Category Archive

We’ve all been there before, either when taking a shower that feels more like a bath, or using a sink that you can’t fill up too high. Clogged drains are an everyday inconvenience, but fortunately, fixing a clogged drain yourself is usually simple. First, you’ll just need to gather some basic household tools and supplies, and then get to work with your … Read More

Customer Question: We live in Traverse City, Michigan. The kitchen sink, which is the highest trap in our house, is venting a terrible smell into the house. Is this a clogged vent? Can Roto-Rooter of Northern Michigan fix it? Our Answer: It could be a clogged vent or a clogged drain, both will produce the same condition that allows sewer gas to … Read More

So you’ve received two estimates from plumbing contractors regarding the broken sewer main under your front yard. It’s leaking sewage and your toilets and sinks are backing up. Not only did they tell you it’s going to cost several thousand dollars to dig up and replace the pipe but the plumbing repair could also kill the two old shade trees when the … Read More

From time to time, a homeowner may have an unwelcome guest inside their homes.. However, the issue may not always be as easy as using a sheet of paper to send a spider back out into the world. In fact, you may find a few animals roaming around in your plumbing. This is because they have a number of access points, … Read More

In the fall, roots can return very quickly as the trees are creating more roots in preparation for the winter storage. The real problem is the roots were removed from the inside of the piping, but the tap roots are still in the hubs of the pipes. Snaking a line can only reach the hair-like fibers of the roots in the … Read More

Sewer lines are critical for sending waste and water away from a home, business or other structure, but sewer pipes are not impenetrable or impervious to blockages. Trees are a significant culprit, as their roots can penetrate sewer lines at pipe joints or damaged sections. Roots gradually obstruct the flow of sewage and eventually can cause a complete blockage of … Read More

We’ve all had that “Oh no!” moment after dropping something down the drain. Earrings, contact lenses and even toothbrushes sometimes manage to make their way into the pipes. When this happens, what do you do? Here are some tips: TRY A COAT HANGER It seems silly, but if you are able to remove the drain catch, try and feel around … Read More

The best way to avoid drain clogs is to be mindful of what you put in it. Instead of using harmful chemicals to clean your pipes, follow these simple tips to help keep your drains clear: THE KITCHEN SINK WITH A GARBAGE DISPOSAL Avoid tossing thick or sticky items into your kitchen sink. Food like thick fruit, vegetable peels, eggshells … Read More

Shower drain clogs can happen to anyone at any time. Hair, soap scum, and an accumulation of small items can cause a clog in no time. The best thing you can do is to take care of a clogged shower drain as soon as possible. Nobody likes to have standing water gathering around their ankles during their morning shower, but … Read More

What’s worse than suddenly realizing you need a plunger… and you’re stuck in the bathroom without one? When it comes to plumbing, planning for future issues is of paramount importance. Many people forget that home plumbing requires periodic maintenance, until a damaging or costly problem arises. Don’t be caught unawares. You can easily avoid many plumbing issues by performing a few … Read More