Drain Clearing vs. Drain Cleaning: Why the Difference Matters

December 13, 2024
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Written By
Robert Estrada
Drain Clearing vs. Drain Cleaning

When your drains slow down or completely clog, the promise of a $99 drain clearing special can sound like a quick fix. But what happens when the problem reappears in a few weeks? At Red One Plumbing, we believe in doing the job right the first time, which is why understanding the difference between drain clearing and drain cleaning is essential for making the right choice for your home.

The Difference Between Drain Clearing and Drain Cleaning

Drain Clearing is exactly what it sounds like—a quick method to restore some flow by punching a small hole through a clog. While this might get water moving temporarily, it doesn’t address the underlying issue or clean the pipe walls. Left untreated, the buildup will quickly reform, leaving you with the same problem all over again.

Drain Cleaning, on the other hand, is a comprehensive service that clears the blockage and removes buildup from the entire pipe. At Red One Plumbing, we use advanced techniques like hydro jetting and professional snaking to fully clean your pipes, leaving them free of grease, soap scum, hair, tree roots, and other debris. The result? Long-lasting solutions that keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.

Why Cheap Drain Clearing Services Fall Short

While $99 specials may grab your attention, they often come with hidden fees or limitations. Here’s why these offers may not deliver what you need:

  1. Limited Coverage: Many $99 specials only clear the first 25 feet of your pipe. If your clog is further down, additional fees for extra cable lengths can quickly pile up.
  2. Temporary Fixes: Most discount services only poke a hole in the clog rather than thoroughly cleaning the pipe, which means you’ll likely need another visit soon.
  3. Hidden Fees: Trip fees, equipment charges, and weekend surcharges often turn a $99 job into a $300–$500 bill.
  4. No Guarantee: If the clog returns, you’re left with no warranty and an unresolved issue.

At Red One Plumbing, we pride ourselves on providing upfront pricing, comprehensive service, and guaranteed results. No gimmicks, just honest plumbing.

What Causes Drain Clogs?

Drain problems build up over time as grease, soap scum, and debris stick to the pipe walls. Here are the most common culprits behind drain clogs:

  • Grease and Oil: Solidifies inside pipes, especially in the kitchen sink.
  • Hair: Accumulates in bathroom sinks and showers, creating stubborn blockages.
  • Paper Products: Flushing non-flushable wipes, tissues, or excessive toilet paper can lead to clogs.
  • Tree Roots: Roots infiltrate sewer lines in search of water, creating significant obstructions.
  • Soap Scum: Forms layers inside pipes, reducing water flow.

Understanding the causes of clogs can help you prevent them in the future and choose the right services when problems arise.

How Red One Plumbing Cleans Drains

We go beyond quick fixes to provide comprehensive solutions. Here’s what you can expect when you call Red One Plumbing for professional drain cleaning:

  1. Video Camera Inspections
    We start by identifying the exact location and cause of the blockage by using a high-definition sewer camera, ensuring precision.
  2. Professional Snaking
    For smaller clogs, our drain snakes effectively remove debris without damaging your pipes.
  3. Hydro Jetting
    Our high-pressure water system scours your pipes, removing stubborn grease, roots, and buildup.
  4. Sewer Line Cleaning
    If the problem lies in your main sewer line, we’ll tackle it head-on with advanced techniques.
  5. Preventive Maintenance Advice
    Once the job is done, we’ll share tips to keep your drains clear and your plumbing in top condition.

How to Avoid Drain Problems

The best way to deal with clogged drains is to prevent them altogether. Here’s how:

  • Dispose of Grease Properly: Pour grease into a container and throw it away, rather than down the drain.
  • Use Hair Traps: Simple tools can catch hair before it enters your plumbing.
  • Schedule Routine Maintenance: Professional cleanings keep buildup at bay.
  • Flush with Hot Water: Weekly hot water flushes can dissolve minor grease or soap scum.

Choose Red One Plumbing for Long-Term Solutions

At Red One Plumbing, we prioritize your plumbing’s longevity and your peace of mind. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Experienced Technicians: Our plumbers are trained to handle everything from minor clogs to major sewer line repairs.
  • Advanced Tools: We use state-of-the-art equipment to clean your pipes thoroughly and safely.
  • Transparent Pricing: You’ll know the cost upfront, with no hidden fees.
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed: If we can’t clear your clog or clean your pipes, you won’t pay.

Don’t settle for a quick fix that leaves you with recurring problems. Choose Red One Plumbing for thorough, professional drain cleaning services that get the job done right.

Contact Red One Plumbing Today

Ready to clear your pipes and restore your plumbing? Contact Red One Plumbing for expert drain cleaning in Houston and Pearland. Call us today at 832-281-4022 or schedule your service online!

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Real Customer Testimonials

Google G letterFive stars

Roberto was fantastic! Not only was his customer service on point, he literally showed up less than 30 minutes after I called. He was polite, thorough and spent time explaining what he was doing. I would highly recommend this company to anyone needing plumbing service!

