Drain Cleaning Houston

A slow drain never gets better on its own. That gurgling sound from your kitchen sink, the shower that takes ten minutes to empty, and the toilet that needs two flushes are warnings that something’s building up in your pipes. The longer you wait, the worse it gets, until one day you’re standing in ankle-deep water with a completely blocked drain. John Moore Services has been clearing drains throughout Houston since 1984. We’ve snaked thousands of kitchen sinks clogged with grease, hydro-jetted sewer lines infiltrated by tree roots, and cleared main line stoppages that backed up into multiple fixtures. Our licensed plumbers use professional equipment and proven techniques to restore proper drainage and keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services Throughout Houston

Houston’s drainage problems are unique. Our mature trees send roots searching for water sources, and they’ll find every crack in your sewer line. The high mineral content in Houston water leaves deposits that narrow pipes over time. Older homes in the Heights, Montrose, and River Oaks neighborhoods often have cast iron drain lines that corrode from the inside. New developments in Katy, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands aren’t immune either. Construction debris, improper slope, and settling foundations create drainage issues in homes less than five years old. We provide drain cleaning services for every type of clog and every part of your drainage system. Kitchen drains, bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, floor drains, laundry drains, and main sewer lines. If water’s supposed to flow through it and isn’t, we can fix it.

Kitchen Drain Cleaning in Houston

Your kitchen drain handles more abuse than any other drain in your home. Grease from cooking coats the inside of pipes. Food particles accumulate even when you’re careful about what goes down the disposal. Coffee grounds, rice, pasta, and other starches create stubborn blockages. Soap residue and mineral deposits narrow the pipe diameter over time. We clear kitchen drain clogs using mechanical snaking for standard blockages and hydro-jetting for severe buildup. Our technicians can also inspect your drain line with video cameras to identify problem areas and recurring issues. If your kitchen drain clogs frequently, we’ll find out why and recommend permanent solutions.

Bathroom Drain Cleaning Services

Bathroom drains accumulate hair, soap scum, toothpaste residue, and personal care products. Shower and tub drains are especially prone to hair clogs that trap other debris and create complete blockages. Bathroom sink drains collect hair and sticky products like styling gels and face creams. These substances combine to form clogs that liquid drain cleaners can’t dissolve. We use specialized drain snakes designed for bathroom fixtures. For tubs and showers with persistent slow drainage, we can remove the drain assembly entirely to access the trap and clear buildup that’s accumulated over years. Our cleaning methods restore full flow without damaging your fixtures or plumbing.

Main Sewer Line Cleaning Houston

When your main sewer line clogs, every drain in your home stops working properly. You might notice multiple drains backing up at once, sewage odors, or water pooling in your yard. Main line clogs are serious. They can cause sewage backups into your home and create health hazards. Common causes of main sewer line clogs in Houston include tree root infiltration, collapsed pipes, grease accumulation, and objects flushed that shouldn’t have been. We start with video camera inspection to locate the blockage and identify its cause. Then we use appropriate clearing methods, typically hydro-jetting for roots and buildup or mechanical snaking for solid obstructions.

Hydro Jetting Drain Cleaning

Hydro jetting employs high-pressure water streams to thoroughly clean the inside of your pipes. Unlike mechanical snaking that pokes a hole through a clog, hydro jetting removes all accumulation from pipe walls. It’s the most thorough drain cleaning method available and particularly effective for grease buildup, mineral deposits, and tree roots. Our hydro jetting equipment delivers up to 4000 PSI of cleaning power, adjustable based on your pipe material and condition. We use hydro jetting for main sewer lines, kitchen drains with heavy grease accumulation, and any drainage line that needs complete cleaning rather than just a hole poked through the blockage. Hydro jetting is safe for most pipes when performed by trained technicians. We always inspect your drain lines first to ensure they’re in suitable condition for high-pressure cleaning. Older cast iron pipes or lines with existing damage may require gentler cleaning methods.

Video Camera Drain Inspection

You can’t fix what you can’t see. Our video camera inspections provide a real-time view of the inside of your drain and sewer lines. We insert a waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable into your drainage system and record everything we see. The footage shows us exactly what’s causing your drainage problems. Video inspection reveals tree root infiltration, pipe corrosion, collapsed sections, improper slope, channeling in cast iron pipes, grease accumulation, and objects lodged in the line. We provide you with the footage and explain what we found. This eliminates guesswork and allows us to recommend the most effective and cost-efficient solution. For real estate transactions, video sewer inspection provides peace of mind about one of the most expensive repair items a home can need. We perform pre-purchase sewer inspections throughout Houston for buyers who want to know the condition of underground drainage before closing.

