Drain Cleaning & Sewer Repair in Houston & Baytown | Done in One Trip
Licensed Master Plumbers (MPL-38162). We don't just dispatch a person, we dispatch a fully stocked mobile warehouse.
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At Blackmon Plumbing, we understand that a backed-up sewer or slow drain is not just an inconvenience—it’s a crisis. When sewage backs up into your home or water pools in your sink, you need a plumber who can fix it now, not schedule multiple trips back to the supply house.
That is why we operate differently than most contractors in the Greater Houston area. We do not work out of small pickup trucks. We dispatch a fleet of fully stocked box vans that serve as mobile warehouses.
Whether you are in The Woodlands, Sugar Land, or our hometown of Baytown, our goal is simple: Diagnose your drain or sewer problem accurately and fix it on the first visit.
(Note: For severe grease buildup or heavy root impaction, we dispatch our dedicated Trailer-Mounted Hydro-Jetter. This industrial unit delivers 4,000 PSI at 18 GPM to scour lines completely clean.)
What We Carry on the Truck for Drain & Sewer
Many plumbing delays happen because the technician shows up with a small, handheld snake that can’t reach the city main. At Blackmon, our vans are actively circulating through Houston carrying industrial-grade equipment to clear stoppages on the first attempt.
For Drain & Sewer calls, our trucks arrive stocked with:
Industrial Cable Machines (Snakes):
We do not use “consumer-grade” augers. We carry heavy-duty commercial drum machines—specifically the Ridgid K-1500 with 500-foot cable capacity. This allows us to clear stoppages all the way to the city tap or septic inlet.
Specialized Cutter Heads:
We carry a variety of attachment heads—including spade cutters for grease and shark-tooth cutters for roots—to punch through tough blockages.
High-Pressure Hydro-Jetter:
Our trailer-mounted unit delivers 4,000 PSI at 8 gallons per minute. This isn’t a rental—we own this equipment and it’s ready to deploy for severe root intrusion or grease buildup that cable machines can’t handle.
Ridgid SeeSnake Camera Systems:
We carry waterproof self-leveling cameras with 200 feet of push cable on the truck to inspect the line immediately after flow is restored.
Digital Locators:
If the line is broken underground, we use radio-frequency locators to pinpoint the exact spot of the break—down to the inch—before we ever pick up a shovel.
PVC Schedule 40 Pipe & Fittings:
If a repair is needed, we have the code-compliant pipe and fittings on board to fix it now. We stock 3-inch and 4-inch pipe in 10-foot lengths, plus all necessary couplings, adapters, and cleanout assemblies.
How We Perform Drain & Sewer Repair Correctly
As a company holding Texas Responsible Master Plumber License MPL-38162, we hold ourselves to a higher standard than the “quick fix” handyman. We diagnose, we clear, and we verify.
Step 1: Clearing the Line (The Mechanical Clean)
We begin by running our Heavy-Duty Cable Machine through the line. Unlike shorter cables used by Roto-Rooter franchises, our equipment is designed to travel the full length of your sewer system (hundreds of feet) to locate and clear the blockage, whether it’s under the house or near the street.
Step 2: Camera Inspection & Diagnosis
Once flow is restored, we don’t just pack up. We insert a high-resolution camera to see why it clogged.
- Was it just wipes/debris? The job is done.
- Is it heavy roots or grease? We may recommend bringing in our Trailer-Mounted Hydro-Jetter to scrub the pipe walls back to their original diameter.
- Is the pipe broken? We locate the break for repair.
Step 3: The Repair Protocol (If Needed)
If the camera reveals a collapsed pipe or a “belly” (sagging line), we perform a permanent repair via Tunneling or Excavation.
Protect Your Foundation Warranty:
Many foundation companies require a Master Plumber’s test report to validate their warranty. Because we are licensed, our testing and repair reports are certified and accepted by insurers and warranty companies. Unlicensed drain cleaners cannot provide this protection.
No Trenchless Patches:
We dig to the problem, cut out the bad section, and replace it with new Schedule 40 PVC. We do not use temporary liners.
The Equipment That Makes Us Different
While most plumbing companies rent equipment or use consumer-grade tools, we own and maintain our professional fleet.
Cable Machine Specs:
- Ridgid K-1500 Drum Machine: 500ft of 5/8″ cable, 1.5 HP motor
- Interchangeable cutter heads for roots, grease, and ice blockages
- Capable of reaching from house to city main in single pass
Hydro-Jetter Specs:
- Trailer-Mounted Unit: 4,000 PSI @ 8 GPM flow rate
- Multi-angle rotating nozzles for 360° scouring
- Capable of cutting through root masses up to 6″ diameter
- We don’t rent this equipment—we own it and it’s ready when you need it
Camera Inspection Specs:
- Ridgid SeeSnake System: Self-leveling camera with 512 Hz sonde
- 200ft push cable with footage counter
- Digital recording capability for insurance documentation
- Real-time viewing so you can see exactly what we see
Why This Matters:
When competitors show up with a 50-foot handheld snake rented from Home Depot, they can’t reach the actual blockage. We arrive equipped like a commercial plumbing contractor, not a handyman.
