When people hear the terms drain clearing and drain cleaning, they often assume the two methods must be functionally the same. Clearing targets specific blockages, making it a fundamentally responsive approach. Conversely, cleaning aims to keep drains from collecting materials that cause blockages, making it a proactive approach.
Keeping your home’s drains open is important. In the worst scenario, you could face water damage from backups. A clean drain also keeps noxious gases from backing up into your living space. Likewise, clear drains make bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms more functional.
Let’s take a closer look at the distinctions between drain cleaning and clearing. We will also look at the comparative costs and what the warning signs are that you might need either service. Also, we will explore why investing in drain cleaning is the best way to avoid issues down the road.
Takeaways
- Drain clearing removes immediate clogs
- Drain cleaning removes buildup to prevent potential clogs
- Multiple slow drains justify cleaning
- A single stopped drain probably requires clearing
- Professional hydro-jetting hits deeper spots than DIY methods do
- Annual drain clearing prevents backups that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to address
What Is Drain Clearing?
Drain clearing targets an immediate blockage, usually involving something like mineral buildup, hair, toilet paper, or food debris. The typical clearance methods include plunging, using hand augers, and plumbing drain snaking. Clearing works best for minor and localized clogs that haven’t had time to harden.
These pipe unclogging methods have the benefit of immediately restoring functionality and doing so quickly. They also have a lower upfront cost for clearing blockage. A major downside is that it doesn’t deep clean the entire drain and thus doesn’t address buildup. Clearing is a temporary solution that invites recurring problems.
What Is Drain Cleaning?
Professional drain cleaning is a more comprehensive solution. The goal is to remove accumulated buildup throughout the entire length of a pipe’s walls. This includes organic matter, mineral deposits, soap scum, and grease. This level of pipe buildup removal restores the system to close to its original condition.
Hydro-jetting is the most common professional method for both drain and sewer cleaning. Note that hydro-jet systems produce pressures up to 4,000 psi. Consequently, you should leave the job to a professional because of the potentially dangerous pressure involved.
Enzymes and bio-based cleaners are also useful. Their main strength is that they don’t use harsh chemicals. On the downside, these solutions only address biological matter building up in a pipe.
The biggest pro of this approach is that it restores pipes to near-new condition. Consequently, future clogs are radically less likely because there isn’t buildup to encourage them. Drain cleaning addresses the root causes rather than the symptoms, and it extends a plumbing system’s expected service life significantly.
A notable downside is that drain cleaning tends to be up to three times more expensive than drain clearing. Also, the job calls for professional equipment and know-how.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Drain Clearing | Drain Cleaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Remove immediate blockage | Remove buildup and prevent future clogs |
| Methods | Augers, snakes, plungers | Hydro-jetting, bio-based cleaners |
| Expected Cost | $100-250 | $300-600 |
| Work Time | 30 minutes to 2 hours | 2 to 4 hours |
| Frequency | As clogs occur | Annually or bi-annually |
| Lasts | Temporary fix | Long-term solution |
Signs Your Home’s Plumbing Needs Drain Clearing
The most notable sign that drain clearing is likely necessary is a one-time slowdown or stoppage in draining that suddenly appeared. Likewise, the clog should be localized to a single fixture, such as a sink, bathtub, toilet, or shower.
There should also be no history of drainage problems with the fixture in question. Clearing is also a good idea if you know a foreign object went into the drain recently, such as excessive toilet paper, jewelry, or a toy.
Signs Your Home’s Plumbing Needs Drain Cleaning
Drains that are prone to problems that aren’t suited to clearing are good candidates for drain cleaning. A kitchen sink that receives a lot of grease is a good example.
Mineral scaling in drains is another sign. If you catch bacteria smells from biofilm buildup, that is another indication. Also, hydro-jetting can be particularly good at cleaning lines that have tree root intrusions.
Drain cleaning costs more, but it also leads to fewer service calls. This means annual drain cleaning has a lower lifetime cost, especially if your home requires three to four drain clearings a year.
Drain cleaning also is much more effective at preventing the kinds of major backups that can cost $300-1,000 to handle, and it mitigates the risk of water damage that might cost tens of thousands of dollars to address.
Expert Tip: The Power of Preventative Drain Cleaning
Annual or at least biannual cleaning should prevent at least 90% of emergency drain-clearing calls. It also can extend a plumbing system’s lifespan from 20-30 years to 40-50 years, thanks to proper maintenance.
Over ten years, $6,000 worth of cleaning costs has the potential to prevent $15,000+ in emergency repairs and replacements. As one homeowner stated, “After three backups in six months, I requested hydro-jetting. We haven’t had a backup since.”
DIY vs. Professional Services
DIY drain clearing carries the risk of using improper techniques that lead to damage. Chemical exposure can also injure you. Leaving the job to the pros avoids equipment costs, possible pipe damage, time, and labor.
Drain Clearing and Cleaning FAQs
What’s the fastest way to clear a clogged drain?
Plunging is usually the fastest approach. Avoid chemical cleaners, which rarely work.
Is hydro-jetting worth it?
Yes. Even in the toughest environments, cleaning should easily yield one to two years of open pipes.
Can I clear a drain without a snake?
In addition to plunging and snaking, other options include flushing with hot water, baking soda and vinegar, and a combination of dish soap and hot water.
How often should drains be cleaned professionally?
An annual schedule is ideal, but try to schedule a cleaning at least once every two years. Twice a year may be necessary for sewer lines with root intrusions.
Does cleaning increase pipe lifespan?
A consistent annual cleaning schedule should extend a plumbing system’s lifespan by at least 20 years.
Benjamin Franklin Can Clean or Clear Your Drain
Homeowners should understand that drain clearing is the quick fix while drain cleaning is the long-term answer, especially when it comes to cost. Business owners should also be peculiarly aware of how proactive drain cleaning protects commercial locations.
Benjamin Franklin proudly serves customers in Tampa, FL, and the surrounding areas. We are the punctual plumbers so contact us right away to schedule drain clearing or drain cleaning services.