Drain Cleaning in Mount Rainier, MD

Mount Rainier drain conditions

Mount Rainier began as an early-1900s streetcar suburb on the DC line, and much of the city is a National Register historic district full of Sears kit houses and Craftsman homes. The median home was built in 1952. In houses of that age, galvanized supply pipe, cast iron drains and older sewer laterals are likely. Cast iron scales and rusts from the inside, shrinking the pipe opening; clay and other early lateral materials have joints that roots can find. Those conditions catch grease and paper, so clogs tend to come back.

Even though it borders Washington, Mount Rainier is served by WSSC Water, not DC Water. The City does not run its own water or sewer system. If a manhole or street sewer overflows, call WSSC's emergency line at 301-206-4002. For repairs, WSSC Water issues plumbing permits and inspects the work, and the City's Code Compliance office handles city building permits.

Comparing your options

For many Mount Rainier homes, a camera look after the first major clog is money well spent, since it tells you whether you are maintaining a sound pipe or one near the end of its life.

Signs to act on

• Water backing up at the basement floor drain or laundry tub
• Rust flakes when a drain is plunged
• Gurgling toilets after other fixtures drain
• Slow drains on every floor at once

Seasonal timing

Roots grow most actively in the warm months, so older laterals often slow down in late spring and summer. Heavy summer storms push extra water through the system and can expose a partly blocked main. In winter, holiday cooking loads kitchen lines with grease. If the camera shows the lateral needs replacing, plan for a WSSC permit and a plumber registered with WSSC Water.