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Why Drain Cleaning Matters in North Texas: What Homeowners Should Know (and How to Catch Problems Early)

  • jensenplumbinginfo
  • 5 days ago
  • 4 min read
North Texas master plumber performing a main line drain cleaning and camera inspection at an outdoor cleanout using a professional auger machine.

If you’ve lived in North Texas long enough, you know one thing for sure — our plumbing systems work hard. Between the shifting clay soil, fast temperature swings, hard water, older neighborhoods with aging pipes, and heavy seasonal use before the holidays, drains here take a real beating.


And when a “little slow drain” suddenly becomes a full backup, homeowners are left wondering what happened and how to prevent it next time.


As a local, family-owned plumbing company serving Denton, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Argyle, Highland Village, and surrounding areas, we see the same issues over and over again.


The Early Signs North Texans Should Never Ignore


Most homeowners don’t call until the problem is obvious, but the warning signs start much earlier.

Here’s what we tell our customers to look for:


1. Gurgling in sinks, showers, or tubs

That bubbling sound means the line is struggling to breathe. It’s often the first sign of a blockage forming.

2. Water rising in other drains when you flush

If flushing the toilet causes water to appear in a shower or bathtub, the main line is already partially blocked.

3. Slow drains throughout the house, not just one

One slow drain = local clogMultiple slow drains = main sewer issue

4. Sewer smell outside or near cleanouts

This often means the line is cracked or roots have found a way in.

5. Toilets that never flush “strong” anymore

Weak flushes are a sign of a downstream obstruction.

Ignoring these leads to:

  • backups into tubs

  • sewage in the yard

  • complete line collapse

  • emergency digs costing thousands

A proper drain cleaning before it gets to that point saves a ton of time, stress, and money.


Why Professional Drain Cleaning Matters (Not Store-Bought Chemicals)


We understand — it’s tempting to grab a bottle of drain cleaner at Home Depot.


But chemical cleaners:

  • damage older pipes

  • eat away at glue in PVC

  • kill the good bacteria in septic systems

  • don’t fix root intrusion

  • don’t remove scale or buildup

  • and usually push the clog around instead of clearing it


Professional cleaning uses:

  • high-power cable machines

  • specific cutting heads

  • professional techniques for roots

  • full clean-out access points


And when done correctly, it doesn’t just fix the clog — it restores the flow of the entire line.


Why a Camera Inspection Is Essential in North Texas


Because of our shifting soil, you never want to clean a drain blind.A camera inspection:

  • shows root intrusion

  • reveals pipe cracks

  • identifies bellies in the line

  • confirms if the line is clear

  • prevents repeated backups

  • helps homeowners plan for future repairs before anything “breaks”


It’s the difference between guessing and actually knowing what’s going on underground.

Many customers tell us this one step saved them thousands by catching small issues early.


Drain Cleaning vs. A Sewer Line Repair: What’s the Difference?


Here’s how we break it down for homeowners:


A drain cleaning is enough if:

  • The clog is caused by grease, wipes, debris, or minor roots

  • The line is in generally good shape

  • There’s no collapse or major offset

A repair is needed if:

  • Roots have fully penetrated

  • The line has a crack or separation

  • The camera shows a “belly” that holds water

  • The pipe has collapsed or deteriorated


We’ve seen situations where cleaning helps for a few weeks, but the camera reveals a bigger problem that needs attention before it becomes an emergency.


This is why promo season is the smartest time to check everything at once.


Winter Is Coming — And It’s Prime Time for Drain Issues


North Texas winter isn’t the same as Chicago winter, but cold snaps put major strain on older pipes.

  • Cast iron contracts

  • Clay pipes shift

  • Grease solidifies

  • Roots spread faster in dry months seeking moisture


Every winter, we get dozens of calls that start with:

“It was just a little slow last month…”


That’s why taking care of it before temperatures drop is the best move.


How North Texas Homeowners Can Prevent Major Drain Problems


Here are a few of our local pro tips:


1. Never pour grease or cooking oils down the drain

Here in Texas, BBQ grease is the #1 enemy of kitchen drains.

2. Install mesh strainers in showers and kitchen sinks

Our hard water + hair = cement.

3. Clean your main line every 12–18 months if you have large trees

Oak, pecan, and magnolia trees love sewer lines.

4. Schedule a camera inspection if you’ve had repeated slow drains

This is especially important in Denton County, where clay soil shifts more aggressively.

5. Don’t flush wipes — even the “flushable” ones

Texas sewer systems hate them.


Our North Texas Drain Cleaning Special


Take advantage of our special offer and get professional drain cleaning for just $199 (down from $350). Plus, receive a FREE camera inspection (a $150 value) to better identify blockages and ensure a thorough clean.

 

The camera inspection helps us locate clogs and assess the condition of your pipes. Please note, this offer does not include video recording — the camera is used solely to identify issues.


Coupon graphic advertising a $199 drain cleaning and free camera inspection offer from Jensen Plumbing.
Professional Drain Cleaning Promotion

This is one of our most popular specials because it lets homeowners get ahead of problems before the holiday surge and before winter pipe shifts.


  • Professional drain cleaning service for only $199 (before $350)

  • FREE camera inspection (valued at $150)



Final Thoughts: Take Care of Your Drains Before They Take Over Your Day


A drain clog always shows up at the worst time:

  • Before guests arrive

  • Before a holiday meal

  • First thing in the morning

  • Late at night

  • Or when you’re already busy with a hundred other things


In North Texas, small drain issues rarely stay small. With our soil and weather patterns, a simple slow drain today can become a full sewer backup next week.


Getting it handled now — with a proper cleaning and a camera inspection — is the smartest way to protect your home (and your wallet).


If you have questions, think you might have a problem, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.


Jensen Plumbing LLC

Done Right the First Time, Every Time.

📍 Denton • Flower Mound • Lantana • Lewisville

📞 Call/Text: 214-287-0445






 
 
 

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