When you think of a plumber, your mind probably jumps to leaky faucets or busted pipes—but one of the most important (and overlooked) aspects of plumbing is drain servicing. Clogged, slow, or smelly drains can cause major headaches and lead to even bigger plumbing disasters if not properly maintained, warns California Realty experts.
In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what drain services include, how plumbers diagnose and fix drain problems, and when it’s time to pick up the phone and call a pro.
What Are Drain Services?
Drain services refer to any maintenance, repair, cleaning, or replacement work done on your home or business’s drainage system. This includes everything from kitchen sinks and tubs to sewer lines and storm drains.
Common Drain Types Plumbers Service:
- Kitchen drains
- Bathroom sink, tub, and shower drains
- Toilet drains
- Laundry and utility drains
- Floor drains
- Main sewer lines
- Downspouts and outdoor drains
What a Plumber Does During a Drain Service Call
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps and tools plumbers use to get your drains flowing freely again:
1. Inspection & Diagnosis
Every good plumber starts with a thorough inspection. This can involve:
- Asking about symptoms (slow drains, backups, odors)
- Visual checks
- Camera inspection for deeper issues in main lines or sewer drains
2. Drain Cleaning
This is the most common service. Methods include:
- Manual snaking: Using a hand auger to break up localized clogs
- Motorized drain augers: For tougher blockages deeper in the line
- Hydro jetting: High-pressure water blasts through grease, hair, and buildup
- Enzyme-based cleaners: For maintenance or eco-friendly drain treatments
3. Clearing Blockages
Some blockages are caused by foreign objects, tree roots, grease buildup, or mineral scaling. Plumbers may:
- Remove the trap under the sink
- Use pipe descaling tools
- Break up root intrusions
- Extract items flushed down toilets or stuck in drains
4. Drain Repairs or Replacement
If pipes are corroded, cracked, collapsed, or misaligned, plumbers may need to:
- Repair or replace damaged pipe sections
- Re-seal or re-grade outdoor drainage systems
- Recommend trenchless sewer line repair (where available)
5. Preventive Maintenance
A great plumber doesn’t just fix the problem—they help prevent the next one:
- Offer regular drain cleaning services
- Recommend screens or strainers for hair/food
- Suggest yearly inspections for older plumbing systems
Signs You Need Professional Drain Service
Not every clog is a DIY fix. Here are the signs it’s time to call a plumber:
- Slow drains in multiple fixtures
- Recurring clogs
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds
- Foul odors coming from drains
- Water backing up into sinks, tubs, or showers
- Overflowing toilets
- Standing water around floor drains or appliances
Tools Plumbers Use for Drain Services
Modern plumbers come equipped with high-tech and high-power tools designed for drain issues:
| Tool | Purpose |
| Drain snakes | Break up clogs manually or with power assist |
| Video inspection cameras | Locate blockages, root intrusion, or pipe damage |
| Hydro jetters | Blast away buildup with 3,000+ PSI of water |
| Pipe locators | Find underground drains and pinpoint damage |
| Enzyme solutions | Maintain cleanliness and reduce future clogs |
DIY vs. Professional Drain Cleaning
You can try:
- A plunger
- Baking soda + vinegar + hot water
- Removing the trap under the sink
But avoid:
- Overusing chemical drain cleaners (they damage pipes!)
- Forcing augers too far (can puncture pipes)
- Ignoring chronic clogs (it usually signals a bigger issue)
When DIY fails, call in the pros to avoid major plumbing repairs down the line.
Residential vs. Commercial Drain Services
- Residential: Slower drains, soap scum, hair buildup, or grease from kitchens are the usual suspects.
- Commercial: Restaurants, laundromats, and large buildings may deal with grease traps, floor drain backups, and high-volume usage that requires more regular service.
A good plumbing company knows how to handle both environments with the right tools and team.
Emergency Drain Services
Clogs don’t wait for business hours. Many plumbing companies offer 24/7 emergency drain service for issues like:
- Overflowing toilets
- Main sewer backups
- Flooded basements or crawl spaces
If water is going the wrong direction—it’s an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Drain services are one of the most important things a plumber does—and one of the most essential for keeping your home safe, clean, and functioning. Whether you’re dealing with a slow kitchen sink or a full-on sewer backup, professional drain service saves you time, stress, and money in the long run.
