Drain Cleaning Services
Slow drains rarely fix themselves. A sink or tub that drains a little slower than usual can eventually turn into a clog or backup. R&L Plumbing provides drain cleaning services across San Francisco and the East Bay, from one slow drain to maintenance for larger plumbing systems.
If you’re dealing with an active blockage right now, see our clogged drain service. Drain cleaning also includes maintenance that can help reduce buildup and recurring clogs.
| Drain type | What we typically use |
|---|---|
| Kitchen sink | Snaking or hydro jetting for grease buildup |
| Bathroom sink or tub | Snaking to clear hair and soap scum |
| Main sewer line | Camera inspection followed by hydro jetting or root removal |
| Floor and area drains | Snaking with a camera check for slope or debris issues |
What Professional Drain Cleaning Includes
No two drain problems are exactly the same, so our plumbers may use one or more of these methods:
- Snaking and cabling to break up or remove common blockages
- Hydro jetting to clear grease, scale, and stubborn buildup
- Sewer video inspection to see what's happening inside the line
- Clearing tree roots from sewer lines
- Preventive drain cleaning to help reduce recurring buildup
For older buildings especially, a camera inspection can also help us tell the difference between a clog and a damaged or deteriorating pipe.
Residential Drain Cleaning
In homes, drain cleaning is usually needed for kitchen sinks slowed by grease and food debris, bathroom drains clogged with hair and soap buildup, or main lines affecting several fixtures at once.
We’ll clear the blockage and let you know if we see signs of a problem that could cause the drain to clog again so you can plan for repairs or preventive maintenance.
Commercial Drain Cleaning
Restaurants, hotels, retail spaces, and other commercial properties can put more demand on drains than a typical home. Grease, food debris, and frequent use can all lead to faster buildup.
We provide commercial drain cleaning throughout San Francisco and the East Bay and can work around your business hours when scheduling service to help minimize disruption to your business.
How Often Should You Schedule Drain Cleaning?
It depends on how the plumbing is used, the condition of the pipes, and whether certain drains tend to clog repeatedly. Homes with recurring buildup may benefit from preventive cleaning, while restaurants and other high-use commercial properties may need service more often. We can recommend a schedule based on what we find in your plumbing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between drain cleaning and clearing a clogged drain?
Clearing a clogged drain focuses on an active blockage that’s stopping or slowing the flow of water. Drain cleaning is broader and can include both clearing existing buildup and preventive maintenance to help reduce future clogs.
How often should my drains be professionally cleaned?
It depends on your plumbing and how heavily the drains are used. If you have recurring clogs or a high-use commercial property, more frequent cleaning may help prevent buildup and backups.
Is hydro jetting part of drain cleaning?
Yes. Hydro jetting is one method we can use for heavy grease, scale, and other stubborn buildup that snaking may not fully remove.
Do you clean drains for restaurants and other commercial properties?
Yes. We provide drain cleaning for restaurants, hotels, retail spaces, and other commercial properties across San Francisco and the East Bay. We can also schedule service around your business hours to minimize disruption.
Schedule Drain Cleaning Today
Whether you have a slow drain, an active clog, or recurring buildup, we’ll help determine the right way to clear it. For more specific problems, see our clogged drain or hydro jetting services.