Preventive Drain Maintenance Houston

Regular drain cleaning prevents emergency clogs and extends the life of your plumbing system. Most Houston homes benefit from annual or biannual professional drain cleaning, especially if you have mature trees on your property, old cast iron drain lines, or a history of slow drains. Preventive maintenance includes cleaning main sewer lines before tree roots create complete blockages, treating kitchen drains to remove grease buildup before it causes problems, and clearing bathroom drains before hair accumulation stops water flow. This scheduled maintenance costs far less than emergency service calls and prevents the inconvenience and potential water damage of drain backups. We offer drain maintenance programs for Houston homeowners who want to stay ahead of drainage problems. Regular service keeps your drains flowing and catches developing issues before they become emergencies.

Why Chemical Drain Cleaners Don’t Work

Those bottles of drain cleaner at the store seem like an easy solution, but they rarely work as advertised and often make problems worse. Chemical drain cleaners can’t remove hair clogs effectively. They don’t clear tree roots. They won’t eliminate grease blockages more than a few feet from your drain opening. What chemical drain cleaners do accomplish is corrode pipes, especially older metal drain lines. They create toxic fumes. They leave caustic residue in your drains that can injure plumbers who come to fix the problem the chemicals couldn’t solve. If you’ve used chemical drain cleaners before calling us, always mention it so our technicians can take appropriate safety precautions. The most effective drain cleaning uses mechanical action or high-pressure water to physically remove clogs. There are no shortcuts or miracle products, just proper equipment and experienced technicians who understand drainage systems.

Emergency Drain Cleaning Services

Drain emergencies happen at the worst times. Raw sewage backing up into your home requires immediate attention. We provide emergency drain cleaning services throughout the Houston metro area for situations that can’t wait until tomorrow. When you call for emergency drain service, we’ll assess your situation and dispatch a technician as quickly as possible. We equip our service vehicles with professional snaking equipment and train our plumbers to efficiently handle urgent drainage problems. We’ll stop the backup, clean the affected areas, and restore your drainage system to proper function.

Drain Cleaning for Houston Commercial Properties

Restaurants, hotels, retail stores, office buildings, and other commercial properties face unique drainage challenges. Restaurant kitchen drains accumulate grease despite proper grease trap maintenance. High-traffic restrooms in commercial buildings experience frequent clogs. Retail spaces with older plumbing infrastructure need regular maintenance to prevent customer disruptions. We provide scheduled drain cleaning services for Houston businesses that want to avoid drainage emergencies during operating hours. Our commercial team understands that every hour your business is dealing with drainage problems costs you money. We work efficiently to minimize disruption and can schedule service during off-hours when needed.

Service Areas for Drain Cleaning in Houston

John Moore Services provides professional drain cleaning throughout Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Montgomery County. We serve Houston neighborhoods including the Heights, Montrose, River Oaks, Memorial, Bellaire, West University, the Galleria area, the Medical Center, Midtown, and downtown Houston. Our drain cleaning trucks regularly service Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Pearland, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, Missouri City, League City, Humble, Pasadena, Friendswood, Cinco Ranch, Energy Corridor, Clear Lake, Kingwood, and Atascocita. If you’re within the greater Houston metro area, we can clear your drains.

What to Expect from Our Drain Cleaning Service

When you schedule drain cleaning with John Moore Services, here’s what happens. Our technician arrives in a fully equipped service vehicle within your scheduled appointment window. We send appointment reminders and real-time arrival notifications so you’re never left wondering when we’ll show up. Our plumber assesses your drainage problem, asks about symptoms you’ve noticed, and explains what’s likely causing the issue. For main sewer line problems or recurring clogs, we may recommend video camera inspection to identify the root cause. We provide upfront pricing before starting work so you know exactly what the service will cost. We protect your floors with mats, complete the drain cleaning using appropriate equipment and methods, test to ensure proper drainage is restored, and clean up completely when finished. Our work comes with a warranty on both labor and results. If the same drain clogs again within the warranty period, we return at no additional charge.

Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning

Some drainage problems are obvious, while others develop gradually. Here are signs that indicate you need professional drain cleaning in Houston. Multiple drains backing up simultaneously suggests a main sewer line problem. Slow drainage that affects more than one fixture indicates a blockage developing in your main line. Gurgling sounds from drains when you flush the toilet means air is trapped in your drainage system by a partial blockage. Water backing up in unexpected places, like your tub filling when you run the washing machine, indicates a main line restriction. Sewage odors from drains suggest buildup or blockages in drain lines. Persistent fruit flies or drain flies breed in the organic material accumulating in slow drains. Drains that clog repeatedly despite your efforts to clear them need professional attention. The clog is likely further down the line than drain snakes from hardware stores can reach, or it’s caused by something like tree roots that requires professional equipment to remove.

Protecting Your Drains Between Cleanings

While professional drain cleaning resolves existing problems, some simple practices help keep drains flowing between service calls. Never pour grease or cooking oil down kitchen drains. It solidifies in pipes and creates clogs. Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing them. Use drain screens in tubs and showers to catch hair before it enters the drain. Flush drains weekly with hot water to help dissolve soap and grease before they accumulate. Be mindful of what goes down toilets. Only human waste and toilet paper belong there. Wipes labeled “flushable” don’t break down in drain lines and cause frequent clogs throughout Houston. These preventive measures reduce how often you’ll need professional drain cleaning, but they won’t eliminate the need entirely. Houston’s trees, water quality, and soil conditions affect your drains regardless of how careful you are. Annual professional cleaning addresses issues that develop despite your best efforts.

Why Houston Homeowners Choose John Moore Services

We’ve been clearing drains in Houston for over 40 years. Our plumbers have seen every type of clog and drainage problem that occurs in this area. We invest in professional equipment, including multiple sizes of drain snakes, hydro-jetting systems, and video inspection cameras. This allows us to clear any clog regardless of location or cause. Every technician who arrives at your property is licensed, background-checked, and trained on proper drain cleaning techniques. We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Our service vehicles carry extensive equipment so we can complete most drain cleaning in a single visit. We stand behind our work with solid warranties. We protect your property, respect your home, and clean up thoroughly when we finish. These should be standard practices, but customer feedback tells us many plumbing companies skip these basics. We don’t.

Drain Cleaning Pricing and Payment Options

Drain cleaning costs vary based on the location and severity of the clog. A simple bathroom sink stoppage costs less than clearing a main sewer line 80 feet from your home. We provide exact pricing before starting work so you can make informed decisions. We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash. For larger drain repair projects that combine cleaning with pipe repair or replacement, we offer financing through approved credit partners. Our office can explain payment options when you schedule service.

How much does drain cleaning cost in Houston?

Drain cleaning costs depend on the type and location of the clog. Simple drain snaking for a bathroom sink or tub typically runs $150 to $300. Kitchen drain cleaning ranges from $200 to $400 depending on severity. Main sewer line cleaning costs $300 to $800 depending on the distance to the blockage and whether we use snaking or hydro jetting. Video camera inspection adds to the cost but provides valuable diagnostic information. We provide exact pricing before starting work.

How long does professional drain cleaning take?

Most drain cleaning service calls take 1 to 2 hours from arrival to completion. Simple clogs close to the fixture may take 30 minutes. Severe main sewer line blockages requiring hydro jetting and video inspection can take 3 to 4 hours. Our technician will give you an estimated timeframe once they assess your specific drainage problem.

Will drain cleaning damage my pipes?

Professional drain cleaning performed by trained technicians doesn’t damage pipes. We select appropriate equipment and techniques based on your pipe material and condition. Mechanical snaking is safe for all pipe types when done correctly. Hydro jetting is safe for most pipes, though we inspect older or fragile drain lines first to ensure they can handle high-pressure cleaning. DIY drain cleaning with incorrect tools or harsh chemicals causes far more pipe damage than professional service.

How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?

Most Houston homes benefit from professional drain cleaning every 1 to 2 years. Properties with mature trees should have main sewer lines cleaned annually to address tree root infiltration before it causes complete blockages. Older homes with cast iron drain lines benefit from annual cleaning to address corrosion and buildup. If you experience frequent slow drains, more regular cleaning prevents complete blockages.

Can you clean drains in older Houston homes?

Older Houston homes are our specialty. We regularly clean drains in properties built from the 1920s through the 1970s throughout historic Houston neighborhoods. These homes often have cast iron drain lines that corrode and accumulate buildup. We adjust our cleaning methods based on pipe condition, using gentler techniques when pipes show deterioration. Video inspection helps us assess pipe condition before cleaning.

