A slow or completely blocked drain isn’t just a nuisance—it can quickly turn into a major headache. Whether it’s a sink that won’t empty, a toilet that keeps backing up, or a shower that turns into an unwanted foot bath, you need a solution fast. Rooter service is a tried-and-true plumbing method that clears out clogs, removes stubborn blockages, and gets water flowing freely.
The First Step in Rooter Service
The first step in professional rooter service is diagnosing the problem. A plumber might start by asking about any signs you’ve noticed, like slow-draining water, gurgling sounds, bad odors, or frequent backups. Then, they’ll likely run a few tests.
For simple clogs, they might use a basic hand auger to see if the blockage is close to the drain. If that doesn’t work, they may take a closer look using a camera inspection. This tiny camera, attached to a flexible cable, is fed into your pipes to reveal exactly what’s causing the issue. A grease clog looks very different from a tangle of tree roots, and knowing what’s inside helps determine the best way to fix it.
Using the Rooter Machine to Break Clogs
Once the problem is identified, it’s time to get your pipes flowing again. The name “rooter service” comes from the original tool used to clear tree roots from sewer lines—an electric-powered drain snake with a rotating blade that cuts through roots. Today, modern rooter machines come in different sizes and strengths, making them useful for all kinds of clogs, not just tree roots.
For smaller drains like sinks, tubs, and showers, a plumber might use a medium-sized drain auger that winds its way through the pipes, breaking apart clogs as it goes. In larger sewer lines, they’ll bring out a high-powered rooter machine that’s designed to handle tougher blockages. This tool spins a sharp cable head through the pipes, slicing through roots, breaking up solid obstructions, and scraping away years of built-up gunk.
One of the benefits of rooter service is that it’s not just about clearing a single clog—it helps prevent future blockages, too. By cleaning the inside of your pipes, the process removes debris that could otherwise build up and cause problems again down the road.
Flushing Out Your Pipes With Hydro-Jetting
In some cases, a rooter machine alone isn’t enough. If your pipes have heavy grease buildup, thick sludge, or stubborn mineral deposits, hydro-jetting can blast out clogs from sewer lines. This process uses high-pressure water to flush out the system, scouring the inside of the pipes clean. It’s kind of like pressure washing the inside of your plumbing.
A hydro-jetting machine blasts water through a special nozzle that sends streams in multiple directions. This loosens and removes debris, grease, and other gunk stuck to the pipe walls. Unlike a standard drain snake, which punches a hole through a clog, hydro-jetting clears out the entire pipe. That means better drainage, fewer future clogs, and a cleaner plumbing system overall.
Hydro-jetting is especially useful for homes that frequently deal with grease clogs or blockages related to hard water mineral buildup. It’s also a great option if you want a more thorough cleaning after a rooter service to make sure every bit of buildup is washed away.
Check for Damage and Final Tweaks
Once the blockage is gone and water is flowing again, the next step is making sure your pipes are in good shape. If tree roots were the culprit, they may have cracked or damaged the sewer line, and even though the roots are gone for now, they’ll eventually grow back. If the clog was caused by a collapsed pipe, clearing the blockage won’t fix the underlying issue.
After a rooter service, a plumber might run another camera inspection to check for damage. If they find weak spots, cracks, or major deterioration, they’ll recommend repairs to keep your plumbing system working long term. Sometimes, this means sealing small cracks or replacing a section of pipe. In other cases, they might suggest a full sewer line replacement if the pipe is beyond repair.
Contact Your Local Professionals
Rooter service is a powerful solution for clearing out stubborn drain clogs and blocked sewer lines, restoring proper water flow, and preventing bigger plumbing issues down the line. Contact Midstate Plumbing & Air today to schedule an appointment to resolve any drainage issues at your home in Bridgeport, WV. Other drain services we offer include camera inspections to find blockages and fix drains fast.
