A slow or backed-up drain never happens at a good time. While plunging or using store-bought cleaners may offer temporary relief, recurring clogs are often a sign that it is time for professional drain cleaning in Sacramento.
At Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, we specialize in advanced drain cleaning services for homeowners throughout Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and Rancho Cordova. Our team uses two primary methods to eliminate even the toughest blockages: drain snaking and hydro-jetting. Both are effective, but each serves a different purpose depending on the severity and location of the clog.
Here’s how these methods compare—and what you can do to keep your drains running smoothly after your professional cleaning.
How Professional Drain Cleaning Works
The first step in drain cleaning is figuring out what is happening inside your pipes. What seems like a simple clog can actually be grease buildup, roots, or even damage to the line.
That is why we often start with a camera inspection. A small waterproof camera lets us see where the blockage is and what caused it. Once we know that, we decide which method will work best.
Snaking and hydro-jetting are the most common solutions.
- Snaking uses a long cable with a coiled tip that breaks through or pulls out clogs.
- Hydro-jetting sends high-pressure water through the line to flush out debris and clean the full diameter of the pipe.
Both are effective when used correctly. The difference comes down to the condition of your plumbing and what caused the clog in the first place.
When Snaking Is the Right Choice
Snaking is a simple, dependable fix for most small or surface-level clogs. If the blockage is close to the fixture or made up of softer material, a drain snake can usually clear it quickly.
Snaking works best for:
- Hair and soap buildup in bathroom drains
- Food and grease clogs near the kitchen sink
- Small obstructions that do not go deep into the line
Benefits:
- Quick and gentle on older plumbing
- Effective for minor blockages
- Requires minimal cleanup
Limitations:
- Does not clean the entire pipe
- May leave residue that leads to new clogs later
- Cannot cut through tree roots or hard buildup
If your drain clogs frequently, snaking might only give temporary relief. That is when hydro-jetting comes in.
When Hydro-Jetting Solves the Real Problem
Hydro-jetting uses water under high pressure to wash away grease, sludge, and other debris.
A hose with a special nozzle sprays water both forward and backward, cutting through stubborn blockages and cleaning the line as it goes.
Hydro-jetting works best for:
- Heavy grease buildup
- Tree roots in the main line
- Sludge or scale that narrows older pipes
- Recurring clogs or slow drains throughout the house
Benefits:
- Cleans pipes completely
- Restores full water flow
- Works on deeper or tougher blockages
- Safe for the environment since it uses only water
Limitations:
- Not ideal for pipes that are cracked or weakened
- Must be handled by trained professionals who can control the pressure
Hydro-jetting is what we use when snaking is no longer enough or when the same line keeps clogging again. It clears the problem and gives your plumbing a fresh start.
How to Prepare for a Drain Cleaning Appointment
You can help your plumber get started faster by preparing the area before the appointment.
Before we arrive:
- Clear space under sinks or around floor drains.
- Keep pets and kids away from the work zone.
- Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners beforehand, since they can make the job unsafe.
- If multiple drains are slow, let us know when you call. It helps us locate the main issue faster.
Most professional drain cleaning visits take about an hour or two. Once we are finished, we test the drains to make sure everything flows properly before we pack up.
How to Prevent Future Clogs in Sacramento Homes
Good habits go a long way in keeping your plumbing clear. Sacramento’s mix of older and newer homes means every system is different, but the basics apply to all.
Simple prevention tips:
- Toss cooking grease and coffee grounds in the trash, not the sink.
- Use drain strainers in showers and sinks to catch debris.
- Run hot water for a minute after using the disposal.
- Schedule professional cleaning every year or two.
- Have a camera sewer inspection if your home is older or near large trees.
Keeping your drains clean is much easier than dealing with repeated clogs or backups. Regular maintenance protects your plumbing and helps avoid bigger repairs down the line.
Why Sacramento Homeowners Trust Gilmore
Homeowners across Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and Rancho Cordova count on Gilmore because we take time to explain the problem before we start. Our technicians arrive with the right tools, assess your drains carefully, and recommend what makes the most sense for your home.
Whether you need a simple snake or a full hydro-jetting service, we do the job safely and thoroughly. Our goal is always to restore your plumbing to full performance and keep it that way.
Book Professional Drain Cleaning with Gilmore
If your drains are slow or backing up, it will not get better on its own. Call Gilmore for drain cleaning in Sacramento. We will identify the cause, clear the blockage, and leave your pipes clean and flowing freely.
Book professional drain cleaning with Gilmore and clear tough clogs safely.