406 W 75th St Suite E, Kansas City, MO 64114

Mon-Fri : 7:00am : 6:00pm |  SAT: 9am : 4pm | SUN: Closed

Drain Cleaning Services

About Our Drain Cleaning Services

At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we clear residential drain lines by identifying the underlying cause of restricted flow, not just the surface-level clog. Most slow or blocked drains are the result of grease buildup, soap residue, food waste, hair accumulation or mineral deposits that narrow the interior of the pipe and trap additional debris. In other cases, deeper issues such as small root intrusion, early corrosion or a sagging drain line create chronic blockages that return shortly after basic clearing attempts.

Drain blockages often form gradually. The inside of the pipe becomes coated layer by layer until drainage slows, water pools in sinks or tubs, and fixtures begin to gurgle. Without professional cleaning, buildup continues to harden and compress, eventually leading to a full obstruction.

Our team uses advanced equipment, including cable machines, drain snakes, sectional cutters and hydro jetting when pipe condition allows, to fully remove buildup and restore the usable diameter of the drain line. When necessary, we perform camera inspection to verify clearing and assess internal pipe condition. Every cleaning is completed with long-term performance in mind.

Warning Signs of a Drain Line Blockage

Drain lines display several early and late-stage signs when flow is restricted. Recognizing these symptoms helps prevent more serious backups or water damage.

Slow Draining Fixtures

If sinks, tubs or showers drain slower than normal, buildup is likely narrowing the line.

Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds

Air pockets trapped behind debris rise through the nearest fixture, indicating a blockage forming deeper in the drain.

Standing Water in Sinks or Tubs

Pooling water that drains only after several minutes suggests a developing obstruction in the pipe run.

Unpleasant Odors from Drains

Grease, food debris and stagnant organic matter can produce odors that travel back up through the drain opening.

 

One Fixture Backing Up Another

If running the dishwasher fills the kitchen sink or a washing machine cycle causes water to rise in a nearby tub, the blockage is affecting a shared drain line.

Recurring Clogs After Basic Clearing Attempts

Repeated issues indicate that buildup remains on the pipe walls and requires a full cleaning to prevent future blockages.

These signs should be evaluated promptly because delays can allow buildup to harden, spread or become more difficult to remove.

Drain Cleaning vs Drain Clearing: What’s the Difference?

Drain clearing and drain cleaning offer very different results even though both are aimed at restoring flow.

 

Drain clearing involves pushing a small opening through the clog using a simple auger or hand snake. This restores temporary drainage, but most of the underlying debris remains along the pipe walls, which allows the clog to reform.

 

Drain cleaning is a complete removal of the obstruction and the buildup around it. This method scrubs, cuts or flushes debris from the inside of the pipe, restores the usable diameter and reduces the likelihood of recurring clogs.

 

At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we focus on true drain cleaning rather than temporary clearing. This ensures longer lasting performance and fewer future drain issues.

Drain Cleaning Methods and When We Use Them

Different types of buildup and obstructions require different tools. We evaluate pipe material, age, condition, access points and fixture symptoms to determine the safest and most effective cleaning technique.

Cable Machines and Snaking

Cable machines are typically used for compacted debris, paper accumulation, hair buildup and early root intrusion, especially in older pipes where aggressive methods could cause damage. Snaking breaks apart the clog and restores flow while remaining gentle enough for fragile or aging lines, although it does not fully scrub the entire pipe wall. Costs vary based on line length, pipe condition, access and severity of obstruction, but snaking is usually the least resource-intensive method.

Hydro Jetting for Drain Lines

Hydro jetting is reserved for drain lines containing heavy grease buildup, hardened scale or recurring clogs that return shortly after snaking. Jetting uses controlled high-pressure water to scour the interior walls of the pipe and remove debris that mechanical methods cannot reach. This restores a smoother internal surface and reduces future clogging. Cost factors include length of the line, extent of buildup and access to cleanouts.

Root Removal for Small Intrusions

Some smaller drain lines can experience early root intrusion at joints or weak points in the pipe. In these cases, we use compact cutting heads designed to remove the roots without stressing the pipe. This is only used when the intrusion is minor because drain lines are more delicate than sewer pipes. After removal, we may recommend long-term repair if the pipe shows signs of structural weakness.

Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments are applied selectively to address certain types of biological buildup or to slow minor root regrowth. They are never used as a substitute for mechanical cleaning. Store-bought chemical drain cleaners are not recommended because they can damage piping and create safety concerns. Professional chemical application is used only when it is safe for both the pipe and the surrounding environment.

Preventative Drain Line Maintenance

Routine drain cleaning helps prevent small accumulations from turning into significant obstructions. Over time, grease, hair, soap residue and minerals adhere to the pipe walls, gradually narrowing the line and slowing water flow. Preventative maintenance removes these early deposits before they harden or compress.

 

Most homes benefit from preventative drain cleaning every twelve to twenty months depending on fixture use patterns, kitchen habits and pipe material. Preventative service reduces odors, maintains flow speed and prevents sudden blockages.

Emergency Drain Unclogging

When a drain line becomes fully obstructed, wastewater may stop draining entirely or begin overflowing from sinks, tubs or floor drains. Sudden backups, bubbling during fixture use or standing water that will not move indicate that immediate service is needed.

 

Our emergency drain cleaning service identifies the obstruction and removes it quickly using the appropriate method for the fixture and severity of blockage. Whether the blockage is in the trap, branch line or deeper in the drain system, we restore flow safely and reduce the risk of water damage.

Why Choose 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer for Drain Cleaning?

  • Effective equipment for deep, long-lasting cleaning
  • Methods selected based on pipe condition, not guesswork
  • Transparent guidance and clear explanations
  • Solutions aimed at preventing recurring clogs
  • Fast response for both routine and emergency issues

FAQs

What is the difference between drain cleaning and drain clearing?

Drain clearing breaks a small hole through the obstruction to restore temporary flow, but most buildup remains. Drain cleaning removes debris from the pipe walls, restores usable diameter and provides much longer lasting results.

Most households benefit from professional drain cleaning every twelve to twenty months. Homes with heavy kitchen use, hard water or older pipes may need more frequent maintenance.

Clogs are usually caused by grease buildup, soap residue, hair, food particles, mineral scale and, in some cases, small roots entering through weak points in the drain line.

Yes. We provide fast emergency response when drains overflow, stop draining or begin backing up into other fixtures.
A professional cleaning includes diagnosing the blockage, selecting the appropriate tool, removing buildup inside the pipe, restoring the functional diameter of the line and confirming proper flow. Additional services such as camera inspection may be used when deeper issues are suspected.

Service Areas

100 Year Plumbing & Sewer proudly serves:
Fairway KS, Grandview MO, Kansas City KS, Kansas City MO, Leawood KS, Lees Summit MO, Lenexa KS, Merriam KS, Mission Hills KS, Mission KS, Olathe KS, Overland Park KS, Prairie Village KS, Roeland Park KS, Shawnee KS.

Our Service Guarantee 

At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we’re committed to delivering dependable plumbing solutions. Our licensed technicians are trained to evaluate problems thoroughly, provide honest recommendations and complete every job with precision. We focus on quality workmanship, clear communication and long-term reliability, whether we’re supporting routine maintenance, resolving an urgent issue or upgrading part of your home’s plumbing system. Every service is backed by our dedication to professionalism and the respectful care of your property.

When you’re ready to move forward, we make it simple. Our scheduling team can answer questions, walk you through your options and set up service at a time that works for you. Reach out today to get started or request an estimate for your project.