Drain Cleaning vs. Clearing: Which Does Your Des Moines Home Need?

Drain cleaning vs. drain clearing in Des Moines might sound like a small difference, but the fix you choose can make a big impact. When water backs up in the sink or the tub, most people just want it to be gone. But not every fix works the same way. Drain cleaning and drain clearing sound similar, yet they solve two very different problems. Knowing which one your home needs can save you time, money, and a few headaches.

At Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve been helping central Iowa homeowners keep their drains clear for decades. We’ve seen grease from holiday cooking block kitchen lines, tree roots push into old sewer pipes, and frozen soil shift plumbing during winter. After a while, you get to know what works and what only works for a while.

What’s the Difference Between Drain Cleaning and Drain Clearing?

Drain clearing is the quick fix. It breaks through a clog so water can move again. We use tools like augers or cable machines to punch a hole through the blockage. It works fast, but it doesn’t remove buildup inside the pipe.

Drain cleaning washes out grease, minerals, and debris that cling to the walls of your pipes. Hydro jetting, for example, uses high-pressure water to flush the entire line clean.

An easy way to remember: drain clearing removes the clog, cleaning removes the cause. If you own an older home around Des Moines or Urbandale, you’ll often need both, clearing to open the line, cleaning to keep it open.

Signs You Need Professional Drain Service

Most drain issues start small. You’ll notice them long before the water stops moving completely. Keep an eye out for:

• Slow drains in sinks, tubs, or showers
• Gurgling sounds or bubbling water
• Foul smells from drains
• Water backing up between fixtures
• