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Drain Cleaning Vs. Drain Clearing—Do You Know The Difference?

Drain Cleaning vs. Drain Clearing

Hey everyone! My name is T.J., and I am the sewer and drain specialist here at Pro Drain, Inc. When it comes to your drains, I’m your guy. With 3 decades of experience, I can tackle any clog or drain cleaning.

From commercial bathroom drain debacles to residential garbage disposal disasters— I know the best way to clear a drain. And today, I want to share some of my knowledge with all of you. Or rather, I want to clear something up - clearing a drain is not the same as drain cleaning. 

Do you know the difference? It’s okay if you don’t, most people have no clue! But after reading this blog, you will understand how drain clearing and drain cleaning differ, and which service is right for your home or business.

What is Drain Clearing?

Most plumbers will provide drain clearing services. You call with a clogged sink or tub drain, and they solely release that clog. This is not drain cleaning, but rather drain clearing. 

To perform drain clearing, your everyday household plunger won't do the job. Instead, a plumbing snake is inserted into your affected pipe. A plumbing snake is a heavy-duty cable, powered by a motor that rotates a blade fastened at the end of the cable. When the motor is turned on, the blade spins, breaking up blockages in its path.

Once a clog is broken apart by the snake blade, water flow is restored to your plumbing; yet, the clog particles remain in your piping. This could pose potential issues later on, as the incompatible pipe intruder that initially caused the clog remains in your pipes.

Your drain will appear fixed; however, clogs will likely reoccur as your plumbing still has the remnants of your previous clog floating around.

I typically do not recommend drain clearing; yet, there is one exception. If your affected drain is in a historic, or older, building, snaking your drain is the best clog removal technique for your property. Older plumbing is fragile and requires the least invasive drain repair in order to avoid fracturing the pipe.

What is Drain Cleaning?

Drain cleaning fully flushes out your pipes. If you have snaked your drains over and over again, and are still dealing with blockages or standing water, it’s time to schedule hydro jetting. Build-up from years of partially cleared clogs still lurk in your plumbing—hydro jetting will rid your pipes of these foreign items and leave your pipes squeaky clean!

Hydro jetting is the most effective way to dislodge clogs, while simultaneously preventing a blocked drain from occurring in the future. Whether your commercial sewer line is acting up or your kitchen sink is flooding, hydro jetting will blast your clog and clean your plumbing.

How does hydro jetting work? Through a special hose and nozzle, pressurized water penetrates your plumbing. From grease to tree roots, ice to cement, hydro jetting will flush out all foreign objects and incompatible substances in your pipes. Any clogs, build-up, and debris are washed away and water flow will be restored.

Drain cleaning is superior to drain clearing, as it thoroughly cleans the entire pipe rather than merely dislodging a clog. With hydro jetting, your pipes will have longer lifespans and fewer stoppages.

Common drain issues that indicate you need a professional plumber

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact Pro Drain, Inc. today for drain cleaning.

Common signs your drainage is compromised:

  • Slow-draining drains in your sink, tub or shower 

  • Your basement is emitting a putrid odor

  • You see dirt and grime residue in your basement laundry tub or sink

  • Your basement is wet after rain showers

  • You see sewage on your basement floor, in plain sight

If you have a clog at your commercial or residential property, contact Pro Drain, Inc. at (855) 463-2457. We'll unclog your pipes and prevent plumbing blockages from occurring in the future.

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