Across Richmond, Vancouver and Burnaby we see the same causes again and again: grease build-up in kitchen lines, tree roots in older clay and concrete laterals, sagging (bellied) pipe in soft ground, and wipes or paper towel in the main. Each one needs a different fix, which is why we camera-inspect stubborn or recurring blockages instead of just pushing a cable through and hoping.
Signs your drain or sewer needs attention
- Several fixtures draining slowly at the same time
- Gurgling from the toilet when the washing machine drains
- Water coming up through a basement floor drain or shower
- Sewage smell inside the house or near the cleanout
- The same drain clogging again within weeks of being cleared
- Unusually green or soggy patches of lawn above the sewer line
Cabling vs. hydro jetting
Drain cabling (snaking) uses a rotating cutting head to punch through a blockage. It's quick and affordable, and it's the right tool for a single clog in a sink, tub or toilet line.
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the full inside wall of the pipe, flushing out grease, scale, sludge and fine roots that a cable leaves behind. It's the better choice for kitchen lines with years of grease, main lines that keep backing up, and lines being prepared for relining. We'll recommend jetting only when it's actually needed.
Sewer camera inspection — and you get the video
A waterproof camera on a push rod travels through your line and shows us exactly what's going on: roots, cracks, offsets, belly sections, or a collapsed pipe. We locate the problem from above ground so you know where it is and how deep, and we send you the recording.
Camera inspections are also worth doing before buying an older home. A main line replacement can cost far more than a roof, and it's invisible during a normal home inspection.
Repairs when cleaning isn't enough
If the camera shows a broken or collapsed section, we'll explain your options — spot repair of the damaged section, full lateral replacement, or root treatment and maintenance jetting — with the cost of each, so you can decide what makes sense for your home and budget.
How it works
- 01
Diagnose
We ask which fixtures are affected and when, which usually tells us where the blockage is.
- 02
Clear
Cable or hydro jet the line, depending on the cause and the pipe material.
- 03
Inspect
Camera the line on recurring or main-line blockages and send you the video.
- 04
Recommend
Plain-language options with flat prices if a repair is needed.
What it typically costs
| Sink, tub or toilet drain clearing | $180 – $350 |
| Main line cabling from cleanout | $250 – $450 |
| Sewer camera inspection with video | $250 – $450 |
| Hydro jetting (main or kitchen line) | $500 – $1,200 |
Typical ranges including labour and standard parts. Every job gets one flat price, approved by you before work starts.
Common questions
How often should a main sewer line be cleaned?
Most homes never need routine cleaning. If you have root intrusion or an older clay line, maintenance jetting every 12–24 months can prevent backups until the line is replaced.
Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?
We camera-inspect first on older or fragile lines and adjust pressure to suit the pipe. If a section is too damaged to jet, we'll tell you before we start.
Do I get to see the camera footage?
Yes. We show you on screen during the inspection and send you the recording afterwards.
Are drain cleaners from the store okay to use?
We'd avoid them. Chemical cleaners rarely clear a real blockage, can damage older pipes, and make the job hazardous for whoever clears it next.