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Drain Cleaning vs. Drain Clearing: What’s the Difference?

January 12, 2022 | Blog

While you might use the words “cleaning” and “clearing” interchangeably in some contexts, plumbing isn’t one of them. Drain cleaning and drain clearing might sound similar, but these processes require different tools and techniques. Not only that, but the effects of drain cleaning and drain clearing on your plumbing system are also different.

Depending on the type of plumbing problem you have, one might be better suited for your system than the other. Learn whether you need drain cleaning or drain clearing by reading the blog below.

Have a stubborn blockage in your drains? Call Bud Anderson at (479) 927-2700 to schedule drain services in Northwest Arkansas today!

What Is Drain Cleaning?

Drain cleaning is the process of flushing out pipes. Plumbers force highly pressurized water through your pipes with a special hose. Drain cleaning is excellent for eliminating clogs or grease buildup that might be hiding on the walls of your pipes.

Drain cleaning also helps proactively prevent future buildup. While it’s a more invasive plumbing service than drain clearing, it is well worth it to schedule hydro jetting services with your trusted plumber since you’ll save money on unnecessary plumbing repairs in the future.

When To Schedule Drain Cleaning Services

Homeowners should consider scheduling drain cleaning services if they experience the following:

  • You constantly need to have your drains snaked for clogged pipes
  • You hear unusual noises coming from your pipes
  • You have slow-moving drains or standing water in tubs and sinks
  • You see a sudden increase in fruit flies around your home
  • You smell sewage

What Is Drain Clearing?

Drain clearing is a much less invasive procedure typically reserved for small-scale plumbing problems. In this instance, a plumber is notified of a specific blockage, finds it, and removes that clog and that clog only.

Usually, when performing drain clearing services, a plumber will insert a snake into the affected pipe. This snake is powered by a motor with a rotating blade at the end of the cable. Once powered on, the blade spins and breaks up the blockage, restoring proper water flow to your system.

While this might provide a temporary fix for your slow drains, clogs are more likely to recur since the remnants of the previous clog are still in your system. For this reason, many plumbers recommend drain cleaning rather than drain clearing for modern homes.

When To Schedule Drain Clearing Services

In some cases, drain clearing may be the best option for your home. If you live in an older, vintage home or own a business in a historic building, your pipes will likely be much more fragile than modern plumbing systems.

Because of this, hydro jetting services might do more harm than good, running the risk of turning into a burst pipe. Instead, drain clearing with a snake is the preferred method for removing stubborn blockages in historic homes to avoid fracturing the pipe.

Drain Cleaning & Clearing Services at Bud Anderson!

Whether your home requires drain cleaning or clearing, the plumbing experts at Bud Anderson have the skills and expertise to eliminate any blockage affecting your plumbing system.

From our state-of-the-art hydro jetting and video camera pipe inspection services to our standard snaking techniques for older homes, we can clear the way for improved plumbing performance in no time.

Schedule drain cleaning in Northwest Arkansas by calling Bud Anderson at (479) 927-2700 today!

Bud Anderson's Shield of Protection!

At Bud Anderson Home Services, we know how important preventive maintenance is to keep your home’s comfort systems running in top condition. We also know how easy it is to forget to schedule your maintenance appointments each year! That's why we offer our Shield of Protection. Let us remember to schedule your annual system maintenance and all you have to do is enjoy priority service, discounts and more!

Why Choose Us?

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Peace Of Mind
We will send the name and photo of your technician ahead of time so you feel safe when they arrive in uniform in a company vehicle. We will also be careful in your home by wearing booties and laying mats on the floor.
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Upfront Pricing
Our honest pricing will always be reviewed with you before we start any work so that you're aware of exactly what you're agreeing to. We don't sell you what you don't need, and we don't charge surprise fees.
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Award Winning Team
Our team has won the 2014 BBB Torch Award for Ethics and the 2018 Best of HomeAdvisor award for providing superior quality service and value to our customers.

What Our Customers Say

Professional Service!

Furnace went out during this ridiculous weather and Bud Anderson was the only place I could get through to. First, they made sure I had another heat source (I did) then they arrived very quickly considering the weather. Problem was solved in a timely fashion and now my wife and kids will be very happy! Very professional service!
David V.

Great Customer Service!

I called other companies; some couldn’t get me in for 2 weeks or never called back. Due to having no power in multiple outlets throughout my home, Bud Anderson was able to schedule me first thing in the morning. I like the text updates, who your Technician will be, as well as they are on their way. Dwayne was professional, knowledgeable, and explained everything. Great Customer Service skills! Thank-you~
Karen

Quick Response!

Service call scheduled and completed in a quick manner. Aaron definitely knows heating and air systems and took the time to explain the issues and come up with a maintenance plan in the future. I strongly recommend this company.
Daron S.