Safety & Code Compliance for Sewer Lines
When sewage backs up, it’s not just messy—it’s a health hazard. We don’t cut corners on sanitation.
We strictly adhere to the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and local city amendments, whether you are in Houston, Pasadena, or Conroe.
Sanitation Standards:
We ensure all sewer lines have the proper slope (1/4″ per foot minimum fall) so waste flows away from your home by gravity, preventing future clogs.
Permitting:
For main line excavations and tunnel jobs, we pull the necessary permits with the City of Houston Permitting Center (or your local municipality). This protects your home’s value and ensures the work passes city inspection.
Environmental Compliance:
We follow TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) guidelines for sewage handling and disposal. Our technicians are trained in proper containment procedures.
Licensed Professionals:
You are allowing a background-checked, uniformed professional into your home, not a subcontractor.
Why We Don't Use "Band-Aid" Fixes
In the plumbing industry, a “cheap” repair is often the most expensive one you will ever buy because it has to be done twice. Here is why we do things differently:
Vs. Chemical Drain Cleaners
Many homeowners (and some plumbers) use chemicals like Drano or sulfuric acid to dissolve clogs. This is a terrible idea. These chemicals generate heat and eat away at the glue joints in your PVC pipes. Over time, this causes pipe collapse and leaks.
We use industrial cable machines and, when needed, Hydro-Jetting—high-pressure water that is safe for your pipes and far more effective at removing buildup.
Vs. Trenchless Pipe Lining (Patches)
Some companies offer “trenchless” solutions where they insert a resin liner inside your existing pipe. While this sounds convenient, it is a temporary fix. In Houston’s shifting clay soil, ground movement causes these liners to crack and separate.
We perform permanent excavation and replacement. Yes, it involves digging. But it is a one-time fix that lasts for decades.
Vs. $99 Drain Cleaning Scams
You have seen the ads: “$99 Drain Cleaning!” What they do not tell you is that they will only snake the first few feet of your line. If the clog is deeper, they upsell you.
We offer flat-rate pricing for a complete job. We clear the entire main line from the house to the street. We do not play bait-and-switch games.
Vs. “Free Camera Inspection” Scams
This is the #1 drain cleaning scam in Houston. Competitors advertise “free camera inspection” to get into your home. Once there, they show you minor root growth or normal pipe aging and claim you need a $15,000 excavation “immediately.”
Here’s how we do it differently:
We use camera inspection as a diagnostic tool after mechanical clearing, not as a fear-based sales tactic. If we find damage, we show you the footage, explain what’s normal vs. critical, and give you options—not ultimatums.
Our camera reports are certified by a Master Plumber (MPL-38162) and accepted by insurance companies. Unlicensed “drain cleaners” can’t provide this documentation.
Common Drain Issues by Neighborhood
North Houston (The Woodlands, Conroe, Spring, Kingwood)
This area is known for its beautiful pine and oak trees. Unfortunately, these trees have aggressive root systems that seek out moisture in your sewer lines. Once roots invade, they grow into thick mats that block the pipe completely. We specialize in industrial cable machines with root-cutting attachments, and for severe cases, we dispatch our Trailer-Mounted Hydro-Jetter to scour the line clean.
West Houston (Katy, Cypress, Sugar Land, Richmond)
The clay soil in this area expands and contracts dramatically with moisture changes. This movement causes pipes to shift, creating “bellies” (low spots where waste pools) or sheared connections.
We use camera inspection and digital locators to find these breaks. Then we perform tunneling to replace the damaged section with properly sloped PVC.
Older Neighborhoods (Houston Heights, Montrose, Galveston)
Many older homes have cast iron sewer lines. Cast iron corrodes from the inside, causing scale buildup and eventually collapse. If your home was built before 1980, there is a good chance you have cast iron.
We specialize in replacing old cast iron with smooth PVC Schedule 40 pipe, which will not corrode and provides better flow.
Do You Need a Cleaning or a Main Line Repair?
