Clear
We clean the line and, when a camera is part of the visit, look at what is visible.
Residential drain cleaning
Drain Cleaning for Slow, Clogged, and Recurring Drains
Drain cleaning restores flow by removing the grease, roots, debris, and buildup that slow or block a drain, using cable tools, water jetting, or both, chosen for the line.
We provide cleaning, camera diagnostics, and line locating only. We do not provide sewer repair, replacement, lining, excavation, or pipe installation.
- Residential drain and sewer lines
- Cleaning method chosen for the condition of the line
- No repair or replacement work offered
Service
Service: Drain cleaning
Request drain cleaning
Tell us what your drains are doing. We will help you choose between cleaning, a camera inspection, or both.
Step 1 of 4
The short answer
What is drain cleaning?
Drain cleaning is the removal of grease, roots, deposits, debris, and other restricting material from a drain line, using a rotating cable, water jetting, or both. It restores flow. It does not repair the pipe.
Drain cleaning usually refers to fixture and branch lines. Sewer cleaning refers to the larger line that carries wastewater away from the building. People also say "drain clearing." That is everyday usage, not a code term, so ask a provider what they mean by either.
Cleaning and a camera inspection are separate services.
This service is designed for accessible residential sewer and drain lines. Equipment selection and available service depend on the entry point, pipe size, line condition, and scope of work. We provide cleaning, camera diagnostics, and line locating only. We do not provide sewer repair, replacement, lining, excavation, or pipe installation.
Signs to look into
When drain cleaning may be useful
One slow drain
A single slow sink, tub, or shower often points to a restriction in that fixture's own drain line, such as hair, soap, or grease buildup.
Several fixtures slow at once
When more than one fixture is slow, the restriction may be farther down the line. This does not prove a specific cause.
Gurgling from drains or toilets
Gurgling can come from a drainage restriction or a venting issue, so it does not point to one cause on its own.
Clogs that keep returning
A clog that returns after each clearing may mean the restriction was not fully removed or is being rebuilt by something in the line. A camera look may help.
Sewage-like odors
An odor may point to a drain or sewer-line issue. It does not prove a specific cause.
Water or sewage coming up
Avoid contact with the water, keep children and pets away, and limit water use while you arrange help. Contact us to discuss the situation.
These signs may point to a drain or sewer-line issue. They do not prove a specific cause.
Drain or sewer line
One drain or several: what the pattern may mean
Where the symptoms show up is a clue to where the restriction may be. It is a clue, not proof.
| What you notice | What it may point to | Often the next step |
|---|---|---|
| One fixture is slow or clogged | Usually that fixture's own drain line, such as hair, soap, grease, or debris | Drain cleaning at that fixture. A plunger or hand tool may help with a simple clog. |
| Several fixtures are slow or gurgling | A restriction in a shared branch or the larger sewer line. This does not prove a specific cause | Sewer cleaning. A camera look may help show what is in the line. |
| Lower drains back up when other fixtures are used | A restriction farther along the line, where several drains meet | Contact us to discuss the situation. A camera look may help. |
| The drain clogs again after it was cleared | The restriction was not fully removed, or something in the line is rebuilding it | Cleaning plus a camera look at the accessible line, so you are not guessing. |
| Water or sewage is coming up | A blockage that needs attention. Avoid contact with the water and keep children and pets away | Contact us to discuss the situation. |
Suitability
What drain cleaning can and cannot fix
Cleaning removes material from inside a pipe. Whether it helps depends on what is causing the problem.
Cleaning is often a fit when
The restriction is material inside the pipe
- Grease, soap, or sludge buildup inside the pipe
- Roots that can be cut back from inside the line. They may regrow
- Wipes, hair, or other debris causing a restriction
- A restriction that keeps returning, where a camera look may help show why
Cleaning does not fix
Problems that need more than cleaning
- Cracked, broken, or collapsed pipe
- An offset or separated joint
- Roots entering at a joint. Cleaning does not seal the entry point
- The public sewer main or the connection to it. Ask your local utility
- A line the equipment cannot pass
Water jetting is not appropriate for every pipe. Damaged or fragile pipe may not be a candidate. A line that flows again is not proof that the pipe is sound.
What happens on the day
How drain cleaning works
The method and the visit depend on the entry point, pipe size, line condition, and scope of work. We do not publish a standard time or price because they vary with these factors.
Step 1: Symptoms
You tell us which fixtures are affected, how long, and what you have already tried.
