main Drain/Sewer Line:

• Tree root intrusion (trees seek moisture; roots penetrate small cracks)
• Mineral scale buildup in older pipes
• Sagging or collapsed pipes
• Debris and sediment accumulation
• Corrosion of old pipes

Toilet Clogs:

• Excessive toilet paper
• Non-flushable items (wipes, feminine products, cotton swabs—even "flushable" wipes cause problems)
• Buildup of mineral deposits in the trap

Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning:

• Water drains slowly from sinks, showers, or tubs
• Multiple fixtures backing up (indicates main line issue)
• Sewage smell coming from drains
• Gurgling sounds from drains
• Repeated clogs in the same location
• Wet spots in your yard (sewer line leak)
• Unusually high water bills (leak or line issue)

Our Drain Cleaning Process:

1. Initial Assessment: We ask about the problem: Which drain? How long has it been slow? What have you tried? Have you used drain cleaners (caustic chemicals that damage pipes)?

2. Professional Inspection: For simple clogs, we may use a drain snake or plunger. For stubborn clogs or main line issues, we use a sewer camera to see inside the pipe—identifying the exact clog location and type.

3. Appropriate Solution:

• Drain Snake: For hair, soap, and debris clogs in individual drains
• Hydro-Jetting: High-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI) blasts away mineral buildup, grease, and debris without damaging pipes
• Sewer Camera Inspection: Identifies root intrusion, cracks, or structural issues
• Root Removal: If tree roots have penetrated the sewer line, we remove them and recommend pipe repair/replacement

4. Completion & Prevention: We verify the drain flows freely, clean up any mess, and provide recommendations to prevent future clogs.

Why You Shouldn't Use Liquid Drain Cleaners:

Chemical drain cleaners are tempting because they're cheap and available at any store. However:

• They often don't fully dissolve clogs
• They damage pipes (especially old pipes) with caustic chemicals
• They create toxic fumes
• They make professional drain cleaning harder (chemical residue interferes with snakes and hydro-jetting)
• They're ineffective for tree roots or structural blockages

Professional drain cleaning is far more effective and safer for your pipes.

Preventing Future Clogs:

• Use drain screens in bathroom and kitchen sinks (catches hair, food)
• Never pour grease down drains (pour into a container; dispose in trash)
• Don't flush non-flushable items (even "flushable" wipes cause problems)
• Run hot water after using the drain to flush away residue
• Monthly maintenance: Pour baking soda + vinegar down drains, let sit 30 minutes, flush with hot water
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners

When to Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning:

Annual drain cleaning before issues develop is smart maintenance. If you notice slow drainage, schedule service immediately—early treatment is cheaper than emergency repair when the line backs up completely.