Los Angeles Drain Cleaning FAQ’s

1. It’s impossible for any plumbing company to make money with these types of pricing. What they’re truly hoping, is that your drain is in bad shape – perhaps roots, or a break that is going to need repair.

   This is how they make up for, what we call in our industry, a “loss leader.” Advertise low to get to the door. Most of these companies’ drain technicians are on commission, so the more they sell, the more goes in their pockets.

   So, when a company pulls out the camera, this is where it all starts.

   Now, there are times that a drain line is in need of repair or a replacement, but you just have to really do your due diligence & verify it.

This is a great question, here are the top 5 things techs may do to be aware of:

1. Say that they cannot clear the drain, and that a supervisor is coming out to look at the line.
2. Run their camera and tell you that the line is broken, or looks really bad.
3. Tell you their cable is stuck in the line and they cannot get it out.
4. Run a camera and tell you that the line is going to explode, and it’s urgent to do a repair or replacement right away.
5. Say that the line needs hydro jetting.

Hydro jetting is necessary for drain pipes that have excessive grease, roots or other compaction that a roto rooter cable cannot clear.

Hydro jetting is also great when the stoppage is long distance, as the hose is up to 300 feet.

Cable drain cleaning is really good for soft stoppages, like small amounts of food or toilet paper. Anything longer than that, a cable is not intended for good cleaning.

The distance on a roto rooter cable is up to 100 feet. A cable does a really good job cleaning, on its first 60 feet. Past that distance, it’s pretty weak on tough stoppages.

1. I really like your drain cleaning price. If you cannot clear it, do I still have to pay?
2. If you run the drain camera and find an issue, can you please record it and mark the area where the issue is? (If they tell you no, then just let them provide you their quote for repairs)
3. What’s the warranty if you clear my drain?
4. If there is any issues with my drain, I will get at least three estimates. (This puts them in check and on notice upfront that your well aware of the potential selling of a repair or replacement)

We truly believe in getting at least a second opinion. We provide at least 10 second opinions a week on drain cleaning calls that claimed repairs were needed. At least half of the calls we go out and see that they don’t need repairs or replacement.

Don’t feel pressured. Take a step back and get a few estimates, and at least verify there is an issue.

It’s very, very rare that a cable can break a drain pipe. A very old cast iron line that’s very brittle can break during drain cleaning process, so do be cautious and aware that there is a potential that the line could break.