Step 2: Access
The technician identifies an entry point, commonly a cleanout. Other entry points depend on the property.
Step 3: Camera, when included
When a camera is part of the visit and the line allows, it is used to look at the restriction. Our equipment includes the SeeSnake CS12x and the SeeSnake Standard Camera Reel with TruSense.
Step 4: Cleaning
The line is cleaned with cable tools, water jetting, or both, chosen for the condition of the line. Our equipment includes the RIDGID K-7500.
Step 5: Flow check
Flow is checked after cleaning. A camera may be used again where appropriate.
Access points
A cleanout is a capped opening in the drain or sewer line that gives access for cleaning tools or a camera. Other entry points depend on the property and the plumbing layout.
Preparing for your visit
- Make sure the technician has safe access to the agreed entry point.
- Tell us which fixtures are affected and what you have already tried.
- Tell us if a recent clog, backup, or home purchase is part of the reason for the visit.
Two services, one decision
Cleaning and the camera are separate services
Cleaning and camera inspection can be combined, but neither requires the other. Cleaning can improve camera visibility. It does not repair pipe defects.
There is no single required order. It depends on the line.
When cleaning may need to come first
- A line that is blocked and not draining. A camera generally cannot see under the water.
- Grease, roots, or other debris covering the lens or blocking the camera, so the view is too limited to document much.
- Standing water or debris that keeps the camera from traveling.
Independent by design
Major sewer decisions deserve clear evidence.
Document
When a camera is used, you receive the video and written findings.
Decide
You decide next steps with evidence in hand. The Sewer Pros does not sell repair or replacement.
If someone has recommended costly work, a clear record of the line gives you something to compare estimates against.
Which method fits
Cable cleaning, water jetting, and the camera
| Method | How it works | Often considered for | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable cleaning | A rotating cable with cutting tools works through the line | Blockages, roots inside the line, and localized restrictions | Does not repair pipe. Roots may regrow |
| Water jetting | Pressurized water cleans the pipe wall | Grease and buildup along the pipe, when the line is a suitable candidate | Not appropriate for every pipe or blockage, including damaged or fragile pipe |
| Camera inspection (separate service) | A camera on a flexible cable shows visible conditions inside the line | Recurring clogs, an unclear cause, or documenting the line | Cannot see below the waterline or outside the pipe wall |
Comparing cable and jetting? See hydro jetting vs. snaking.
Evidence and its limits
What a camera can and cannot show
When a camera is part of the visit, it may document the conditions below. Image quality, lighting, flow, and the technician's interpretation all affect what can be seen.
A camera may document
Visible conditions in the section the camera reaches
- Grease, soap scum, and other deposits
- Roots visible inside the pipe
- Obstructions such as wipes or debris
- Cracks and fractures
- Offset or separated joints
- Visible surface damage on the inside of the pipe
- Standing water
- Connections where other lines join the pipe
It does not by itself show
Where a camera view stops
- Anything below the waterline. A camera generally cannot see under water
- Pipe in sections the camera did not reach or could not view
- The condition of the soil around the pipe, or voids outside the pipe wall
- Pipe wall thickness or structural capacity
- Pipe slope or depth
- Whether every leak has been found
- How much service life the pipe has left
A visibly clear line is not proof that the whole line, or the ground around it, is in good condition.
Before you book
What to ask for, and what to keep
Before you book, ask what you will receive. What is provided can vary by appointment.
Video
When a camera is used, you receive the video.
Written findings
When a camera is used, you receive written findings, including any part of the line that could not be viewed.
Limits
Ask what the cleaning and the camera could and could not reach.
Access point and location
Ask which access point was used and where along the line conditions were seen.
Cleaning record
Ask what record of the cleaning is provided for your appointment.
Line locating
If locating was performed, ask how it was documented. A locate is approximate, not a survey.
Keep the video and written findings
When a camera is used, they are useful as a later reference. If someone recommends costly work, you can compare written estimates and ask the estimate to point to the footage.
A camera finding is a visible observation. It is not a repair recommendation, and it does not by itself set a scope of work.
Who it helps
Who drain cleaning helps
Homeowners
Slow drains, recurring clogs, or a backup. Cleaning addresses the restriction, and a camera can help show what is visible in the line when the clog keeps coming back.
Home buyers
A buyer who learns of drain or sewer concerns can ask for a camera look at the accessible line before deciding. This is general information, not legal advice. Disclosure rules vary by state.
