Understanding Drain Cleaning Services
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a backed-up shower, or a completely blocked sewer line, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions when hiring a plumber.
This guide covers everything you need to know about drain cleaning services and how to find a reliable drain cleaning professional in Chattanooga.
Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning
Many homeowners try to tackle drain clogs with store-bought chemical cleaners, but these products often provide only temporary relief and can damage your pipes over time. Here are signs that it’s time to call a professional:
- Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or showers – Water that takes longer than usual to drain indicates a partial blockage.
- Gurgling sounds – Strange noises from your drains suggest air is trapped in the pipes due to a clog.
- Multiple clogged drains – If several drains are slow or clogged simultaneously, you may have a main sewer line issue.
- Foul odors – Bad smells coming from drains indicate trapped debris or sewage backup.
- Water backing up – Water coming up through floor drains or other fixtures signals a serious blockage.
- Frequent clogs – If you’re constantly dealing with the same clogged drain, there’s likely a deeper issue.
Professional Drain Cleaning Methods
Professional plumbers use specialized equipment and techniques to clear even the toughest clogs:
Drain Snaking (Augering) Motorized drain snakes reach deep into pipes to break up and remove clogs. This is effective for most household clogs caused by hair, soap scum, food particles, and other common debris.
Hydro Jetting For stubborn clogs and heavy buildup, plumbers use high-pressure water jetting. This method blasts away grease, scale, tree roots, and other tough blockages while thoroughly cleaning the inside of pipes. Hydro jetting is especially effective for:
- Grease buildup in kitchen drains
- Tree root intrusion in sewer lines
- Scale and mineral deposits
- Restaurant and commercial drains
Video Camera Inspection When the cause of a clog isn’t obvious, plumbers use specialized waterproof cameras to inspect the inside of pipes. This allows them to:
- Locate the exact position of blockages
- Identify pipe damage, cracks, or collapse
- Find tree root intrusion
- Assess the overall condition of your plumbing
Types of Drains That Need Cleaning
Kitchen Drains Kitchen sinks often clog due to grease, food particles, and soap buildup. We recommend avoiding pouring grease down the drain and using drain screens to catch food debris.
Bathroom Drains Hair, soap scum, and personal care products are the main culprits for bathroom clogs. Shower and tub drains are especially prone to hair clogs.
Floor Drains Basement and garage floor drains can become clogged with dirt, debris, and sediment. Regular cleaning prevents flooding during heavy rains.
Laundry Drains Lint, fabric fibers, and detergent residue can build up in laundry drains over time. We recommend cleaning your washing machine drain annually.
Main Sewer Lines Your main sewer line carries all wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer or septic system. Tree roots, debris, and pipe deterioration can cause main line clogs.
Preventing Future Drain Clogs
Once your drains are cleared, here are tips to prevent future clogs:
- Use drain screens – Catch hair and debris before it enters your drains.
- Don’t pour grease down drains – Let grease cool and dispose of it in the trash.
- Run hot water after use – This helps flush soap and grease through the pipes.
- Clean drains monthly – Pour boiling water down drains to dissolve minor buildup.
- Schedule annual maintenance – Professional drain cleaning once a year prevents major clogs.
- Be mindful of what you flush – Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
Commercial Drain Cleaning
Many local plumbers also provide drain cleaning services for businesses, including:
- Restaurants and food service establishments
- Hotels and hospitality
- Retail stores
- Office buildings
- Medical facilities
- Industrial facilities
Commercial drains often require more frequent cleaning due to heavy use. Ask about maintenance contracts when contacting a plumber.
Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Are a Bad Idea
While it’s tempting to grab a bottle of drain cleaner from the store, these products can:
- Corrode and damage your pipes, especially older metal pipes
- Create toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe
- Harm the environment when they enter the water system
- Provide only temporary relief without addressing the root cause
- React dangerously with other chemicals
Professional drain cleaning is safer, more effective, and better for your plumbing system in the long run.
How to Choose a Drain Cleaning Service
When selecting a plumber for drain cleaning, consider:
- Experience – Look for plumbers with good reviews specifically mentioning drain work
- Equipment – Ask if they have hydro jetting and camera inspection capabilities
- Pricing – Get upfront estimates before work begins
- Guarantees – Some plumbers offer warranties on their drain cleaning work
- Availability – For emergencies, confirm 24/7 availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
For most homes, annual drain cleaning is sufficient. However, if you have older pipes, large trees near your sewer line, or frequently experience clogs, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
How much does drain cleaning cost?
Drain cleaning typically costs $100-$300 for a single drain, while main sewer line cleaning can range from $200-$600. Hydro jetting is more expensive but more thorough. Always get upfront pricing.
How long does drain cleaning take?
Most drain cleaning jobs take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the severity of the clog and the method required. Main sewer line cleaning may take longer.
Is professional drain cleaning worth it?
Yes. Professional drain cleaning is safer for your pipes than chemical cleaners, more effective at removing clogs, and can identify underlying issues before they become expensive problems.
Need drain cleaning service? Browse our directory of local Chattanooga plumbers who specialize in drain cleaning. Find Drain Cleaning Experts →