Drain clearing and drain cleaning are two plumbing terms that might initially sound like they are basically the same thing.
But while both terms involve keeping your drains free of debris, the two terms are actually quite a bit different.
Let’s discuss both of them a bit more in depth so you’ll have a better idea for when you need drain clearing or drain cleaning in Springfield Missouri.
What Is Drain Cleaning?
Drain cleaning is more of a preventative measure. It involves cleaning out debris and other matter that could eventually lead to a clog, such as grease, hair, or food particles.
It’s more involved than just running water down your drain and hoping the debris simply washes away.
To truly get your drains cleaned out, a drain snake or hydro jetting are methods often used. These specialized techniques are best performed by a professional plumber in Springfield, Missouri.
It’s recommended that you typically get your drains professionally cleaned out once a year.
If your drains are particularly prone to clogging up, consider reducing that time frame to every six months, or perhaps even sooner in severe cases.
By regularly performing drain cleaning on your pipes before they become clogged, you can potentially save yourself money in costly plumbing repairs and extend the life of your pipes in the process.
What Is Drain Clearing?
Drain clearing is less of a preventative measure and more of a quick fix. It’s a means of dealing with a specific obstruction that is currently blocking water flow, such as the previously mentioned grease, hair, or food particles.
While drain cleaning removes debris before it becomes a clog, drain clearing deals with a clog that has already formed.
Should you do a drain clearing yourself, or hire a professional plumber in Springfield, Missouri?
A smaller clog could be easy enough to handle on your own, but for more stubborn clogs, we recommend going the professional plumber route.
It might be tempting to reach for the chemical drain cleaner for a quick fix, but these can be corrosive and damage your pipes in the long run.
Do I Need My Drains Cleaned Or Cleared?
Eventually, you'll probably need both. If you’re dealing with a specific blockage, then you need to clear it.
But if your pipes seem to be prone to getting blocked up or they seem to drain very slowly, then it may be more beneficial to clean them, freeing your pipes of any debris that could contribute to future clogs.
Drains that are both clean and clear are essential for the continued health of your plumbing.
If you need either service, reach out to the plumbing professionals here at United Plumbing.
Your friendly neighborhood Springfield, Missouri plumbers can help you keep your drains clean, clear, and everything in between.
Call us anytime 24/7 for all of your plumbing needs.