General Plumbing Blog: Archive for the ‘Drain and Sewer’ Category

Back-to-School—Not Backed-Up Pipes

Monday, August 18th, 2025

As summer winds down and the kids head back to school, many Lake Worth, FL households shift back into busy routines. Between early mornings, packed lunches, and after-school activities, the last thing you want to deal with is a clogged drain or sewer backup. 

At General Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we know that a little preventive care now can save you from big headaches later. Annual drain cleaning—and in some cases, sewer line cleaning—keeps your plumbing system flowing smoothly all year long.

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The Ultimate Shower Experience: Head-to-Toe Comfort with the Right Showerhead & Clear Drains

Monday, June 16th, 2025

There’s nothing quite like starting or ending your day with a refreshing, spa-like shower. But if your water pressure is weak, your drains are slow, or your showerhead is outdated, your daily routine can feel more frustrating than relaxing.

At General Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we believe your shower should be a place of comfort—not stress. With professional drain cleaning services and a wide selection of modern, high-performance showerheads, we can help transform your bathroom into the ultimate comfort zone. And right now, we’re making it even easier with $75 off a new showerhead with installation.

Here’s how we can help you achieve the shower experience you’ve always wanted.

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Got a Backflow Testing Notification? Here’s What It Means—And How We Can Help

Monday, February 3rd, 2025
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If you recently received a backflow testing notification from your local water authority, you might be wondering what it means and what you need to do next. As a trusted plumbing contractor, General Plumbing and Air Conditioning is here to guide you through the process and ensure your home remains safe and compliant. We handle backflow prevention services in Lake Worth, FL, including backflow prevention testing.

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Ways to Stop Clogged Drains Before They Start

Monday, January 20th, 2025
Water flowing down a stainless steel sink drain, indicating proper sewer drain function.

We understand how frustrating clogged drains can be. Not only do they disrupt your daily routine, but they can also lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. Thankfully, preventing clogged drains is easier than you might think. Here are some expert tips to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly and avoid unnecessary headaches.

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Start the New Year With Great Plumbing: Get Professional Drain Cleaning

Monday, January 6th, 2025
sink-drain-with-drain-auger

As the new year begins, many of us are setting resolutions to improve our homes, health, and habits. One resolution you might not have considered is ensuring your plumbing system is in top shape. At General Plumbing, we believe that a clean and efficient plumbing system sets the foundation for a stress-free and comfortable year ahead. That’s why we’re highlighting the benefits of professional drain cleaning as a key step to start the year right.

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Why We Recommend Regular Professional Sewer Cleaning

Monday, November 25th, 2024
Hydro-jetting-sewer-cleaning-method

As a homeowner, you likely understand the importance of maintaining various parts of your plumbing system, from fixing leaky faucets to addressing clogged drains. But one critical component often goes unnoticed: your sewer line. We recommend regular professional sewer cleaning to keep this vital system functioning smoothly and to prevent costly repairs down the line.

Here’s why sewer cleaning should be part of your home maintenance routine.

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Drain Cleaning Before the Big Holidays: Here’s Why This Is a Great Idea

Monday, November 11th, 2024
Cornucopia overflowing with colorful autumn fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, pumpkins, and squash.

As the holiday season approaches, so does the hustle and bustle of family gatherings, hearty feasts, and house guests galore. With November and December packed with holiday meals and celebrations, your home’s plumbing is set to experience a major uptick in usage. This makes it the perfect time to consider professional drain cleaning. We’re here to help you prepare your home’s plumbing system to handle the holiday season with ease and avoid any unwanted surprises.

Here’s why scheduling drain cleaning before the holidays is a smart move.

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How Professionals Unclog Drains—And Keep the Clog From Coming Back!

Monday, July 8th, 2024
Water flowing smoothly down a clean stainless steel sink drain, representing effective drain cleaning service

Clogs are a routine annoyance in home plumbing, and people often use “routine” methods to try to unclog them. Sometimes a plunger or simple drain auger can clear a stopped up drain, but just as often these methods leave behind part of clogging material, making it easier for the clog to come back. Chemical drain cleaners are actually unhelpful—they may clear a way through a clog, but most of it will remain. Worse, the acidic nature of the store-bought chemicals can severely damage the pipe and lead to corrosion. Instead, we recommend avoiding store-bought drain cleaners and choosing a safer, more effective solution like professional drain cleaning. With professional service, you can be confident the job will be completed efficiently and to the highest standards. Licensed and insured technicians are available around the clock to handle drain unclogging and thorough cleaning, ensuring your plumbing system is restored to optimal condition.

What methods do professionals use to unclog drains and prevent clogs from returning?

