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From preventing sewer backups to spotting early warning signs, our blog is here to help Kansas City homeowners stay ahead of plumbing problems. Backed by decades of hands-on experience, we share straightforward advice, honest insights, and pro tips to keep your drains flowing smoothly.

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Text on wet floor tiles: "Hot Water Flushes—A Simple Summer Solution for Floor Drain Backups." Logo: Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning with a cartoon plunger.

When summer temperatures in Overland Park soar, your air conditioner kicks into high gear—and so does your floor drain. At Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we know how hard your plumbing system works behind the scenes to handle the moisture and condensation created by your HVAC system. That’s why we want to share a simple, effective tip for your drain summer solutions and plumbing maintenance: hot water flushes for your floor drains.


What Happens to Floor Drains in Summer?

During the hot summer months, air conditioners run longer and harder to keep your home comfortable. As a result, they generate a much larger volume of condensation, which is typically funneled into your floor drain. But here’s the issue:

When too much condensation builds up over time, it can combine with dust, lint, and mildew to form a thick, slimy substance inside your floor drain. We call it “air conditioner snot.”

This snotty, gelatinous buildup accumulates along the inside of your floor drain pipe, eventually restricting water flow and causing blockages that lead to messy, inconvenient backups.


The Easiest Prevention Method? Hot Water Flushes.

The good news is that you can prevent AC snot buildup before it becomes a problem—with nothing more than hot water.

Here’s how:

  • Fill a 5-gallon bucket with hot (but not boiling) water

  • Slowly pour it into your floor drain

  • Repeat twice a month during peak summer months (June–August)

This hot water flush helps break down the sticky AC condensation buildup and pushes it through your drain system before it can solidify or block the line. It’s quick, safe, and can save you from costly emergency cleanouts.


Why We Recommend This Drain Summer Solution for Overland Park Homes

We’ve seen firsthand how easily floor drain backups can sneak up on homeowners—especially during long hot spells. And since many Overland Park homes rely on floor drains to manage HVAC condensation, these systems need a little extra attention during summer. Performing regular hot water flushes is a DIY solution that’s affordable, accessible, and highly effective.


Signs Your Floor Drain May Already Be Clogged

Even with preventative care, it’s important to watch for warning signs that your floor drain might already be struggling:

  • Water pooling around the drain

  • Gurgling or bubbling sounds

  • Slow drainage

  • Foul odors near the basement or utility area

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in the professionals.


Professional Floor Drain Cleaning When You Need It

At Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we specialize in floor drain cleaning and inspection services across Overland Park. If your hot water flushes aren’t cutting it, or if it’s been years since your drains were professionally cleaned, let us help. We’ll safely remove all AC buildup and restore full function to your drain system.


Want to protect your home from summer drain backups? Start with a hot water flush today—or call Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning for expert floor drain service in Overland Park. We’re here to keep your system clean, clear, and flowing all season long.

Orange text on black reads "It's About To Go Down!" followed by a phone number "913-544-6444." Bold, energetic mood.

 
 
 
Colorful pool tubes float in water. Text: "5 Summer Plumbing Tips for Overland Park Homeowners." Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning logo present.

Summer is a season for backyard barbecues, pool days, and family fun—but it’s also a time when your plumbing system can face unique challenges. At Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we’re here to help Overland Park homeowners stay ahead of summer clogs, backups, and costly repairs. Here are five essential plumbing tips to keep things flowing smoothly all season long. Here are 5 Summer Plumbing Tips for Overland Park Homeowners:


1. Watch What Goes Down the Kitchen Sink

Summer cookouts often mean greasy foods, marinades, and sauces. Pouring grease or oil down the drain might seem harmless at the time, but it hardens as it cools, clinging to your pipes and forming tough blockages. Instead, let grease solidify in a container, then throw it in the trash. Consider scraping plates into the trash before rinsing them to reduce food waste going down the drain. These small changes can prevent stubborn kitchen sink clogs and keep your system running smoothly.


2. Clear Outdoor Drains and Gutters

Overland Park experiences intense summer storms, and clogged gutters or exterior drains can spell disaster. When these systems are blocked with leaves, sticks, or debris, water can back up and pool near your foundation. This increases the risk of basement flooding or even structural damage over time. Cleaning your gutters regularly and checking your downspouts for obstructions helps divert water safely away from your home. Higgins also offers floor drain inspections to ensure your indoor and outdoor drainage systems are storm-ready.


3. Avoid Sudden Surges in Water Use

Extra laundry from swimwear, outdoor rinsing, and guest visits can strain your plumbing. Spread out laundry loads and avoid running multiple water-heavy appliances simultaneously. If your laundry drain is slow or gurgling, Higgins can help clear it before a backup occurs.