For home buyersHome sellers
A seller with a history of slow or recurring drains can document the condition of the accessible line. This is general information, not legal advice. Disclosure rules vary by state.
For home sellers
Service areas
Drain cleaning service areas
Choose your market for local service details and scheduling options.
Plain-language terms
Drain cleaning terms
Cleanout
A capped opening in a drain or sewer line that gives access for cleaning tools or a camera.
Branch line
The drain pipe that serves one fixture or a group of fixtures and connects to the larger line.
Main sewer line
The larger pipe that carries wastewater from the building toward the public sewer connection.
Cable cleaning
Cleaning with a rotating cable and cutting tools. Often called snaking.
Water jetting
Cleaning the pipe wall with pressurized water. Also called hydro jetting.
Camera inspection
A camera on a flexible cable that shows visible conditions inside an accessible line. Also called a sewer scope.
What our customers say
4.9 out of 5from 595 Google reviews · as of
Questions
Drain cleaning questions
Understanding drain cleaning
What is drain cleaning?
Drain cleaning is the removal of grease, roots, deposits, debris, and other restricting material from a drain line, using a rotating cable, water jetting, or both. It restores flow. It does not repair the pipe.
What is the difference between drain cleaning and sewer cleaning?
Drain cleaning usually refers to fixture and branch lines, such as sinks, tubs, showers, and laundry drains. Sewer cleaning refers to the larger line that carries wastewater away from the building. Some jobs involve both.
What is the difference between drain cleaning and drain clearing?
In everyday usage, the two terms are often used interchangeably. Some people use clearing for opening a single blocked drain and cleaning for removing buildup along the pipe wall. These are everyday terms, not code terms, so ask what a provider means by either.
What methods are used to clean a drain?
Common methods are a rotating cable with cutting tools and water jetting. The method is chosen for the pipe, the entry point, and the kind of restriction. Some jobs use both.
Is drain cleaning the same as hydro jetting?
No. Drain cleaning is the goal: removing what restricts flow. Water jetting is one method, along with cable tools. Jetting is condition-dependent and is not used on every pipe.
Does drain cleaning repair a damaged pipe?
No. Cleaning removes material from inside the pipe. It does not repair cracks, offsets, or collapse. We do not provide sewer repair, replacement, lining, excavation, or pipe installation.
Symptoms and causes
What causes a drain to clog or run slowly?
Common causes include grease, soap, hair, wipes, debris, and roots. A slow drain can have several causes, and a symptom alone does not prove which one.
Why is my kitchen sink draining slowly?
Kitchen drains commonly carry cooking grease, food particles, and soap, which can build up on the pipe wall and narrow it over time. A slow kitchen sink alone does not prove where the restriction is.
Why is my bathtub or shower draining slowly?
Hair and soap are common causes. If only the tub or shower is slow, the restriction is often in that fixture's own drain line. If other fixtures are slow too, it may be farther down the line.
How do I know if it is a drain clog or a sewer line problem?
One slow fixture usually points to that fixture's own drain line. Several slow or gurgling fixtures, or a backup at the lowest drains, may point to the main sewer line. These are clues, not proof. A camera inspection can help show what is in the line.
Can a plunger or hand tool fix a clogged drain?
A plunger or hand tool may help with a simple clog at a single fixture. If the clog returns, several fixtures are affected, or water is coming up from a drain, the restriction may be past the fixture and it is worth contacting us.
Can tree roots grow into drain pipes?
Roots can enter pipe through joints or cracks. Cleaning can cut back roots inside the line, but roots may regrow and cleaning does not seal the entry point.
Why do my drains keep clogging after they were cleared?
The restriction may not have been fully removed, or something in the line may be rebuilding it. A camera look at the accessible line may help show what is going on.
Why are several fixtures draining slowly at once?
It may point to a restriction in a shared branch or the larger line. It does not prove a specific cause.
Why are my drains gurgling?
Gurgling can come from a drainage restriction or a venting issue. It does not point to one cause on its own.
What causes sewage-like odors?
An odor may point to a drain or sewer-line issue. It does not prove a specific cause.
What should I do if water or sewage is coming up from a drain?
Avoid contact with the water, keep children and pets away, and limit water use while you arrange help. Contact us to discuss the situation.
Limits and cameras
Can drain cleaning fix a broken or collapsed pipe?
No. Cleaning can remove material from inside a pipe, but it does not repair structural damage.
Can cleaning remove tree roots?
