Council Bluffs Drain Clog Case Study: What Was Causing the Backup?

Have you ever had a drain that keeps clogging — even after you’ve tried everything to clear it?

That’s exactly what happened to one of our recent customers in Council Bluffs, and their story is a perfect example of how a small issue can hide a much bigger problem below the surface.

Let’s break down what was happening, what caused it, and how we fixed it for good.

The homeowner called after their kitchen and basement drains kept backing up every few weeks. They had tried store-bought drain cleaners and even snaked the line themselves — but the problem always came back.

Here’s what they were noticing:

1. Water backing up into the basement floor drain
2. Slow draining sinks and tubs
3. Gurgling noises after flushing or running water
4. Sewer odors coming from the floor drain

At first glance, it looked like a typical blockage. But when problems repeat this often, it’s usually a deeper issue.

Many homes in Council Bluffs have older clay or cast iron sewer lines, which are much more prone to damage and buildup over time. Add in the area’s tree-lined neighborhoods and heavy seasonal rains, and you have the perfect recipe for a recurring clog.

Here’s what we often see:

• Tree roots growing into cracks or joints of older pipes
• Grease and food buildup that hardens deep inside kitchen lines
• Collapsed or offset pipes from years of soil movement or freeze-thaw cycles
• Improper slope in older drainage systems causing water to pool and debris to settle

Any one of these can make a clog come back — even after a temporary fix.

We started with a video camera sewer inspection to get a clear look inside the line.
Right away, we spotted root intrusion and heavy grease buildup about 30 feet out from the house.

Over time, the roots had squeezed into the pipe joints, catching grease and debris until the flow was almost completely blocked.

The good news: the pipe wasn’t broken — just severely clogged.

Here’s what we did:

1. Hydro-jetted the main line to cut through the roots and clear the buildup.
2. Treated the pipe with a root inhibitor to prevent regrowth.
3. Recommended annual maintenance cleanings to keep the line flowing smoothly.

After the service, the drains were flowing perfectly — and the homeowner hasn’t had a single backup since.

If your drains keep backing up, it’s not just “normal buildup.” It’s a warning sign that something deeper might be wrong. A simple video inspection can save you from repeat service calls — and potential water damage in your basement.

At McIntosh Plumbing, we help Council Bluffs homeowners solve drain problems the right way — by finding and fixing the cause, not just the symptom.

Schedule a drain inspection today and get lasting peace of mind — no mess, no guesswork.

📍 Local. Honest. Dependable.
🔧 Done right. On time. Built to last.