Although the two are commonly seen as synonymous, drain clearing and drain cleaning have two distinct meanings in the plumbing world.
Drain Clearing
- Quick fix for minor clog
- Only cleans the immediate clogged area
- Leaves remnants of clogs
- Uses tool called “snake”. Other common household tools like plungers and drain cleaner liquids actually fall under drain clearing
- Both clearing and cleaning should be performed by professionals. Using a plunger incorrectly can damage pipes and drain cleaner products can corrode and hurt your plumbing more than help.
Drain Cleaning
- Long term, more rigorous solution for major clogs
- Uses professional drain machine, or a highly pressurized water jetter if drain machine isn’t enough to clean the affected area
- Prevents future buildup and extends the lifespan of your plumbing system
Clearing should only be seen as a quick fix in preparation for longer term solutions like an annual cleaning, repair, or jetting. And remember – more money up front will likely pay off in the end by preventing more expensive emergencies down the road.
Thank you so much for talking about drain cleaning and how it can be a great solution for the long-term. The last thing I want is a clog ruining your bathrooms and kitchen spaces during the holidays since we plan to invite a lot of our relatives over to have them stay. I’ll get a plumber from the area to help me with drain clearing as early as now for preventive measures.