Do you feel like your drains are always backing up no matter what you try?

If you live near the coast—especially in places like Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, or Rancho Palos Verdes—you might be facing a unique set of plumbing issues. Coastal living is a dream, but it comes with its own challenges—particularly when it comes to your pipes.

Many homeowners search “plumber near me” or “how to fix clogged pipes” only to find themselves right back at square one weeks later. That’s where our local knowledge and expertise come in.

At Soo Hipp Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how coastal conditions like salty air, sand, and aging infrastructure affect plumbing systems in beach communities. Let’s dive into the Top 5 causes of drain clogs in coastal homes, so you can take action and protect your pipes before a small clog becomes a costly sewer backup.

1. Sand & Sediment Buildup

Whether you’re rinsing off after a beach day or doing laundry full of sandy towels, fine sediment can easily collect in your pipes over time. That gritty texture can settle and harden, eventually restricting water flow or causing a complete blockage.

Pro Tip: Rinse sandy gear outside whenever possible and install mesh drain traps in showers.

2. Aging or Corroded Pipes (Especially Cast Iron)

Many homes in Palos Verdes Estates, Hermosa Beach, and RPV were built decades ago with cast iron pipes, which can degrade and rust over time—especially in salt-rich environments. Corroded pipe walls catch debris more easily and can even collapse if not addressed.

🛠️ Need help with old plumbing or cast iron pipes?
Learn more about our Rancho Palos Verdes Drain Cleaning and Palos Verdes Estates Drain Cleaning services.

3. Grease, Hair & Soap Scum Buildup

This is a common cause of clogs in any home, but in coastal houses—especially vacation rentals or busy households—these materials build up faster. Over time, they form thick sludge that clings to pipe walls.

Solution:

Schedule a professional hydro jetting service to fully clear the line instead of using short-term chemical fixes.

4. Tree Roots Seeking Moisture

The lush landscaping that gives coastal homes their beauty can also pose a threat underground. Tree roots naturally seek out water, and your sewer lines are often a prime target. If they break into the pipe joints, they can cause slow drains, backups, and serious pipe damage.

We recommend a video line inspection if you’ve had recurring drain issues or notice slow flow in multiple areas of the home.

5. Improper Drainage Grading or Outdated Fixtures

Over time, shifting soil or outdated plumbing designs can lead to improper drainage slope, especially in hillside homes like those in Rancho Palos Verdes or Palos Verdes Estates. This causes water to sit and collect debris instead of flowing freely.

We offer full plumbing inspections to identify grading issues and recommend permanent fixes.

✅ How We Fix It: Safe & Effective Hydro Jetting

At Soo Hipp Plumbing, we offer hydro jetting, a high-pressure drain cleaning solution that’s safe for most plumbing systems—even older ones when properly inspected. If your home has cast iron or PVC piping, don’t worry—we always begin with a video inspection to ensure hydro jetting is appropriate.

💧 Want to learn more about hydro jetting?
📺 Watch our explainer video on YouTube here



Why Choose Soo Hipp Plumbing?

• ✔️ Locally owned & operated in the South Bay
• ✔️ Deep experience with coastal plumbing issues
• ✔️ Safe solutions for cast iron pipes and older homes
• ✔️ Serving Hermosa Beach, RPV, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach
• ✔️ Friendly, professional team that puts customers first

We back our service with honesty, experience, and the latest plumbing tools—so you get clean pipes without costly damage.

💰 Call Today & Ask About Our $99 Drain Cleaning Special!

Don’t let a minor clog turn into a major plumbing problem. Call your friendly neighborhood plumber today and schedule your inspection or hydro jetting service.

📞 Call Soo Hipp Plumbing at  Click Here Click Here or

🌐 Visit our Drain Cleaning Services Page

Serving the Entire South Bay:

• Torrance Drain Cleaning
• Redondo Beach Drain Cleaning
• Manhattan Beach Drain Cleaning
• San Pedro Drain Cleaning
• Rancho Palos Verdes Drain Cleaning

Final Tip:

If you're near Hermosa Beach Pier or live close to the ocean, your plumbing system is exposed to more salt and sand than most. Be proactive with your maintenance and keep our number saved in your phone—you’ll be glad you did!