Straight Answers From the Master

In Central Ohio's established neighborhoods, repeat clogs usually trace back to one of three things: grease and soap buildup coating the inside of the pipe, tree roots working into aging clay or cast-iron sewer lines, or a partial bellied (sagging) section of pipe. A sewer camera inspection helps us see which one you have so we fix the cause, not just the symptom.

Snaking (rooter service) punches a hole through a clog so water can drain again — a great first response for an active backup. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the pipe walls, cutting through grease, sludge, and root intrusion, and restoring as much usable inside diameter and flow as reasonably possible. For lines that clog again and again, jetting gives a more thorough, longer-lasting result — though results depend on the condition of the existing piping, and 100% removal or restoration is not guaranteed.

Root intrusion is one of the most common sewer problems we see in Columbus, especially on mature lots. We start with a camera inspection to map the intrusion, clear it with rooter service or hydro jetting, then talk through longer-term fixes — from targeted spot repairs to trenchless line replacement that doesn't require digging up your whole yard.

If you're buying an older home, dealing with repeat backups, or planning major plumbing work, yes. A camera inspection shows the real condition of your line — cracks, root intrusion, bellies, or collapse — before you spend money guessing. It turns 'we think it's the sewer' into a clear, documented diagnosis.

Yes — phones are answered after hours. Call (614) 276-1510 and we'll schedule the earliest available technician. A $125 after-hours emergency dispatch fee applies in addition to the service and repair charges.

Stay clear of electrical hazards — water and electricity together are dangerous, so don't enter standing water near outlets, appliances or other electrical equipment. Contact the electric utility, emergency services or a qualified electrician when necessary. If you can reach the main water shutoff without stepping into water or going near an electrical hazard, close it. Then call us at (614) 276-1510 and we'll take it from there.

Anything that's actively causing damage or leaving you without safe water: burst or leaking pipes, sewage backups, an overflowing toilet you can't stop, no water at all, or a failed sump pump during heavy rain. When in doubt, call — we'd rather talk you through it than have you wait on standing water.

Columbus basements take on water during our heavy spring rains and rapid snowmelt, and the sump pump is the last line of defense. We test, repair, and replace sump pumps, and can add a battery backup so a storm-related power outage doesn't leave your basement unprotected at the worst possible moment.

A conventional tank costs less up front and is simple to service. A properly sized tankless water heater can provide continuous hot water when operating within the unit's rated capacity, and it saves space and can lower energy use over its longer life. We'll size either option to your household's real hot-water demand and walk you through the trade-offs before you decide.

Central Ohio has moderately hard water, and over time the minerals leave scale in pipes, fixtures, and water heaters and leave spots on glassware. A water softener protects your plumbing and appliances and improves how water feels for cleaning and bathing. We can test your water and recommend softening or filtration that fits your home.

A well-maintained conventional water heater typically lasts 8–12 years; tankless units often go 20 or more. Rusty hot water, popping or rumbling from the tank, leaks around the base, or running out of hot water faster than usual are all signs it's time to have yours checked.

Repiping replaces old, failing supply lines — common in older Columbus homes with galvanized steel that's corroding from the inside. If you're fighting low water pressure, discolored water, or repeated pinhole leaks, repiping fixes the whole system at once instead of patching one leak after another.

We give you upfront pricing before any work begins — you approve the price, then we do the job. Nothing is added at the end without your approval. We offer free estimates on water line and sewer line repair or replacement. If concealed conditions change the scope once we're on site, we explain what we found and get your approval before any additional work proceeds.

Yes. Financing through Wisetack is available to qualifying customers, and it can be arranged and approved before work begins — worth asking about on larger projects like a sewer or water line replacement. Wisetack presents the options you qualify for based on your application.

Yes. DrainMaster is a licensed and insured, family owned and operated company holding Ohio License #35036, and we carry municipal bonding where a jurisdiction requires it. Every job is done to code by people who stand behind their work.

We serve Greater Columbus, including Dublin, Westerville, Upper Arlington, Hilliard, Gahanna, Grove City, Bexley, Worthington, New Albany, Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, Canal Winchester, Pataskala, and London. Not sure if you're in range? Give us a call at (614) 276-1510 and we'll confirm.