Stubborn drains. Clogged toilets. A kitchen sink that seems to have a tough time moving the water where it should go. We’ve all been there! But as you investigate the issue and go to line up plumbing services to tackle the problem, you may come across a few different solutions — namely, drain clearing and drain cleaning. While they certainly sound similar, there are differences that you, as a property owner, should be aware of. Here, we’ll dive into drain clearing vs. drain cleaning, how they differ, and which service your plumbing system needs.
What Is Drain Clearing?
Drain clearing involves removing clogs in your drain pipes to restore proper water flow. It’s a suitable solution for new homes and draining systems. Using a tool called a plumbing snake, a plumber will remove a few pieces of clogs. The snake is a combination of sharp metal blades powered by a motor (and attached to a heavy-duty cable) that cut and clean the clog.
However, this is something of a short-term solution. The drawback here is that there will be remnants of the clog particles, resulting in the jamming of the pipe down the line. Then, you’ll need to clear the pipe again with a clog cleaner.
What Is Drain Cleaning?
A long-term solution, drain cleaning is ideal for old drain pipes jammed with multiple clogs. This method effectively cleans all clogs, grease, foreign objects, and anything else that restricts water flow in your drain pipes. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “why not just call for drain cleaning the first time?” Well, the truth is, most of us look at the cost of service as opposed to their effectiveness. Cost-wise, drain cleaning tends to be pricier than clearing.
When you schedule drain cleaning, the plumber utilizes a special type of hose to perform hydro jetting. This hose uses highly pressurized water to clean off all clogs and grease from pipe walls. As all grease and dirt are removed, new clogs won’t build up so easily.
Common signs you need drain cleaning services include:
- Frequent clogs
- Slow-moving drains
- Foul odors
- Gurgling sounds
- Overuse of liquid drain cleaner
Drain Clearing, Drain Cleaning, and Beyond…In A Snap!
The best way to settle the drain clearing vs. drain cleaning debate? Turn to a professional! Our specialists have the resources and expertise to accurately diagnose what’s going on with your drains and make informed recommendations to remedy the problems. We’ll consider the nature of the issue (or issues, depending on how long you’ve been dealing with clogged pipes), the age of your pipes, as well as your budget.
For more information about unclogging your drains, reach out to us today!