Q: Do drain cleaning experts need to be certified or licensed?

• <div><p>In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don&rsquo;t technically need a license, as they aren&rsquo;t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They&rsquo;ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to check your plumber&rsquo;s professional licenses before hiring.</p></div>

Q: Does root killer damage pipes?

• <div><p>If used correctly and sparingly, root killer shouldn&rsquo;t damage your pipes. Make sure to follow the instructions on the back of the bottle or the company&rsquo;s website to avoid any unintended damages. However, when it comes to copper sulfate, it&rsquo;s better to avoid it. This type of root killer can damage your plumbing and the surrounding environment.</p></div>

Question 1

Do drain cleaning experts need to be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

•

In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don’t technically need a license, as they aren’t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They’ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your plumber’s professional licenses before hiring.

Question 2

Does root killer damage pipes?

Accepted Answer

•

If used correctly and sparingly, root killer shouldn’t damage your pipes. Make sure to follow the instructions on the back of the bottle or the company’s website to avoid any unintended damages. However, when it comes to copper sulfate, it’s better to avoid it. This type of root killer can damage your plumbing and the surrounding environment.

Question 3

How long does it take for flushable wipes to break down?

Accepted Answer

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Some flushable wipes companies say they are designed to disintegrate within a few hours to a few days after being flushed. These wipes allegedly use materials that are more water-soluble than traditional wipes. However, many experts have raised concerns that even so-called "flushable" wipes do not break down as easily as claimed and can contribute to clogs and blockages in sewer systems.

To prevent plumbing and sewer problems, avoid flushing wipes, even those labeled as flushable. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. This can help prevent costly plumbing issues and reduce the strain on wastewater treatment systems.

Question 4

What causes sewer main blockages?

Accepted Answer

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Grease buildup, tree roots, and foreign objects often cause blockages. Regular maintenance prevents major issues.

Question 5

Can I use metal detectors to find my sewer line?

Accepted Answer

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No, you typically cannot use metal detectors to find your sewer line. Most sewer lines are made of non-metallic materials such as PVC, clay, or cast iron, which are not detectable by standard metal detectors. Metal detectors are designed to locate metallic objects, so they won't be effective for identifying the path of a non-metallic sewer line. To locate your sewer line accurately, it's best to use other methods.