That One Patch of Green Grass? It’s Not Lucky. It’s a Drain Problem.

Edited: July 16, 2025

Ever notice one weird spot in your yard that stays green no matter how bad the drought gets? Maybe you chalked it up to better soil or a shady spot. Maybe you wanted to believe it was lucky.

But here in Austin, where summer droughts turn most yards into hayfields, a patch of thriving lawn isn’t just suspicious—it’s a big red flag for a drain problem.

At Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we’ve seen this story play out a thousand times. That lush patch of grass, the standing water that sticks around long after a storm, the sewer smell creeping up from the yard—they all point to one thing: something’s wrong under the surface.

Let’s walk through what you’re seeing, what it probably means, and what to do next before it turns into a full-blown plumbing emergency.

What to Do When You Suspect a Drain Problem

You’ve spotted the warning signs—standing water, stubborn drains, that one suspiciously lush patch of grass. So now what?

At Radiant, we use a simple approach to help homeowners understand and respond to plumbing issues before they become costly disasters. It’s a method we call Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute—or IPDE for short. Here’s how to apply it when something’s not right below the surface.

1. Identify the Warning Signs

Start with what your eyes (and nose) are telling you.

• Lush, green grass in one spot during a drought? Likely a sewer or drain leak.

• Standing water near your foundation or curb? Possible sagging or broken main line.

• Storm drains overflowing or pooling water? May be tied to a larger system issue.

• Slow drains or gurgling toilets? Classic symptoms of buildup or blockage.

• Sewer smells indoors or out? That’s a loud and clear signal to act—if it smells, give us a yell.

Don’t ignore these signs. Most of the time, they’re early indicators of deeper issues that can be caught before they turn into emergencies.

2. Predict the Cause and the Risk

Austin’s soil and weather patterns are notorious for stressing home systems. Drought dries the ground, then sudden storms shift everything around. That’s a perfect storm for:

• Tree root intrusion

• Cracked or collapsed lines (especially in older neighborhoods)

• Corrosion in aging metal pipes

• Poor installation in newer developments

These issues rarely stay isolated. If you’ve got one symptom now, chances are more are on the way. Predict what’s next and act accordingly.

3. Decide When It’s Time to Call

If you’re searching for answers, you probably already know—it’s time. Drain problems don’t resolve themselves, and DIY fixes often only mask the real issue.

Whether it’s a mystery puddle, a slow main line, or a smell you can’t ignore, calling Radiant means:

• No guesswork—we use camera scopes to see what’s happening underground.

• No mess—our trenchless repair methods save your lawn and landscaping.

• No wasted time—we get in, fix it, and get out.

Don’t wait until it backs up into your tub or damages your home. Schedule the inspection and get ahead of it.

4. Execute the Right Fix – And Improve Efficiency Too

Our team doesn’t just clear clogs. We get to the root cause and offer long-term solutions.

• For buildup, grease, or tree roots, we use hydro jetting to flush the line clean.

• For damaged or collapsed pipes, we offer trenchless repairs to avoid digging up your yard.

• For well water homes (looking at you, Spicewood and Dripping Springs), we check for efficiency and safety—especially during droughts when quality drops.

We also look at your fixtures, appliances, and water usage, recommending low-flow options and leak detection so you’re not wasting water—or money.

Homeowners Call Radiant First for Drain Issues

From first inspection to final fix, Radiant brings:

• 24/7 service—because drain problems don’t wait for business hours

• Upfront pricing—no surprises, no pressure

• Local know-how—we know Austin’s soil, trees, and plumbing quirks inside and out

Whether it’s a kitchen sink clog or a full sewer line collapse, we get your drains flowing again—fast, clean, and done right.

Just Call Radiant.

FAQ About Drain Problems

Who should I call for standing water in my yard?
If your yard holds water long after it rains—or even worse, if puddles show up out of nowhere—it’s time to call a licensed plumber. In Austin, standing water usually means there’s a hidden problem underground, like a cracked or sagging main sewer line or a clogged storm drain. Left alone, that water can erode your foundation, attract pests, and lead to sewer backups. At Radiant, we’ll run a camera inspection to pinpoint the cause and offer real solutions—no guesswork, no digging unless absolutely necessary. If your lawn’s turning into a pond, don’t wait. Just Call Radiant.

How do I snake a slow main drain?
Main drain lines run from your house to the city sewer or septic system—and snaking one is not a casual Saturday DIY. You need proper cleanout access, a powerful commercial auger, and a plan for what to do if the clog is deeper than expected. And here in Austin, most main line issues involve years of gunk, roots, or shifting soil—not something you want to half-fix. Radiant uses a camera to locate the clog, then we’ll snake it or hydro jet it depending on what we find. We don’t just punch a hole—we clear the whole thing so it stays flowing.

How do plumbers unclog drains?
Professional drain clearing goes way beyond a plunger or store-bought snake. We start with a camera inspection to see exactly what’s causing the clog—whether it’s grease, scale, wipes, roots, or a broken pipe. Then we use the right tools for the job: motorized augers for solid clogs, hydro jetting for total pipe cleaning, or even total replacements if the line is damaged. We don’t do quick band-aid fixes. Our goal is to get your drains back to full working order—and keep them that way. If it’s stubborn, smelly, or just won’t drain, Just Call Radiant.