Google G letterFive stars

John did the pipe replacement for our backed-up sink. Super polite, did great work, and got the job done super quickly!

Google G letterFive stars

Red One responded quickly. David was very friendly, honest and communicated everything clearly to us.  He also had faucets we could purchase saving me a trip to the store.  I would recommend them to anyone.

Google G letterFive stars

Arrived when he said he would and even gave an en route eta! Roberto helped us and he is very friendly and respectful of your time and home. Excellent work and fixed our issues no problem!

Google G letterFive stars

Excellent customer service and overall experience with Roberto. It was a custom job installing a toilet in an RV with small access. Honest and efficient in the estimate, execution, and communication. Would recommend him to anyone with their plumbing needs.

Google G letterFive stars

Roberto did an absolutely phenomenal job! He was friendly, considerate, knowledgable, and explained everything he was doing in a way that was easy to understand. Would highly recommend to anyone with plumbing issues.

Google G letterFive stars

Roberto did a phenomenal job.  He really went above and beyond to get the job done as soon as possible!!

Google G letterFive stars

Roberto did an amazing job replacing my exterior gas line. He was open and honest about the entire situation and very friendly. He did an excellent job and it passed city inspection in minutes. I highly recommend Roberto. He makes you feel like a friend and not just another customer. 5 star service and attitude.

Google G letterFive stars

Roberto is excellent. He is always on time, very thorough and explains everything before service is done. I highly recommend him and Red One!

Google G letterFive stars

Roberto was fantastic! Not only was his customer service on point, he literally showed up less than 30 minutes after I called. He was polite, thorough and spent time explaining what he was doing. I would highly recommend this company to anyone needing plumbing service!

Google G letterFive stars

John did the pipe replacement for our backed-up sink. Super polite, did great work, and got the job done super quickly!

Google G letterFive stars

Red One responded quickly. David was very friendly, honest and communicated everything clearly to us.  He also had faucets we could purchase saving me a trip to the store.  I would recommend them to anyone.

Google G letterFive stars

Arrived when he said he would and even gave an en route eta! Roberto helped us and he is very friendly and respectful of your time and home. Excellent work and fixed our issues no problem!

Google G letterFive stars

Excellent customer service and overall experience with Roberto. It was a custom job installing a toilet in an RV with small access. Honest and efficient in the estimate, execution, and communication. Would recommend him to anyone with their plumbing needs.

Google G letterFive stars

Roberto did an absolutely phenomenal job! He was friendly, considerate, knowledgable, and explained everything he was doing in a way that was easy to understand. Would highly recommend to anyone with plumbing issues.

Google iconFive stars

Roberto with Red One plumbing was fantastic! He was very personable and professional. You can tell he really knew his job well and he takes great pride in the quality of his work. He hooked up our standby generator and was very informative on the whole process. He made sure we knew what to expect and what each step entailed. If I need a plumber again in the future, he will be my go to guy. Highly recommended.

Mia
Five stars

I'm so glad we reached out to Red One Plumbing. We were able to get a same-day appointment, and not only was Robert able to come sooner than expected, but he was truly professional, communicative, and service-oriented. He was very thorough in identifying our issue, and he communicated with me every step of the way. I can't recommend this business enough. They were terrific!

Haley Chance
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Five stars

Red One Plumbing and Roberto are the best! I needed immediate service on faucet installation/drain cleaning and Roberto showed up quickly and was very professional. I will continue using them for all my plumbing needs. Very reliable and affordable.

Cynthia A.
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Five stars

Robert runs an amazing business. He is truly one of a kind. Red One Plumbing was there for my family during the freeze with a frozen pipe. They has serviced and replaced several of our appliances. He goes above and beyond for his customers.

Brandi Whaley
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Five stars

I had the company replaced a garbage disposal. The pricing was good. No shady haggling. The tech arrived promptly the next day and completed the job very fast. Communication with the company was good .I would use this company again for my other houses.

Thach Huynh
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Five stars

We had a fantastic experience with Red One. Great response times, very professional and friendly both on dispatch and on the plumber side. Robert was amazing and helped above and beyond the job description. I will absolutely be using them again! I normally DIY but they made it so easy to work with them that I think I’ll be retiring from plumbing DIY!

Jake Miley
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Five stars

Roberto with Red One plumbing was fantastic! He was very personable and professional. You can tell he really knew his job well and he takes great pride in the quality of his work. He hooked up our standby generator and was very informative on the whole process. He made sure we knew what to expect and what each step entailed. If I need a plumber again in the future, he will be my go to guy. Highly recommended.

Mia
Google icon
Five stars

Robert runs an amazing business. He is truly one of a kind. Red One Plumbing was there for my family during the freeze with a frozen pipe. They has serviced and replaced several of our appliances. He goes above and beyond for his customers.

Brandi Whaley
Google icon
Five stars

Red One Plumbing and Roberto are the best! I needed immediate service on faucet installation/drain cleaning and Roberto showed up quickly and was very professional. I will continue using them for all my plumbing needs. Very reliable and affordable.

Cynthia A.

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