If you’re living in West Philly, University City, Logan, or North Philly, chances are your home’s plumbing system has been around for decades. Many of our clients call us asking, “Why is my drain so slow?” or “Is it normal to need frequent drain cleaning?” The answer usually lies in a combination of age, material, and Philadelphia’s unique infrastructure.
Let’s break down the most common causes of slow or clogged drains in older Philly properties—and what you can do about them.
🛠️ Top 5 Reasons Your Drains Are Backing Up
- Old Cast Iron Pipes
Many West Philly homes built before 1950 still have cast iron plumbing, which corrodes internally over time. This buildup reduces flow and traps debris. - Tree Root Intrusion
North Philly rowhomes often share lateral sewer lines, making them prone to root invasion, especially in spring and summer when tree roots spread fast. - Improper Slope or Settling
In areas like University City, older houses can shift and settle, changing the pipe slope and creating pockets where waste and water collect. - Grease & Soap Scum Buildup
The classic kitchen sink clog! Grease hardens in your lines, and over time, soap binds to it, creating hard-to-shift blockages. - Flushing the Wrong Items
Wipes, feminine products, and “flushable” items are frequent offenders. If your home has tight bends or older plumbing, these can cause major slowdowns.
🔧 What We Offer
At Philadelphia Plumbing Experts, we provide:
- Camera inspections to locate blockages and inspect pipe conditions
- Hydro jetting services to clean the inside of your pipes
- Drain snaking for quick, non-invasive clog removal
- Sewer line repairs and replacements with trenchless options available
- Honest evaluations to help you choose between repair vs. replacement
A recent client in Logan called with chronic kitchen sink clogs. After a camera inspection, we found 75% blockage from hardened grease. Hydro jetting cleared it out in under two hours, and the homeowner hasn’t had a backup since.
📎 Curious about Philly sewer line regulations? Check out Philadelphia Water Department’s Plumbing Code for local standards and compliance information.
📍 Service Areas: West Philly, Logan, North Philly, University City
🔍 Keywords Used: plumber Philadelphia, drain cleaning, pipe repair
🚰 If your drains are running slow, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency.
Schedule your professional drain cleaning today. We’re the go-to licensed plumbers in Philadelphia, with decades of experience working on historic and modern plumbing systems alike.
📞 Call now or request a free estimate online. Fast, affordable, and trusted by your neighbors.