Cleaning can cut back roots that are inside the line. Roots may regrow, and cleaning does not seal the joint or crack where they entered.
Is hydro jetting safe for every pipe?
No. Water jetting is condition-dependent and is not appropriate for every pipe or blockage, including damaged or fragile pipe.
Does drain cleaning damage pipes?
The method is chosen for the pipe and the restriction. Cable tools and water jetting are not appropriate for every pipe, and damaged or fragile pipe may not be a candidate for jetting. If a pipe is already cracked or separated, cleaning does not repair it, and a camera look can help show what is there.
Does a camera inspection come with drain cleaning?
They are separate services. A camera can be added when it is feasible for the line. Neither one requires the other.
Can a camera see through standing water?
A camera generally cannot see below the waterline. If a line is blocked and not draining, cleaning may need to come first.
Does a line that flows again mean the pipe is fine?
No. A line that flows again is not proof that the pipe is sound. A camera shows visible conditions in the section it reaches.
Documentation and locating
What do I receive when a camera is used?
When a camera is used, you receive the video and written findings. The findings note any part of the line that could not be viewed.
Will I get a record of the cleaning?
What is provided can vary by appointment. Ask what record of the cleaning you will receive before you book.
What does line locating do?
Line locating identifies the approximate path of an underground line. A locate is not a survey and does not give exact depth.
Maintenance and prevention
Are chemical drain cleaners a good idea?
Chemical drain cleaners do not remove every kind of restriction and can be hazardous to handle. Follow the product label, and tell the technician if one was used.
Is it safe to flush wipes labeled flushable?
Wipes can collect in the line and contribute to blockages. A safer habit is to flush only toilet paper and human waste.
How should I dispose of cooking grease?
Let it cool and put it in a container in the trash instead of pouring it down the drain. Grease can build up on the pipe wall.
How often should drains be cleaned?
There is no single schedule that fits every home. Pipe material, age, nearby trees, and what goes down the drain all matter. A drain that keeps clogging is a better cue than the calendar, and a camera look can help show why.
Requesting service
Do you clean drains in St. Louis, San Diego, and Las Vegas?
Yes. We serve St. Louis, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Choose your service area in the request form, or use the market links on this page for local details.
How much does drain cleaning cost?
Cost depends on the entry point, pipe size, line condition, the method used, and whether a camera is included. We do not publish a standard price on this page. Describe the problem in the request form and we will discuss what applies.
How long does drain cleaning take?
It depends on access, line length, the amount and kind of buildup, and the method. We do not publish a standard time. Ask when you request service.
What should I tell you when I request drain cleaning?
Tell us which fixtures are affected, how long it has been happening, whether it keeps returning, what you have tried, and whether the request relates to a home purchase or sale. If you know where your cleanout is, mention it.
What happens if a camera shows damage?
We provide cleaning, camera diagnostics, and line locating only. When a camera is used, we document what is visible and you receive the video and written findings. A camera finding is not a repair recommendation, and you can use the findings to compare estimates.
Real estate
Should I have the sewer line checked before buying a house?
A sewer camera inspection is a focused inspection that is separate from a general home inspection. Timing and conditions are set by your purchase agreement. This is general information, not legal advice.
Keeping drains clear
Habits that cause clogs
Flushable wipes
Wipes labeled flushable can collect in the line and contribute to blockages. Flush toilet paper and human waste only.
Liquid grease
Grease poured down a drain can cool and build up on the pipe wall. Let it cool and put it in the trash.
Chemical drain cleaners
They do not remove every kind of restriction and can be hazardous to handle. Follow the label, and tell the technician if one was used.
Keep reading
Sewer Cleaning
Cleaning the larger line that carries wastewater from the building.
Sewer Camera Inspection
See visible conditions inside an accessible line.
Sewer Line Locating
Identify the approximate path of an underground line.
Request service
Request drain cleaning
Choose your service area, tell us what you have noticed, and let us know which fixtures are affected.
What to tell us
- Which fixtures are affected
- How long it has been happening, and whether it keeps returning
- What you have already tried
- Whether the request relates to a home purchase or sale
- Where your cleanout is, if you know
This service is designed for accessible residential sewer and drain lines. Equipment selection and available service depend on the entry point, pipe size, line condition, and scope of work. We provide cleaning, camera diagnostics, and line locating only. We do not provide sewer repair, replacement, lining, excavation, or pipe installation.
Request service
Step 1 of 4