Rental Property Drain Case Study (Council Bluffs)

Drain problems are one of the most common — and disruptive — issues in rental properties. What starts as a “slow drain” can quickly turn into backups, tenant complaints, and emergency calls.

This real-world case study from Council Bluffs shows how a routine service call uncovered a much bigger issue — and how addressing it the right way saved the property owner time, money, and future headaches.

A Council Bluffs property owner contacted us about a recurring drain issue in a multi-unit rental home. Tenants reported:

• Slow-draining sinks and tubs
• Occasional gurgling sounds
• One recent sewage backup in a lower-level unit

Previous attempts to clear the drains had worked temporarily — but the problem kept coming back. That was the first red flag.

Instead of another temporary fix, our team performed a camera inspection of the main drain line.

Here’s what we discovered:

1. Heavy grease and sludge buildup
Years of buildup had narrowed the pipe significantly, restricting flow.

2. Early-stage root intrusion
Tree roots had begun pushing through small joints in the line — not enough to cause a full collapse yet, but enough to snag debris.

3. Inconsistent pipe slope
Sections of the older drain line had settled over time, allowing waste to pool instead of flow freely.

This explained why snaking alone hadn’t solved the issue — the underlying problems were still there.

Left unaddressed, this situation could have led to:

• Full sewer line blockage
• Repeated tenant displacement
• Costly emergency repairs
• Water damage to finished spaces
• Potential health and code violations

Catching the issue early made a major difference — especially in a multi-tenant property where one backup affects everyone.

We worked with the property owner to implement a practical, cost-effective plan:

1. Professional drain cleaning
We removed years of buildup using high-powered equipment — restoring full pipe diameter.

2. Root control treatment
This slowed further root growth and protected the line without immediate replacement.

3. Preventive maintenance schedule
We set up routine inspections and cleanings to keep the system flowing properly.

4. Clear documentation
The owner received a full report with camera footage and maintenance recommendations for future reference.

The result? No more backups, happier tenants, and predictable maintenance instead of surprise emergencies.

Drain issues in rental properties are rarely “one-time” problems. If a drain keeps backing up, there’s usually a deeper cause — and ignoring it only increases long-term costs.

For Council Bluffs landlords, proactive drain inspections and maintenance can:

• Prevent emergencies
• Reduce tenant complaints
• Extend the life of aging sewer lines

Protect your investment

At McIntosh Plumbing, we work with Council Bluffs property owners and managers to diagnose and solve drain problems the right way — not just the fast way.

From camera inspections to maintenance plans, we help you stay ahead of issues before they disrupt your tenants or your budget.

Schedule a rental property drain inspection today and get clear answers — no guesswork.

📍 Local. Experienced. Preventive.
🔧 Done right. On time. Built to last.