Professionals use a strategic, long-lasting approach:

  • Camera inspection to locate clogs and assess for deeper issues like roots or pipe damage.
  • Mechanical augers or snakes to dislodge tough blockages deep in the system.
  • Hydro-jetting with high-pressure water to clear grease, debris, and scale buildup.
  • Eco-friendly enzyme treatments to break down organic matter and maintain clean pipes.
  • Final camera inspection and water test to confirm full restoration of flow.
  • Preventive maintenance plans to catch buildup early and avoid future clogs.

If you want to know how to unclog a drain in Boynton Beach and keep it away, the best place to go is professional plumbers who offer drain and sewer cleaning services using advanced methods. Professionals take specific action steps such as inspecting the drain, diagnosing the issue, and using the right tools to clear the blockage. Before starting work, they develop a detailed plan based on their assessment to ensure the most effective solution. Appointments are scheduled promptly, and we send out skilled technicians quickly to address your issues. The owner is sometimes involved in reviewing or overseeing the work to ensure quality and customer satisfaction. General Plumbing and Air Conditioning has been providing exceptional service since 1981, building a reputation for reliability and expertise. Learn more about our drain and sewer cleaning services and how we keep your plumbing system clear and flowing properly with non-invasive, lasting techniques. To help you understand why calling our pros is the quickest way to clean drain and few clogs in the future, we’re going to go into how licensed professionals handle drain unclogging. 

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What’s Clogging My Drain?

Monday, May 13th, 2024
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Clogged or slow drains are a major headache that most of us face at one time or another. Sometimes, the clogs are simple to get through using a plunger. Other clogs are much more obstinate—if you want them cleared away without causing any harm to the rest of your plumbing, and keep them from coming back, you’ll need the assistance of licensed, professional plumbers.

We offer expert drain cleaning in Boynton Beach to handle your clogged and slow drain woes. But let’s delve a bit more into what might be causing that clogged drain and why you’ll often need our assistance. 

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Drain Cleaning Methods the Professionals Use

Monday, April 1st, 2024
High-pressure water jet cleaning a sewer drain during repair work.

Although a clogged drain isn’t necessarily the worst residential plumbing trouble you might run into, it’s one of the most common and irritating. Water that won’t drain out of the kitchen sink when you’re trying to clean up after a meal, or a shower that leaves you standing in ankle-deep water when it’s over are troubles you want resolved quickly. Homeowners often forget the vital importance of having an effectively operating drainage system, which can lead to neglect and recurring issues. If you are a homeowner, it’s important to recognize your responsibility in maintaining your plumbing, and seeking professional help can save you time and hassle. For prompt drain cleaning services, schedule cleaning before the holiday rush. We are a responsible partner in maintaining your plumbing system, ensuring reliable and expert service every step of the way. For prompt drain cleaning services, contact us today to schedule an inspection or service we are happy to accommodate your schedule and specific needs for maximum convenience.

How do professionals repair a damaged sewer drain?

Professional sewer drain repair typically follows these steps:

  • Inspect with camera to pinpoint damage (e.g., roots, cracks, offsets) before digging.
  • Choose appropriate repair method:
    • Trenchless lining (CIPP or pull‑in‑place): inserts a resin liner to seal small cracks or root intrusion.
    • Pipe bursting: replaces severely damaged pipe by fracturing the old line while pulling in a new pipe.
    • Spot repair/excavation: dig to damaged section and replace the affected pipe with proper fittings.
  • Clean the pipe using hydro-jetting or augers to remove debris and prepare for lining or bursting.
  • Test and inspect post-repair with camera and/or water testing to ensure pipe integrity and correct pitch.

You can attempt to unclog a drain on your own using some simple remedies, such as a plunger (quite handy) or a simple drain snake. But when the simple methods fail, it’s time to call for professional plumbers. Clogged drains are commonly caused by hair, grease, food scraps, or soap scum, which can accumulate over time and create stubborn blockages. All types of drain issues are covered by our comprehensive services, ensuring you have reliable support whenever you need it. If you’ve got a clogged drain in West Palm Beach you can’t eliminate, turn to our professional drain and sewer cleaning services for long-term solutions that actually last. Our team consists of licensed professionals who are trained to handle both cleaning and repair services, so you can trust us to restore your plumbing system. We help you deal with stubborn clogs and maintain the integrity of your plumbing.

What methods do we use for drain cleaning? We’ll go through them, but first we want to talk about a tool we don’t use… The cost of drain cleaning can vary depending on factors like access points, the severity of the clog, and the techniques required, but we always strive to provide value and flexible payment options. Understanding the importance of regular drain cleaning can help prevent costly repairs and protect your home’s plumbing health and safety. Additionally, the trap in each drain line plays a crucial role in preventing harmful sewer gases from entering your home, making proper maintenance even more essential. The process of sewer line repair typically involves inspection, cleaning, and installation, ensuring a thorough and effective resolution to plumbing issues.

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