Drain and sewer FAQ

No. We are a referral service that publishes drain and sewer information and connects callers with independent local providers. We do not perform plumbing work.

Prices are set by each provider and depend on which line is clogged, access, method and timing. See the cost factors on the drain cleaning page, and ask the provider for the price before booking.

It is the private pipe that carries all wastewater from your house to the public sewer main, usually under the yard. In Zanesville the homeowner is responsible for it.

If several homes on the street are affected, or water comes from the street, call the City's Wastewater Plant first, as the city recommends. If only your home is affected, the problem is most likely in your lateral or house drains.

They solve different problems. A cable clears a blockage; jetting cleans the whole pipe wall. Read the hydro jetting guide for when each fits.

It records video of the inside of the line and measures the distance to roots, cracks, sags and offsets. See the camera inspection guide.

Often. Trenchless methods such as lining and pipe bursting use small access points, if the pipe and route are suitable.

Yes, calls from those areas are connected, confirmed by address. Each has its own guide on the service areas page.

Limit water use and contact the City of Zanesville, which says it maintains the grinder pump stations in the East End. See the East End guide.

Many policies exclude sewer backup unless a specific endorsement was added. Check your policy and photograph any damage before cleanup.

The most common cause is a dry trap: the water seal in the floor drain has evaporated, letting sewer gas through. Pouring a bucket of water into the drain usually fixes it. If the smell continues, the drain or main may have buildup worth cleaning.

Rental drum machines exist, but main lines in older homes can have roots, offsets and fragile clay that make them hard to clear safely. A cable can also get stuck. If the main is clogged, most homeowners are better served by a provider with the right equipment and a camera.

A cleanout is a capped opening on the drain or sewer line that gives tools direct access. In many Zanesville homes it is in the basement near where the main leaves the wall, or outside close to the foundation.

Roots grow toward moisture. A slightly leaking joint in a clay or cast iron lateral releases vapor and water that roots follow, then they enter through the gap and grow inside the pipe.

Yes. Wipes do not break apart the way toilet paper does. They catch on joints, roots and scale and are a frequent cause of main line clogs and of grinder pump trouble.

Work on the sewer connection usually involves the city. In Zanesville, the Engineering Department handles sewer connections. Ask the provider to confirm and arrange any permit or inspection the job needs.

A belly, or sag, is a low section of pipe that holds water and waste instead of draining. It often causes clogs that keep coming back. A camera inspection shows where it is and how long it is.

For older homes, which describes much of the city, many buyers find it worthwhile. A lateral problem can be costly and is often outside the scope of a general home inspection.

Usually someone needs to provide access to the cleanout or fixtures and can watch the footage. Ask the provider whether you can review the video together afterward.