Clogged Drain in Omaha? Here’s What to Try Before You Call a Plumber

A slow-draining sink, a tub that won’t empty, or a backed-up shower can turn your day upside down. But before you panic and pick up the phone, it’s worth knowing that not every clogged drain calls for a plumber right away.

In fact, there are several simple steps you can try at home—safely—before scheduling a professional drain cleaning. At Southside Plumbing, we want Omaha homeowners to be informed, prepared, and confident. And when it’s time for expert help, we’re just a call away.

🚿 What Causes a Clogged Drain?

Drain clogs are incredibly common and usually caused by a buildup of everyday materials like:

• Hair
• Soap scum
• Grease and oil
• Food scraps
• Coffee grounds
• Foreign objects (think: toys, floss, or wipes)

Depending on which drain is affected—kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, or floor drain—the cause might vary. Homes in Omaha and Council Bluffs, especially older ones, often have aging plumbing systems that are more susceptible to clogs caused by debris or pipe scale.

🔧 What to Try Before You Call a Plumber

Here’s a plumber-approved checklist to troubleshoot a clogged drain on your own:

1. Remove the Drain Cover and Check for Blockages
   • Hair, gunk, and visible buildup are the #1 culprits in bathroom drains. Use gloves or tweezers to remove any material stuck near the surface.
2. Try Boiling Water (Cautiously)
   • If the clog is caused by grease or soap buildup, slowly pouring boiling water down the drain can help dissolve the blockage. Do this in two or three rounds, allowing the hot water to work before adding more.
   • Note: Don’t use boiling water on PVC pipes—it may soften or damage them. This is better suited for metal piping.
3. Use a Plunger
   • Most people think plungers are just for toilets, but a sink or tub plunger can also break up minor clogs. Be sure to cover any overflow drain opening with a wet cloth for better suction.
4. Try a Drain Snake
   • A handheld drain snake (or auger) is a great DIY tool for reaching deeper into the drain and pulling out hair or debris. These are affordable and easy to find at most Omaha hardware stores.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

Skip the chemical drain cleaners.

While store-bought products may seem convenient, they often do more harm than good—especially to older plumbing systems common in Omaha homes. These chemicals are highly corrosive, can weaken pipes, and don’t always fix the underlying issue.

Plus, they’re dangerous if inhaled or spilled. If your drain is still clogged, you don’t want that chemical mess sitting in your sink.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If your drain remains slow after trying these steps—or if you’re experiencing frequent or recurring clogs—the problem might be deeper in your system. Some common causes we see include:

• Tree root intrusion into the main sewer line
• Grease or sludge buildup far down the line
• Pipe damage, corrosion, or collapse
• Poor drainage slope or “bellies” in the piping

This is where the pros at Southside Plumbing come in.

We offer advanced tools like camera inspections to locate the exact cause of your plumbing issue and hydro jetting to blast away even the most stubborn clogs with high-pressure water.

🔗 Explore our full drain cleaning services here

Why Choose Southside Plumbing?

• 🛠️ Local Experts – We know the common plumbing challenges faced by Omaha and Council Bluffs homeowners.
• 🎥 High-Tech Inspections – Get a clear look inside your pipes without digging or guesswork.
• ⚡ Same-Day Service Available – We’re fast, reliable, and always professional.
• 💧 Solutions That Last – Our drain cleaning isn’t a temporary fix. We get to the root of the problem.

Whether it’s your kitchen sink, shower drain, or basement floor drain, Southside Plumbing has the experience and tools to get things flowing again—safely and effectively.

🔗 Need leak repairs too? We do that.

Serving the Omaha Area (and Beyond)

We proudly serve the Omaha metro, including Council Bluffs, Ralston, La Vista, and other nearby communities. From small clogs to major backups, we handle it all with the honesty and clarity homeowners deserve.

🌀 Still stuck? Don’t wait for a clogged drain to become a bigger issue. Call Southside Plumbing for expert help and real solutions.