What this covers
Drain cleaning clears blockages in the lines that carry waste water away: a kitchen sink stopped by grease, a tub slowed by hair, a floor drain or main line blocked by roots or buildup. The plumber chooses the tool for the pipe: a hand or drum cable machine with the right cutter head for branch lines, and hydro jetting, which scours the pipe wall with high-pressure water, for grease and scale in larger lines. Careful work protects the cabinet and floor, cleans through the trap or a cleanout rather than forcing a fixture, and runs a camera afterward when clogs recur, so the cause is known instead of guessed.
When to call
- A sink, tub or shower that drains slowly or stands full.
- Gurgling in one drain when another is used.
- A clog that comes back within weeks of being cleared.
- Water backing up at a floor drain or the lowest fixture in the house.
What to expect
- DiagnoseThe plumber finds which fixtures are affected to tell a branch clog from a main line clog.
- AccessThe trap or a cleanout is opened and the area protected.
- ClearA cable or hydro jet clears the blockage and the drain is flushed and tested.
- InspectFor repeat or main line clogs, a camera shows the condition of the pipe.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Cable or hydro jet?
A cable punches through and cuts up a blockage; hydro jetting scours the whole pipe wall. Jetting is better for grease, scale and recurring clogs, but the pipe must be sound enough to take the pressure.
Why does the same drain keep clogging?
Usually a belly in the pipe, a rough or partially collapsed section, roots, or a vent problem. A camera inspection shows which, and the fix is a repair rather than another cleaning.
Are store-bought drain chemicals safe for pipes?
They can soften PVC, corrode metal and damage seals, and they leave caustic liquid in a drain the plumber then has to work in. Mechanical cleaning is the standard.
Related: Sewer line repair · Plumbing leak repair · Sewage cleanup · All plumbing
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.