What Eskew Elliott Sewer & Drain Cleaning Services Does and When to Call Them

Eskew Elliott handles drain clogs, sewer line problems, and preventive cleaning for homes and businesses across South Carolina

Eskew Elliott Sewer & Drain Cleaning Services is a regional plumbing contractor that specializes in clearing blocked drains, cleaning sewer lines, and diagnosing underground pipe damage. They serve residential and commercial properties throughout South Carolina, using equipment like hydro-jetting and camera inspection to identify and fix problems below ground level. Unlike general plumbers who handle fixtures and repairs inside your home, Eskew Elliott focuses on the drainage system itself—the pipes that carry waste away from your property.

The company operates as a service contractor, meaning you call them when you have a specific problem or want preventive maintenance done. They do not sell parts or materials; they perform the work on-site. Their main service areas include drain cleaning, sewer line repair, grease trap cleaning, and video inspection of underground pipes to locate blockages or cracks.

Key Takeaways

• Eskew Elliott specializes in underground drainage work—sewer lines, drain clogs, and pipe inspection—rather than fixture repair or installation.
• They use hydro-jetting and camera inspection to clear blockages and diagnose problems without digging up your yard unnecessarily.
• The company serves both residential homes and commercial properties across South Carolina.
• You contact them directly when you notice slow drains, backups, or sewage odors, or to schedule preventive cleaning on older systems.
• Response time and pricing vary by location and job complexity, so calling for an estimate is the first step.

When to call Eskew Elliott for drain and sewer problems

Contact Eskew Elliott if you notice water draining slowly from multiple fixtures in your home, sewage backing up into your shower or toilet, or foul odors coming from drains or your yard. These are signs of a blockage or damage in the main sewer line or branch drains that run beneath your property. A single slow sink might be a local clog you can clear yourself, but slow drains throughout the house or actual backups mean the problem is deeper in the system.

Businesses with grease traps—restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food service operations—need regular cleaning to prevent buildup that hardens and blocks the line. Eskew Elliott offers grease trap cleaning as part of their service menu. Older homes with clay or cast-iron sewer lines may benefit from preventive cleaning every few years, since these materials are more prone to root intrusion and deterioration over time.

How Eskew Elliott diagnoses underground problems

Before clearing a drain or recommending repair, Eskew Elliott typically uses a camera inspection to see inside the pipe. A small waterproof camera on a flexible cable travels through the line and sends video to a monitor above ground. This shows exactly where a blockage is, whether it is tree roots, grease buildup, or collapsed pipe, and how severe the damage is. The camera inspection costs less than digging and tells you whether cleaning will solve the problem or whether the pipe itself needs replacement.

Once the problem is identified, they use hydro-jetting—high-pressure water forced through the line—to clear most blockages. Hydro-jetting removes grease, mineral deposits, and roots without chemicals and without damaging the pipe itself. For severe damage like cracks or collapses, they may recommend trenchless pipe repair or, in some cases, excavation and replacement.

Service areas and how to reach them

Eskew Elliott operates throughout South Carolina, with service availability depending on your location. To find out whether they serve your address and to get pricing information, you contact them directly by phone or through their website. They typically offer free estimates or an initial consultation fee that may be credited toward the work if you hire them.

Response time varies by demand and your location within their service area. Emergency calls for active sewage backups are usually prioritized. If you have a non-emergency clog or want to schedule preventive maintenance, you may have more flexibility in scheduling.

What to expect during a service call

When Eskew Elliott arrives, they will first inspect the problem area and may run a camera through the line to diagnose the issue. They will explain what they found, what options exist to fix it, and what the work will cost. If you approve, they proceed with cleaning, repair, or whatever solution fits your situation. The time required depends on the job—a simple drain cleaning might take an hour or two, while a sewer line inspection and cleaning could take longer.

After the work is done, ask them to explain what they found and what caused the problem. Understanding whether the blockage was grease, roots, or debris helps you prevent the same issue in the future. For example, if roots are the culprit, you may need to avoid planting trees near the line or schedule cleaning more often.

Preventive maintenance and cost considerations

Regular drain cleaning can prevent emergencies, especially for older homes or properties with known issues like tree roots near the sewer line. Some homeowners schedule cleaning every two to three years as preventive maintenance; others only call when a problem occurs. The cost of preventive cleaning is usually less than the cost of an emergency backup or pipe replacement.

Pricing for Eskew Elliott's services depends on the type of work, how deep the problem is, and your location within South Carolina. A camera inspection costs less than hydro-jetting, which costs less than excavation and pipe replacement. Call for a specific estimate based on your situation rather than assuming a price based on another job.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my problem is a clog or a damaged sewer line?

A camera inspection is the only way to know for certain. If only one fixture drains slowly, it is likely a local clog. If multiple drains are slow or backing up, or if you smell sewage in your yard, the problem is likely in the main line. Eskew Elliott can run a camera to show you exactly what is happening.

Is hydro-jetting safe for old pipes?

Hydro-jetting is generally safe for most pipes when done by professionals who know the pressure settings to use. Very old or severely damaged pipes may not tolerate high pressure. The camera inspection before jetting helps determine whether your pipes can handle it. If they cannot, other methods like mechanical cleaning are available.

What should I do if I have a sewage backup right now?

Stop using water in your home to avoid making the backup worse, and call Eskew Elliott immediately to report an emergency. They prioritize active backups. While you wait, avoid flushing toilets or running sinks, showers, or washing machines. If the backup is severe or poses a health risk, contact your local health department as well.

Do I need to be home during the service call?

Yes, Eskew Elliott will need access to your property and to drains or cleanout points, which are usually outside or in a basement. You should be present to answer questions about the problem, approve the work, and understand what was found and fixed.

How often should I have my sewer line cleaned?

It depends on your home's age, the material of your pipes, and whether you have had problems before. Newer homes with PVC lines may never need cleaning. Older homes with clay or cast-iron lines, or homes with tree roots nearby, may benefit from cleaning every two to five years. Eskew Elliott can recommend a schedule based on what they find during inspection.