We believe in honest, upfront pricing. We will never sell you a replacement if a cleaning is all you need. Here is how to know:
- Your drains are slow but still draining
- You hear gurgling sounds in your toilets or sinks
- The problem started recently and is getting worse
- You have never had your main line professionally cleaned
- Sewage is backing up into your home through floor drains or toilets
- You see mud or debris on the snake cable (indicating a break in the line)
- You have a wet spot in your yard that smells like sewage
- Your home has a slab foundation and you suspect the line under the slab is damaged
- You have had repeated backups even after cleaning
When to Call Emergency vs. Schedule Service
Not every drain issue requires an emergency truck roll. Here’s how to decide:
Call for EMERGENCY Service If:
- Multiple drains backing up simultaneously (indicates main line blockage)
- Sewage coming up through floor drains or toilets
- Water pooling in yard with sewage smell
- You can’t flush toilets or use sinks without backup
Schedule SAME-DAY (Non-Emergency) If:
- Single slow drain (kitchen sink, shower, etc.)
- Gurgling sounds in drains when other fixtures run
- Recurring clogs that keep coming back
- Preventive cleaning (haven’t cleaned main line in 2+ years)
Why This Matters:
Emergency calls involve higher rates because we dispatch the nearest truck immediately, potentially pulling them from another job. Same-day scheduled service costs less because we can route it efficiently.
We respect your budget. If you’re not sure which you need, call and describe the situation. We’ll tell you honestly if it’s urgent or can wait a few hours.
The Blackmon Service Experience
Here’s exactly what happens from call to completion:
1. Your Call is Answered Immediately
No voicemail. No “callback windows.” A live person answers and gathers details about your issue.
2. We Dispatch the Nearest Mobile Warehouse
Our trucks are constantly moving through Houston. We dispatch the unit closest to your location—often arriving within 1-2 hours for emergencies.
3. Arrival & Flat-Rate Diagnosis
Our technician arrives in a marked Blackmon box van. We assess the issue and provide a flat-rate price before starting work. You approve the price, or we leave—no charge.
4. Work is Performed & Verified
We clear the line, run a camera inspection, and show you the results. You’ll see exactly what was blocking the line and what we did to fix it.
5. Documentation & Warranty
You receive a written report with camera footage (if applicable) and warranty information. This documentation is critical for insurance claims or foundation warranty requirements.
Common Questions About Drains & Sewers
Q: Do you offer "$99 Drain Cleaning" specials?
No, and you should be very careful of companies that do. In the plumbing industry, a “$99 special” is often a “bait-and-switch” tactic used to get a salesman into your home to upsell you. At Blackmon Plumbing, we use upfront, flat-rate pricing. We diagnose the specific cause of your blockage and give you a guaranteed price for the complete solution before we begin.
Q: Can you clear my sewer line the same day I call?
Yes. We do not operate out of small pickup trucks; we dispatch a fleet of fully stocked Mobile Warehouses that are actively circulating through Houston, Baytown, and The Woodlands. Because our vans carry industrial cable machines, hydro-jetters, and replacement pipe on board, we can usually dispatch the nearest unit to your home immediately.
Q: Why don't you use "trenchless" pipe patching?
We believe in permanent repairs, not temporary patches. While “trenchless” liners sound convenient, they often fail in the Greater Houston area due to our shifting clay soil. Ground movement can shear these liners or cause them to separate from the old pipe. We perform traditional excavation to cut out the damaged section and replace it with new, code-compliant Schedule 40 PVC. It involves digging, but it fixes the problem for good.
Q: Do you offer a warranty on drain repairs?
Absolutely. As a company holding Texas Responsible Master Plumber License MPL-38162, we stand behind our craftsmanship. We warranty both parts and labor on our repairs. Furthermore, because we are fully licensed, our camera inspection and isolation test reports are certified and accepted by insurance companies.
Q: What's the difference between your service and a "drain cleaning company"?
Most “drain cleaning” companies are unlicensed operators with a truck and a rented snake. They can’t pull permits, can’t provide certified reports for insurance, and often can’t diagnose why the clog happened. We are licensed Master Plumbers who own our equipment, carry insurance, and provide comprehensive diagnostics.
Q: Do I need to be home during the service?
Ideally, yes—especially for the initial diagnosis and price approval. However, for external work (cleanouts in the yard or digging), we can work while you’re away as long as you’ve approved the price and we have access to the property.
Q: Will you damage my yard if you have to dig?
We take restoration seriously. If excavation is needed, we:
- Mark utility lines before digging (required by law)
- Remove and save sod for replacement
- Backfill and compact properly to prevent settling
- Restore landscaping to its original condition
Q: How often should I have my main sewer line cleaned?
For preventive maintenance, we recommend cleaning your main line every 2-3 years. If you have large trees near your sewer line, annual cleaning prevents root intrusion from becoming a major problem.
Drain & Sewer Services
Why Homeowners Trust Blackmon Plumbing
Family-owned since 2007. Fully licensed and insured. We treat your home with respect and leave it cleaner than we found it. We dispatch fully stocked mobile warehouses, not small trucks. We fix your drain or sewer problem in one trip, with upfront pricing and Master-level expertise.