Sometimes the problem isn't a clog—it's how the pipes were installed in the first place. That's exactly what Bradyn discovered when he responded to Joe's call about a kitchen drain issue that had shut down his sinks and dishwasher.
The Problem: Drain Pipes Going Uphill
Joe called Lighthouse Plumbing on a Friday morning. His kitchen was completely out of commission—sinks backed up, dishwasher unusable. He needed help fast.
We had Bradyn out that same afternoon for a same-day service call. After inspecting the plumbing, Bradyn quickly identified the root cause: the drain pipes had been installed going uphill.
For those who aren't plumbers, here's the issue: drain pipes rely on gravity to move wastewater away from your home. When pipes slope the wrong direction—even slightly—water pools, debris collects, and clogs become inevitable. It's a problem that no amount of snaking or drain cleaning can permanently fix.
The Solution: Complete Drain Line Reroute
The only real fix was to reroute the drain lines with the proper slope. Bradyn got to work and by noon on Monday—just the next working day—he had:
- Removed the incorrectly installed drain pipes
- Added approximately 20 feet of new plumbing
- Rerouted the lines with proper pitch for gravity drainage
- Tested everything to ensure proper flow
From Friday afternoon diagnosis to Monday noon completion—that's the kind of turnaround our customers count on.
Joe's Five-Star Review
"Really impressed with Lighthouse Plumbing. I called on Friday morning with a clog that left us without use of our kitchen sinks/dishwasher/etc. They had Bradyn out that afternoon, he identified the problem immediately (turns out drain pipes going UPhill is a problem), and he had completed a reroute/repair that included the addition of about 20 feet of new plumbing by noon on Monday. So much of being a homeowner is knowing who to call when a problem comes up. I will absolutely call Lighthouse Plumbing back when the need arises. They answered the initial call, they had someone out same-day, they were up-front about the cost, they fixed it the next working day. . .Thanks guys! Great job."
Why Proper Drain Slope Matters
If you're dealing with recurring clogs in the same location, it might not be what's going down your drain—it could be how your pipes were installed. Common signs of improper drain slope include:
- Recurring clogs in the same drain despite professional cleaning
- Slow drainage that never fully improves
- Gurgling sounds from your drains
- Standing water in pipes (visible during inspections)
- Odors from drains that won't go away
These issues often trace back to installation errors, settling foundations, or previous DIY repairs that didn't account for proper pitch.
The Lighthouse Difference
Joe summed it up perfectly: "So much of being a homeowner is knowing who to call when a problem comes up."
At Lighthouse Plumbing, we don't just clear clogs—we find and fix the underlying problem. When Bradyn saw those uphill pipes, he knew a band-aid fix wouldn't cut it. He explained the issue, gave Joe upfront pricing, and delivered a permanent solution.
That's why customers call us back. That's the Lighthouse way.
Dealing with Stubborn Drain Problems?
If you've got recurring clogs or drains that never seem to work right, there might be a bigger issue at play. Contact Lighthouse Plumbing for expert diagnosis and lasting solutions.