What Happens During a Professional Drain Cleaning Service?

If your drains are slow, gurgling, or constantly clogging, you may be wondering what exactly happens when a plumber performs a professional drain cleaning. Many Phoenix homeowners worry it’s complicated or disruptive, but the process is actually smooth, fast, and extremely effective.

1. Initial Inspection and Diagnosis

Before touching your drains, a plumber will:

• Ask about the symptoms – slow drains, backups, foul odors, etc.

• Identify which drains are affected – kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or the whole house.

• Check plumbing fixtures – to determine if the issue is local or in the main line.

• Evaluate water flow – to see if the clog is partial or full.

This helps the plumber pinpoint the exact location of the blockage.

2. Drain Snaking

For most household clogs, plumbers use a professional drain auger. This machine:

• Breaks apart blockages

• Grabs hair, grease, wipes, or debris

• Restores flow through the line

• Reaches deep into pipes beyond what store-bought drain snakes can do

Plumbers have multiple snake sizes depending on whether the clog is in a sink, tub, toilet, or sewer line.

3. Video Camera Inspection

If the problem is recurring or severe, the plumber may use a camera inspection. This allows them to:

• See inside the pipe in real time

• Identify roots, collapsed pipes, heavy grease, or foreign objects

• Confirm that the clog has been fully removed

• Provide proof of pipe damage or buildup

Camera inspections are common for main sewer line issues.

4. Hydro Jetting for Tough or Deep Buildup

If the drain is severely blocked or filled with years of buildup, plumbers may use hydro jetting. This high-pressure water system:

• Blasts away grease, sludge, hair, scale, and roots

• Cleans pipes wall-to-wall

• Restores full flow

• Prevents clogs from returning

Hydro jetting is especially effective for Phoenix homes with older pipes or long-term hard water scale buildup.

5. Final Testing and Safety Checks

Once the clog is cleared, the plumber will:

• Run water to confirm fast drainage

• Check all fixtures for backups

• Ensure no leaks or pipe damage is present

• Verify the main line is fully open

This ensures your drains are flowing properly before they leave.

For Phoenix homeowners dealing with recurring clogs or slow drains, scheduling a professional cleaning can save time, money, and major headaches.

Call Vertical Plumbing at (480) 577-8720