Drain Clog Case Study: How a Small Fix Saved $1,500 in La Vista

Sometimes, it’s the smallest plumbing issues that turn into the biggest problems — if you wait too long.

Recently, our team at McIntosh Plumbing was called out to a home in La Vista for what the homeowner thought was a “minor” slow drain. A quick inspection proved that catching it early didn’t just clear the line — it saved them from a $1,500 sewer repair.

Here’s what happened, what we found, and how a smart homeowner decision turned into major savings.

The homeowner noticed their kitchen sink was draining slower than usual. Like most people, they tried a store-bought cleaner — which helped for a day — but the problem quickly returned. Within a week, they started hearing gurgling noises from the nearby floor drain.

That’s when they called McIntosh Plumbing. And it’s a good thing they did.

If they had waited another week or two, the entire line could have backed up — sending wastewater into the basement and requiring a full mainline replacement.

When our plumber arrived, they performed a camera inspection to see what was happening inside the line. About 30 feet out from the house, we found the culprit: a small patch of tree roots had worked their way into a pipe joint.

While the roots were only partially blocking the pipe, they were already catching grease and debris — the perfect recipe for a full blockage.

Luckily, we caught it early.

Instead of a costly excavation or pipe replacement, our team was able to hydro jet the line — using high-pressure water to clear the roots and buildup safely.

Here’s what we did:

1. Cleared the blockage using hydro jetting (no chemicals needed).
2. Treated the line with a root inhibitor to prevent regrowth.
3. Performed a follow-up camera inspection to confirm the line was completely clear.

✅ Total repair cost: A few hundred dollars
💸 Potential savings: Over $1,500 compared to a full dig-up and replacement

You don’t have to wait for a sewer backup to know something’s wrong. Here’s how you can catch issues early and avoid expensive repairs:

1. Pay attention to warning signs
Slow drains, bubbling toilets, or gurgling sounds often mean there’s buildup or partial blockage in your line.

2. Avoid chemical drain cleaners
They can corrode your pipes and make the problem worse over time.

Schedule a professional camera inspection
This simple service can detect root intrusion, cracks, or buildup long before you notice symptoms.

Get annual drain maintenance
A quick cleaning once a year keeps your sewer line flowing and extends its lifespan.

At McIntosh Plumbing, we believe early action saves homeowners time, money, and stress. This La Vista case is a perfect example — one quick inspection, one fast fix, and thousands of dollars saved.

If your drains are running slow or you’ve noticed gurgling sounds, don’t wait until it’s an emergency. Schedule a camera inspection or drain cleaning today and stay one step ahead of major plumbing repairs.

📍 Local. Honest. Dependable.
💧 Small fixes. Big savings.
🔧 Done right. On time. Built to last.