If you’re dealing with slow drains, standing water in your sink or tub, or that foul gurgling noise every time you flush, you’re not alone. Drain backups are one of the most common—and frustrating—plumbing issues Gilbert homeowners face. But what many don’t realize is that these clogs are often a symptom of a deeper problem, not just a simple surface-level blockage.
At Felix Plumbing, we’ve helped thousands of East Valley residents clear stubborn clogs, eliminate recurring backups, and repair damaged sewer lines before they cause serious damage. In this guide, we’ll break down why your drains keep backing up, how Arizona’s desert conditions contribute to the problem, and what you can do to fix it permanently.
Why Drains in Arizona Homes Back Up So Often
In Gilbert, several unique factors contribute to recurring drain issues. First, we deal with extremely hard water. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside pipes, narrowing the diameter and reducing flow. Combine that with grease, soap scum, hair, and debris—and you’ve got a recipe for clogs that won’t go away with store-bought drain cleaners.
Second, many homes in the area have older piping systems made of cast iron or clay, especially in established neighborhoods. These materials are prone to corrosion, cracks, and root intrusion from nearby trees seeking moisture. Even if your interior drains seem fine, a damaged or partially collapsed sewer line can cause multiple drains in the home to slow or back up at once.
Another common issue? DIY “quick fixes” like chemical cleaners or plungers can sometimes worsen the problem by pushing the blockage deeper or damaging pipes. If your drain backs up more than once a year—or if it affects multiple fixtures—it’s time for a professional inspection.
The Limitations of Chemical Drain Cleaners
We get it—when your sink or shower backs up, the first instinct is to reach for that bottle of drain cleaner under the sink. But those harsh chemicals often do more harm than good. Most only eat away at organic material (like hair or grease) but don’t touch mineral buildup, foreign objects, or tree root intrusion. Worse, repeated use can corrode your pipes, especially in older homes, leading to leaks or structural damage that cost far more to repair later.
If you’ve already tried a plunger, boiling water, or basic snaking—and the problem keeps coming back—it’s a clear sign you’re dealing with a deeper issue. That’s where hydro jetting comes in.
What Is Hydro Jetting and Why It Works
Hydro jetting is a high-pressure drain cleaning method that uses a specialized hose to blast water through your pipes at up to 4,000 PSI. Unlike a basic drain snake that pokes a hole through the blockage, hydro jetting scrubs the entire diameter of the pipe—clearing out years of hardened sludge, grease, and sediment buildup.
At Felix Plumbing, we often recommend hydro jetting for:
- Persistent kitchen or bathroom clogs
- Slow main sewer lines
- Commercial drain maintenance
- Pre-sale inspections to restore full flow
Hydro jetting is safe for most plumbing systems, but we always inspect your pipes with a sewer camera beforehand to ensure they’re structurally sound. It’s one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for restoring your home’s drainage system to like-new condition.
Signs You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
Sometimes the problem goes beyond the drain line itself. If multiple drains in your home back up at once, or you smell sewage near your yard, it could point to a more serious issue in your sewer main.
A sewer camera inspection allows us to look inside your pipes without digging. We feed a small, high-definition camera into the drain line to check for:
- Tree root intrusions
- Pipe misalignments or collapses
- Foreign object blockages (kids’ toys, construction debris, etc.)
- Grease clogs or sediment buildup
This inspection not only helps diagnose the issue—it gives you peace of mind and documentation in case repairs are needed. In many cases, we can even provide trenchless sewer repair options, which require no excavation and can be completed in a single day.
How to Prevent Future Drain Backups
The best way to avoid repeat drain issues is a combination of smart habits and routine maintenance. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, even with hot water—it cools quickly and solidifies inside the pipes. Use drain strainers in sinks and showers to catch hair and debris. If you live in an older home, schedule annual drain cleaning or inspections, especially before the monsoon season when roots tend to expand.
In newer homes, we still recommend a sewer camera inspection every few years, particularly if you notice any gurgling sounds, slow drains, or standing water in your fixtures. These early warning signs can help you catch problems before they escalate into expensive repairs.
FAQs About Drain Cleaning in Gilbert
Why does my kitchen sink keep clogging even after I clean it?
Most likely, the blockage is deeper in the line—often caused by grease or food waste that solidifies over time. Surface-level fixes only provide temporary relief.
How often should I clean my drains?
For average households, once every 12–18 months is a good rule of thumb. If you have frequent guests, pets, or heavy kitchen use, you may need maintenance more often.
Is hydro jetting safe for all homes?
Yes, in most cases. We always inspect the condition of your pipes first to ensure hydro jetting is appropriate. It’s highly effective and non-invasive when done correctly.
Do you offer trenchless sewer repairs?
Absolutely. If your main sewer line is damaged, we can often reline or replace it using trenchless technology—no digging required.
Call to Action: Ready to Clear Your Drains Once and For All?
Don’t settle for recurring backups or short-term fixes. At Felix Plumbing, we offer expert drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and sewer camera inspections tailored to Gilbert homes and Arizona plumbing systems. Whether it’s your kitchen sink or main sewer line, we’ll get your water flowing the right way—fast.
📞 Call 602-535-6172 now or [Schedule Your Drain Cleaning Online] to book your free inspection.