4. Keep an Eye on Sewer Smells

The heat and humidity of summer can intensify unpleasant odors from your plumbing. If you smell sewer gas inside your home or outside near sewer cleanouts, it could mean there’s a crack in the line, a partial clog, or even a dried-out drain trap. These odors aren’t just unpleasant—they could indicate a serious issue with your sewer line. Our team uses video inspection tools to identify problems quickly and provide long-lasting solutions.


5. Schedule a Drain Inspection Before Guests Arrive

Summer is a popular time for family visits, parties, and cookouts. The extra demand on your plumbing system can expose hidden problems—especially in older homes. Scheduling a professional drain cleaning or inspection before guests arrive gives you peace of mind and helps prevent inconvenient backups. Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning provides fast, affordable sewer and drain service that keeps your home ready for summer entertaining.


Find These Summer Plumbing Tips for Overland Park Homeowners Helpful? Still Need Help? We're Here for You.

Ready for a stress-free summer? Contact Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning for expert drain cleaning in Overland Park, including kitchen, laundry, and floor drain services.



 
 
 

Handshake in front of a house. Text: "HOW WE SERVE OP: YOUR LOCAL DRAIN CLEANING EXPERTS." Logo: Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning with a cartoon plunger.

At Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we’re proud to be based right here in Overland Park, KS—serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Kansas City metro with expert drain cleaning and unbeatable customer service. With decades of experience and a trusted local reputation, we're more than just contractors—we're your neighbors.


Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn kitchen sink clog or recurring main line backups, we bring hometown care and professional precision to every job.


Why Being Local Matters

Hiring a local company means more than just supporting small business—it means faster service, better insight, and a personal touch you won’t get from a national chain. Here’s why Overland Park residents continue to choose Higgins:


Fast Response Times When emergencies strike, you need help fast. Because we’re centrally located, we can respond quickly to urgent calls throughout Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Prairie Village, and surrounding areas.


Familiarity With Local Plumbing Systems From older homes with cast iron pipes in Prairie Village to newer subdivisions with PVC systems in Lenexa, we’ve seen it all—and we know how to handle the quirks of each.


We’re Part of the Community We live and work here. That means every customer is a neighbor, and every job is personal. Our team brings a level of care and integrity that big box services simply can’t match.


What We Offer: Comprehensive Drain Cleaning Services

No matter what’s causing the clog, Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning has the tools, training, and experience to fix it. Our full suite of drain services includes:

  • Main Line Sewer Cleaning

  • Kitchen Sink & Garbage Disposal Clogs

  • Shower & Bathtub Drain Clearing

  • Basement & Floor Drain Maintenance

  • Toilet & Backflow Prevention

From grease, hair, and soap scum to invasive tree roots or mystery blockages—we’ve handled it all and left homes cleaner and safer in the process.


Transparent Pricing, Trusted Results

We believe in honesty from the start. That’s why we always provide upfront estimates with no hidden fees, offer clear communication, and take time to explain your options. Our commitment is simple: fix the problem right the first time with quality workmanship and long-term results.


That’s how we’ve earned the trust of homeowners and business owners throughout Overland Park.


Our Drain Cleaning Process: What to Expect

Many customers ask, “What exactly happens when I call you?” We believe in educating our clients so you know what to expect every step of the way. Here’s how our professional drain cleaning process works:


Step 1: Initial Consultation & Inspection

We’ll ask targeted questions to understand the issue, then inspect your plumbing. If needed, we use high-definition video cameras to see exactly what’s causing the blockage—so we don’t guess, we know.


Step 2: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

We tailor our approach based on your home’s plumbing system and the nature of the clog:

  • Augers/Snakes – Mechanical tools perfect for common clogs and root intrusions.

  • Hand Tools – For delicate or hard-to-reach areas where precision is key.


Step 3: Complete Cleaning & System Flush

After removing the blockage, we flush the system completely to restore optimal water flow and clear out lingering buildup or odor-causing bacteria. This step not only solves the immediate problem—it helps prevent the next one.


Step 4: Final Testing & Expert Maintenance Tips

We test your drains to ensure everything is flowing freely. Then, we offer custom maintenance tips based on your home’s specific plumbing setup—like avoiding grease in the sink, using hair catchers in tubs, or scheduling regular main line cleanouts.


Why It All Matters

Drain problems don’t just go away—they get worse over time. A slow sink today can become a flooded bathroom tomorrow. That’s why having a local expert who responds fast, knows your system, and provides real solutions makes all the difference.


With Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning, you’re getting more than a quick fix—you’re getting peace of mind.


Ready to Clear Your Drains? We’re Just Around the Corner.

Whether you're in Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, or anywhere in the Kansas City area, Higgins Sewer & Drain Cleaning is your go-to team for affordable, professional, and neighborly drain cleaning service.


Call us today at 913-544-6444 

Same-day service available.

"IT'S ABOUT TO GO DOWN!"

 
 
 
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CONTACT US

913 - 544 - 6444

BUSINESS HOURS

Mon-Fri: 8AM - 4:30PM

Sat-Sun: 8AM - 4:30PM

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