|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Last Revised: 6/4/25
Have you ever had a drain clog return shortly after a professional plumber cleared it? Are you left wondering why some plumbing services and repairs are covered under warranty – but others, like unclogging a drain, aren’t?
Dealing with water that’s backing up into your sink or shower is the last thing anyone wants to deal with. And when a clogged drain returns not long after you hired a professional to take care of it, it can be downright exasperating.
The team at Mattioni has been helping homeowners solve plumbing challenges for over 75 years – and we know just how frustrating this can be. That’s why we’re transparent about why drain clog services are not covered under warranty.
In this article, we’ll uncover why drain clogs fall outside warranty protection, break down what you get when you pay for a drain clearing, and give you five easy habits to help prevent future blockages.
Clogs Don’t Come from the Pipes – They Come from What’s in Them
Unlike a cracked pipe or faulty faucet, drain clogs are caused by what’s going down the drain – not a defect in the plumbing itself. Common culprits include:
- Grease from cooking pans
- Hair buildup in showers and tubs
- Food scraps (even in homes with garbage disposals)
- “Flushable” wipes (which don’t break down like toilet paper)
- Foreign objects like toys, hygiene products, or paper towels
These materials build up gradually over time. Some form a slow blockage (like grease, which acts like cholesterol in your arteries), while others create sudden obstructions. Because the problem is caused by daily use – not a faulty product or service – it falls outside the scope of a service warranty.
Why We Can’t Guarantee a Clean Drain Will Stay Clear
When we clear a clog, we’re often doing it “blind” – the inside of your pipe isn’t visible unless you’ve opted for a camera inspection. While our team uses the best available tools and techniques to remove blockages, we can’t guarantee that every trace of buildup is gone.
More importantly, we can’t control what goes down your drain tomorrow. If grease, hair, or wipes continue to enter the system, a new clog can form even after a fully successful service. For this reason, warranties – which cover material failure or workmanship – can’t apply to something driven by household habits.
Think of it like this: a mechanic can fix your brakes, but they can’t guarantee how you’ll drive after the repair. The same logic applies to drain work.
Why Other Plumbing Repairs Get Warranty Coverage But Unclogging Doesn’t
So why are other plumbing services covered under warranty?
Because those services involve specific, visible repairs – like installing a new faucet or replacing a section of pipe. We can verify the materials, workmanship, and conditions at the time of service. If something fails, we can trace it back to a part or installation issue.
Drain clog services are different. The “problem” isn’t always the pipe – it’s what’s being put into it. Since we can’t control that or verify future conditions, we can’t extend a warranty the way we would for a new fixture or repair.
What’s Included in a Drain Clog Service
Even though drain clog services aren’t covered under warranty, they’re still performed with the same professional care and expertise as any other Mattioni service.
Our technicians may use a combination of:
- Plungers to force water and air through the blockage
- Hand augers (drain snakes) to break up clogs close to the drain
- Power drain machines to reach deeper into the line (up to 50 feet or more)
- Water testing to confirm restored flow
- Optional camera inspection (for main lines or recurring problems)
Every drain situation is unique. Some clogs clear quickly; others require multiple tools or techniques. If needed, our plumbers may even remove a toilet or cleanout access point to ensure the job is done thoroughly.
How to Prevent Repeat Clogs
Good drain habits go a long way in preventing future blockages. Here’s what we recommend:
- Never pour grease down the kitchen sink. Let it cool, then dispose of it in the trash.
- Use hair catches in bathtubs and showers to reduce buildup.
- Avoid “flushable” wipes. Despite the label, they don’t break down like toilet paper.
- Flush wisely. Don’t overload toilets with paper or dispose of foreign items.
- Run water during and after garbage disposal use to help carry waste away.
We also recommend periodic maintenance or camera inspections if you have older pipes or frequently recurring issues.
In Summary: Why Drain Clog Services Aren’t Warrantied
Drain clogs aren’t covered under warranty because they’re caused by how the drain is used – not by a plumbing failure or product defect. Even with professional equipment and expertise, we can’t control what goes down your pipes after we leave.
At Mattioni, we’re committed to honest service, clear communication, and long-term solutions. That includes being upfront about what’s covered, what’s not, and what you can do to reduce the risk of clogs in the future.
Need help with a clog or recurring drain problem?
Whether it’s a slow shower drain or a stubborn kitchen sink, Mattioni’s expert team is ready to help. Schedule a service today or ask about a camera inspection for peace of mind.
Call us at (610) 400-8510 or book your service online.
