Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Drain cleaning starts at $350 for basic cabling services (toilets, sinks, showers). More complex work like hydro jetting for main sewer lines typically ranges from $350-$700+ depending on the severity of the blockage and line length.

What affects the cost:

• Type of blockage: Simple hair clogs vs. tree roots or grease buildup
• Location: Individual drain vs. main sewer line
• Method required: Cable/snaking vs. hydro jetting vs. camera inspection
• Time of service: Standard hours vs. emergency after-hours

We provide upfront pricing after our assessment — you'll know the exact cost before we start work. No surprises, no hidden fees.

For simple surface clogs (hair in bathroom sink, minor kitchen sink backup), try a plunger or drain snake first. If that doesn't work within 15-20 minutes, call a professional to avoid making it worse.

Call a plumber immediately for:

• Multiple drains backing up at once (indicates main line issue)
• Sewage odors or backups
• Recurring clogs in the same drain
• Standing water that won't drain after plunging
• Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains

DIY chemical drain cleaners often damage pipes and rarely solve the underlying problem. Professional plumbers have camera inspection tools to identify the exact cause and provide permanent solutions.

If you're dealing with recurring clogs in the same drain, there's usually an underlying issue that needs professional attention:

• Tree root intrusion: Common in Vancouver WA homes with mature landscaping — roots infiltrate sewer lines seeking moisture
• Pipe damage or bellies: Cracked, collapsed, or improperly sloped pipes trap debris
• Grease buildup: Accumulated cooking fats create rough surfaces that catch debris
• Hard water mineral deposits: Our hard water creates scale buildup that narrows pipes over time
• Improper venting: Poor drain venting creates slow drainage that leads to frequent clogs

We recommend a camera inspection to identify the root cause so we can provide a permanent fix rather than repeatedly clearing the same clog. Contact us for a detailed assessment and pricing.

We strongly advise against chemical drain cleaners like Drano or Liquid-Plumr. Here's why:

Pipe Damage: These harsh chemicals generate heat and can weaken or crack pipes, especially older pipes or PVC. The damage often costs hundreds more to repair than the original clog.

Health Hazards: Chemical splashback can cause severe burns. Mixing different products or using them after failed attempts creates toxic fumes.

Environmental Impact: These chemicals contaminate groundwater and harm septic systems.

They Don't Work on Tough Clogs: Chemical cleaners only work on soft organic clogs near the surface. They're useless against tree roots, grease buildup, or main line blockages.

Safer alternatives: Use a plunger, manual drain snake, or call a professional plumber who can safely clear the clog without damaging your plumbing system.

Most drain cleaning jobs take 1-2 hours from arrival to completion. Here's the typical breakdown:

• Simple clogs (30-60 min): Bathroom sinks, shower drains, or toilet clogs that respond quickly to snaking
• Moderate clogs (1-2 hours): Kitchen drains with grease buildup, or clogs requiring camera inspection to locate
• Complex issues (2-4 hours): Main sewer line cleaning with hydro jetting, tree root removal, or multiple problem areas

Emergency calls may take longer depending on technician availability, but we offer same-day service throughout Vancouver, Battle Ground, and all of Clark County for most situations.

For scheduling: Call us in the morning and we can typically service your drain the same afternoon.

Yes! We offer same-day drain cleaning service throughout Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, Longview, Woodland, and all of Clark County and Cowlitz County.

How it works: Call us before noon and we can typically schedule a technician for the same afternoon. For true emergencies (sewage backup, multiple drains affected, flooding risk), we prioritize immediate response.

Our service hours:

• Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (regular rates)
• Weekends & After-Hours: Available for emergency drain service

We maintain a fleet of fully-equipped service vehicles and keep common parts in stock, so most jobs are completed in a single visit without return trips.

Hydro jetting is a drain cleaning method that uses high-pressure water (typically 3,000-4,000 PSI) to thoroughly scour the inside of pipes, removing grease, scale, tree roots, and years of accumulated buildup.

When hydro jetting is recommended:

• Recurring clogs that snaking doesn't solve
• Grease buildup in kitchen drains or restaurant lines
• Tree root intrusion in sewer lines
• Mineral scale from hard water
• Preventive maintenance for older homes

Pricing: Hydro jetting typically starts at $350+ and varies based on line length, accessibility, and severity of the blockage. We provide upfront pricing after inspection.

Is it safe for old pipes? Yes, when performed by trained professionals. We always inspect pipes with a camera first to assess condition and adjust pressure accordingly. For very old or damaged pipes, we may recommend gentler methods.

Absolutely — tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of sewer line problems in Vancouver WA, especially in older neighborhoods with mature trees.

How it happens: Tree roots naturally seek moisture and nutrients. Even tiny cracks or loose joints in sewer pipes release vapor that attracts roots. Once inside, roots grow rapidly and create major blockages.

Warning signs of root intrusion:

• Gurgling sounds from toilets when drains are used
• Multiple slow drains throughout the house
• Recurring clogs every few months
• Sewage odors in yard near sewer line
• Lush patches of grass over the sewer line path

Solution: Camera inspection confirms root intrusion, then hydro jetting or mechanical removal clears the roots. Pricing varies based on severity and line condition — we provide detailed quotes after inspection. For severe cases, we may recommend pipe relining or replacement to prevent recurrence.

Common culprits in our area: willow trees, poplar, maple, and fir trees — all with aggressive root systems.

Preventive maintenance is far cheaper than emergency repairs. Follow these expert tips from our 20+ years serving Vancouver families:

Kitchen Drains:

• Never pour grease, oil, or fats down the drain — let them solidify and throw in trash
• Run hot water for 30 seconds after each use
• Use a sink strainer to catch food particles
• Monthly: Pour boiling water down drain to dissolve minor buildup

Bathroom Drains:

• Install hair catchers in showers and tub drains
• Clean pop-up stoppers monthly — they accumulate hair and soap scum
• Avoid bar soap when possible — liquid soap causes less buildup

Professional Maintenance: Schedule annual drain cleaning (starting at $350) to clear buildup before it becomes a problem. Think of it like an oil change for your plumbing — small investment prevents major issues.

If you have a drain emergency right now, follow these steps:

Immediate actions:

1. Stop using all water in your home — running water makes backups worse
2. Locate your main water shutoff (usually near water meter or where main line enters house) in case flooding occurs
3. If sewage is backing up: Keep people and pets away — sewage contains harmful bacteria
4. Call H2O Plumbing immediately: (360) 433-9748 — we prioritize emergency drain calls

While waiting for us to arrive:

• Contain any standing water with towels to prevent floor damage
• Don't use chemical drain cleaners — they won't help severe backups and create hazardous conditions for our technicians
• Take photos for insurance documentation if there's significant water damage

We offer same-day emergency service throughout Clark County and Cowlitz County. Most emergency calls receive response within 2-3 hours.