Before and after
What the homeowner called about
A urinal in Tulsa was backing up completely. Attempts to clear the line using a chemical descaler and a 1/4-inch cable failed because the cable could not pass through the trap and the descaler did not work.
What our plumber found
When our plumber pulled the urinal to investigate the blockage, they discovered extensive calcium build-up inside the line and found that the mounting flange was broken on one side.
How we fixed it
Our plumber obtained a replacement flange and installed it securely. They then used a 3/8-inch cable equipped with a cutting blade to thoroughly clear out the heavy calcium build-up. Once reinstalled, the urinal was fully tested to ensure proper drainage and verified to be free of leaks.
More from this visit
Travis handled the visit for our crew. Before removing the urinal, we tried two ways to address the backup: descaler and a 1/4-inch cable. We gave the descaler 25 minutes to work, but it did not clear the blockage. Our cable also would not go past the trap. With neither attempt resolving the problem, we needed to pull the fixture so we could clean it using our 3/8-inch cable and blade.
Our work involved both cleaning the drain and replacing a damaged mounting part. Once we pulled the urinal, we found a lot of calcium buildup and a flange broken on one side. We obtained and installed a new flange as part of the repair, and used the larger cable and blade for cleaning. Our final checks covered drainage, leaks, and proper function. At the time of testing, the urinal was working properly with no leaks.
Signs to keep an eye on
- Have a urinal checked if it drains slowly or repeatedly backs up.
- Report movement or looseness at a wall-mounted fixture so its mounting can be inspected.
- Avoid repeatedly adding drain chemicals when a blockage persists; have the drain evaluated instead.
What this means for your home
Severe calcium build-up and hidden structural damage like a broken flange require pulling the fixture and using specialized cabling tools to properly restore drainage.
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Straight Answers
Why did the descaler and small cable fail to clear the urinal?
Heavy calcium build-up and tight trap designs often block smaller cables and resist chemical descalers.
What was found when the urinal was removed?
Our plumber found heavy calcium deposits inside the drain and a mounting flange that was broken on one side.
Why was a new flange installed?
The original mounting flange was broken on one side and had to be replaced to securely reinstall the fixture.
Does this type of drain repair come with a warranty?
This specific repair does not include a warranty because of the heavy calcium build-up present in the drain line.
How long was the descaler allowed to work before the next step?
We waited 25 minutes, but the descaler did not resolve the blockage.