What causes drains to clog frequently?

Recurring clogs indicate an underlying problem beyond temporary blockages. Common causes in Houston include tree root infiltration in sewer lines, improper drain slope that prevents proper flow, corroded cast iron pipes with rough interiors that catch debris, partial pipe collapse from foundation settlement, and grease accumulation in kitchen drains. Video camera inspection identifies why your drains clog repeatedly so we can address the root cause.

Is hydro jetting better than snaking for drain cleaning?

Hydro jetting and snaking serve different purposes. Mechanical snaking pokes a hole through blockages and removes solid obstructions. It’s effective for most common clogs and appropriate for all pipe types. Hydro jetting scours pipe walls completely clean, removing all accumulated grease, mineral deposits, and small roots. It’s more thorough but costs more and isn’t suitable for severely deteriorated pipes. We recommend the method that’s most appropriate and cost-effective for your specific situation.

Do you offer emergency drain cleaning in Houston?

Yes, we provide emergency drain cleaning services throughout the Houston metro area. Sewage backups and completely blocked drains require immediate attention to prevent water damage and health hazards. Call us at 713-853-9881 any time you’re experiencing a drainage emergency. We’ll assess your situation and dispatch a technician as quickly as possible.

Can tree roots grow back after drain cleaning?

Yes, tree roots will regrow into sewer lines after clearing if the underlying openings aren’t sealed. Hydro jetting removes existing roots and temporarily clears the line. For permanent solutions, you need either pipe lining to seal the entry points, pipe replacement to eliminate deteriorated sections, or root barrier installation to prevent regrowth. We explain all options including ongoing maintenance plans that address root regrowth before it causes problems.

What shouldn’t I put down my drains?

Never pour grease, cooking oil, or fat down kitchen drains. They solidify in pipes and cause clogs. Don’t put coffee grounds, eggshells, pasta, rice, or fibrous vegetables down the disposal. Bathroom drains shouldn’t receive hair in large quantities, dental floss, cotton swabs, or personal care wipes. Toilets should only receive human waste and toilet paper. No wipes even if labeled flushable, no feminine products, no paper towels. These items cause the majority of drain clogs we clear in Houston homes.

How do I know if I need main sewer line cleaning?

Multiple drains backing up simultaneously is the clearest sign of main sewer line problems. Other indicators include sewage odors from drains, water backing up in unexpected fixtures when you use others, gurgling from drains when you flush toilets, and slow drainage throughout your home rather than in just one fixture. If you notice any of these symptoms, call us for inspection and cleaning before the situation worsens.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover drain cleaning?

Standard homeowner’s insurance typically doesn’t cover routine drain cleaning or clogs caused by lack of maintenance. However, if a covered peril like a tree falling on your property damages your sewer line, or if you have specific sewer backup coverage in your policy, insurance may cover related costs. Review your policy or contact your insurance agent for specifics. We provide detailed invoices that you can submit for reimbursement if you have applicable coverage.

Can you clean drains without making a mess?

Yes, our technicians use floor protection, contain any water or debris that comes from drains during cleaning, and clean up thoroughly before leaving. Professional drain cleaning shouldn’t damage your home or leave messes behind. We treat your property with respect and leave the work area cleaner than we found it.

Do you provide drain cleaning for commercial properties in Houston?

We provide comprehensive drain cleaning services for Houston restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, medical facilities, hotels, and other commercial properties. Commercial properties have unique drainage challenges and often need more frequent cleaning than residential properties. We offer scheduled maintenance programs to prevent drainage emergencies during business hours and can work during off-hours when necessary to minimize disruption.

What’s the difference between drain cleaning and drain repair?

Drain cleaning removes clogs and buildup from existing pipes to restore proper flow. Drain repair or replacement becomes necessary when pipes are damaged, collapsed, severely corroded, or have fundamental problems that cleaning won’t fix. After video inspection and cleaning, we’ll tell you honestly whether your drainage system needs repair or if cleaning resolves the issue. We never recommend unnecessary repairs, but we won’t ignore serious pipe problems that cleaning can’t address.

John Moore Services
10005 West Sam Houston Pkwy N
Houston, Texas 77064
Phone: (713) 853-9881
Website: https://www.johnmooreservices.com/

Professional drain cleaning services throughout Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Pearland, Spring, Cypress, Tomball, Missouri City, League City, Humble, Pasadena, Friendswood, and all surrounding Houston metro areas since 1984.