Drain Cleaning vs. Drain Clearing: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to maintaining your plumbing system, understanding the difference between drain cleaning and drain clearing is crucial. Many homeowners assume these terms are interchangeable, but they serve distinct purposes. 

Think of it this way: drain clearing is like flossing your teeth—a quick solution to remove immediate blockages. Meanwhile, drain cleaning is like a full professional dental cleaning—it eliminates buildup and prevents future issues.

If you’re a Sacramento homeowner dealing with slow drains or recurring clogs, knowing which service to choose can save you time, money, and frustration. Let’s explore the differences between these common drain services to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Drain Clearing?

Drain clearing is the process of removing obstructions from your pipes to restore proper water flow. This service is typically needed when a drain is clogged or draining slowly due to a blockage. Common drain clearing methods include:

• Plunging: Using a plunger to create suction can dislodge minor clogs.
• Drain Snakes (Augers): A flexible, coiled tool is inserted into the drain to break up and remove blockages.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners (Not Recommended): Many homeowners make the mistake of using chemical drain cleaners. While they may quickly dissolve certain clogs, these chemicals can corrode and damage pipes — causing thousands in damage. While septic systems are rare in Sacramento, chemical drain cleaners are also detrimental to septic tanks, killing the good bacteria that keep these systems working. 

Drain clearing is a quick fix for immediate problems, but it does not address the underlying buildup that leads to recurring clogs.

What Is Drain Cleaning?

Drain cleaning is a preventive and comprehensive approach to maintaining your plumbing system. Instead of just removing blockages, this service cleans the entire drain system, eliminating grease, mineral deposits, soap, toothpaste, scale, and other buildup that can cause frequent clogs. Professional drain cleaning methods include:

• Video Camera Inspection: Identifies the exact location and nature of blockages before cleaning.
• Hydro Jetting: Professional-grade hydro jetting tools not only clear clogs but also gently remove grease, mineral deposits, scale, debris, and buildup from pipe walls. 
• Preventative Solutions: An expert can finish your service by offering any suggestions that may help prevent future blockages. For example, if they find the drain is clogged excessively by hair, they may recommend tools or habit changes that can help keep hair out of your drains.  

Regular drain cleaning extends the lifespan of your plumbing system and prevents costly repairs.

Why Sacramento Homeowners Should Care

Sacramento’s plumbing systems face unique challenges due to hard water, seasonal weather changes, and aging infrastructure. Hard water deposits can accumulate inside pipes, leading to stubborn clogs that require more than just clearing. Additionally, tree roots can invade underground pipes, making professional drain cleaning essential.

Choosing the Right Service: Drain Clearing vs. Drain Cleaning

If you have a one-time sudden clog, drain clearing is the best option. When your sink, bathtub, or toilet stops draining, it’s often due to an immediate obstruction like food waste, hair, grease, or even small objects lodged in the pipes. Drain clearing quickly restores water flow, allowing you to get back to your daily routine without major disruptions. However, while it solves the immediate issue, it doesn’t prevent future clogs from forming.

If you experience frequent clogs, drain cleaning will provide long-term relief. Persistent blockages usually indicate buildup within your pipes, such as grease, soap scum, or mineral deposits that restrict water flow over time. Drain cleaning removes these residues, improving drainage efficiency and reducing the likelihood of recurring clogs. By keeping your plumbing system clean, you can prevent costly issues and avoid frustrating backups.

For older homes or homes with hard water, regular drain cleaning prevents buildup. Sacramento’s hard water contains minerals that accumulate inside pipes, narrowing their diameter and making clogs more frequent. These older homes also often have narrow pipes that corrode or weaken over time, leading to stubborn drainage issues. Scheduling routine drain cleaning helps remove mineral deposits and prevents major plumbing problems, ensuring a longer lifespan for your system.

Drain Cleaning Service in Sacramento: Bonney

When you need professional drain cleaning services in Sacramento, Natomas, Orangevale, Roseville, Folsom, and beyond, Bonney is here for you. Our drain cleaning experts guarantee results from our industry-leading services. The Bonney 97-day clog-free guarantee promises that if your clog returns within 97 days, we will return to re-clean your drain for free. You can explore our coupons or make an appointment to get started today!