A slow drain is easy to ignore. You tell yourself it’ll work itself out, pour some store-bought cleaner down, or give it a few extra minutes to drain. But slow drains rarely fix themselves — they get slower, then they stop moving altogether, and then you’re dealing with a backup that affects your daily routine and potentially damages your home.

SOS Plumbing provides professional drain cleaning throughout Myrtle Beach, Conway, Socastee, North Myrtle Beach, and all of Horry County. Here’s what you need to know about drain problems, why store-bought solutions fall short, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Common Causes of Drain Clogs in Myrtle Beach Homes

The Grand Strand’s coastal environment, older housing stock, and seasonal population surges create drain conditions unlike most inland communities. Here’s what we find most often:

  • Grease and food buildup — Kitchen sink drains accumulate grease, soap residue, and food particles that congeal on pipe walls over time
  • Hair and soap scum — Bathroom drains are among the most common calls we get, especially in homes with multiple occupants or vacation rentals
  • Tree root intrusion — Mature landscaping common in established Myrtle Beach and Conway neighborhoods can push roots into sewer lines
  • Mineral buildup — Hard water deposits narrow the interior of pipes gradually, reducing flow even when there’s no single obvious blockage
  • Foreign objects — Wipes, cotton products, and small objects that shouldn’t go down the drain but do

Why Store-Bought Drain Cleaners Are a Temporary Fix at Best

Liquid drain cleaners may punch through a minor blockage temporarily, but they don’t remove the clog — they dissolve just enough to restore some flow. The residue stays in the pipe and continues to attract debris. Over time, the buildup returns faster. Worse, harsh chemical cleaners can damage older pipe materials, especially the older galvanized and cast iron lines found in many established Myrtle Beach neighborhoods.

Professional drain cleaning physically removes the blockage, cleans the pipe wall, and restores full flow capacity — not just a temporary trickle.

What SOS Plumbing Uses to Clear Your Drains

Depending on the type and location of the clog, we use one of two main methods:

  • Drain snake / auger — A motorized cable that breaks through and removes solid blockages in sink, tub, and toilet drains. Effective for most standard clogs.
  • Hydro-jetting — High-pressure water blasted through the pipe at controlled pressure. Cuts through grease, mineral buildup, and root intrusion while cleaning the pipe walls thoroughly. The most thorough solution available for stubborn or recurring drain problems.

Drain Camera Inspection — Seeing What’s Really Going On

For recurring drain problems or suspected sewer line issues, we use a drain camera — a waterproof camera fed through the line — to see exactly what’s causing the problem and where. This eliminates guesswork, lets us confirm the fix was successful, and can identify developing issues before they become major failures. If you’ve had repeated drain problems, camera inspection is the step that actually answers the question.

When Drain Cleaning Becomes a Sewer Line Issue

If multiple drains in your home are slow or backing up simultaneously — especially if you’re seeing water back up in unexpected places (like water in the tub when you flush a toilet) — you likely have a main sewer line issue rather than individual drain clogs. This is a more serious situation that requires professional diagnosis and repair. SOS Plumbing handles sewer line cleaning, repair, and inspection throughout Myrtle Beach and Horry County.

Fast, Professional Drain Cleaning Across the Grand Strand

SOS Plumbing serves Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Garden City, Georgetown, and all of Horry County. Don’t let a slow drain turn into an emergency. Call us or visit sosplumbingsc.com to schedule drain cleaning service today.

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