Sink Drain Repair and Roots Found in the Line: A DMS Plumbing Job

Job summary: DMS Plumbing, LLC replaced a section of old cast-iron sink drain, added a new cleanout and reconnected the sink. We then ran a drain cable about 100 feet through the new cleanout and pulled roots out of the line. A camera inspection afterward still showed roots in the line, so we recommended monthly maintenance for this particular drain line.

This post walks through what we did on this job, what the camera showed, and what was still left to manage. We’re sharing it to show how this kind of repair works, not to suggest every drain needs the same work.

Getting to the Old Cast-Iron Drain

The drain pipe for this sink was old cast iron. To reach it, we opened the cabinet backing and the drywall, which gave direct access to the piping.

General note: cast iron is a heavy metal drain pipe common in older plumbing. Over time the inside of cast-iron pipe can build up scale and corrosion.

Replacing the Sink Drain Section and Adding a Cleanout

We removed a section of the old cast-iron pipe and installed a replacement sink drain section. As part of the same repair, we added a new cleanout.

A cleanout is a capped access fitting on a drain line. Removing the cap lets a plumber put a drain cable or camera straight into the line, instead of going through the sink trap or taking fixtures apart.

We then reconnected the sink with new slip-joint fittings. These are the threaded nuts and washers that join the sink’s tailpiece and trap to the drain.

Cabling the Line and Pulling Out Roots

Through the new cleanout, we ran a drain cable approximately 100 feet into the line while water was running. Running water helps carry loosened material down the line as the cable works.

When the cable came back out, it brought roots with it.

General note: roots in a drain line usually mean they have found a way into the pipe somewhere along the line.

What the Camera Inspection Found Afterward

After cabling, we ran a sewer camera inspection down the line. A camera inspection sends a small waterproof camera through the pipe so the technician can see the inside of the line on a screen.

The camera showed roots still in the line after cabling.

What Was Completed and What Remained

Completed on this job:

• Opened the cabinet backing and drywall to reach the old cast-iron drain
• Removed a section of cast-iron pipe
• Installed a replacement sink drain section and a new cleanout
• Reconnected the sink with new slip-joint fittings
• Cabled about 100 feet of line through the cleanout while running water, and pulled out roots
• Camera-inspected the line after cabling

Still remaining: Roots were still visible during the camera inspection after cabling; this visit did not establish a permanent resolution of the root issue.

Our Maintenance Recommendation for This Line

Because roots were still present, we recommended monthly maintenance for this particular drain line. The new cleanout makes that maintenance easier, since the line can now be reached directly.

This recommendation was specific to this job and what we saw on camera. It is not a general rule for every home or business. How often a drain needs service depends on its own condition, which is why a camera inspection is useful before deciding on a plan.

Questions About This Job

What work did DMS complete?

We opened the cabinet backing and drywall and replaced a section of old cast-iron sink drain. We installed a new cleanout, reconnected the sink with new slip-joint fittings, cabled about 100 feet of line, pulled out roots, and camera-inspected the line.

What did the camera inspection find?

After cabling, the camera showed that roots were still in the line.

Did this repair permanently resolve the root problem?

Roots were still visible during the camera inspection after cabling; this visit did not establish a permanent resolution of the root issue. The drain section was replaced and roots were retrieved during cabling, and we recommended monthly maintenance for this particular line.

Drain Repair, Drain Cleaning and Camera Inspections in the Las Vegas Valley

DMS Plumbing, LLC is a residential and commercial service plumbing company serving the Las Vegas Valley 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If a drain keeps backing up, or you want to see what’s happening inside your line, see our drain cleaning and sewer camera inspection services.

We offer free estimates and give upfront pricing before work begins. Call DMS Plumbing, LLC at (702) 353-7335 or contact us online. DMS Plumbing, LLC, Nevada License #0077442.