Drain Cleaning in Edgewater, MD

The Problem

A homeowner in Edgewater, MD (21037) reported three slow drains throughout the house — the master bathroom sink, the hall bathroom tub, and the kitchen sink — along with a main line that had backed up into the basement floor drain twice in the past month.

The pattern of multiple slow drains plus a main line backup is a classic sign of a main sewer line problem rather than individual drain clogs.

The Diagnosis

We accessed the main line cleanout and performed a camera inspection before any cleaning. The camera revealed root intrusion at two joints — one at approximately 18 feet from the house and another at 34 feet.

The roots had grown through the joints and were creating a partial obstruction that was slowing flow throughout the system. The individual drain slowness was a symptom of the main line restriction, not separate clogs in each drain.

The pipe material was clay — original to the 1965 home. The clay pipe was intact with no cracks or collapses, but the joint gaps had allowed root entry. The roots were from a large silver maple in the front yard.

The Solution

We hydro jetted the main line from the cleanout to the street connection, using a root-cutting nozzle to remove the root intrusion at both joint locations. The jetting also cleared any accumulated debris from the pipe walls.

A post-jetting camera inspection confirmed both root intrusion points were clear. The pipe walls were clean and the full pipe diameter was restored.

We recommended annual hydro jetting as preventive maintenance given the silver maple's proximity to the sewer line. We also discussed pipe lining as a long-term option to seal the joint gaps and prevent future root entry.

The Outcome

All drains flowing normally immediately after service. No recurrence in 10 months. The homeowner has enrolled in an annual maintenance program and is considering pipe lining to permanently address the joint gaps.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple slow drains throughout a home usually indicate a main sewer line problem
• Camera inspection identifies root intrusion locations before cleaning
• Hydro jetting removes roots more thoroughly than snaking
• Annual maintenance is more cost-effective than emergency service
• Pipe lining can seal joint gaps and prevent future root intrusion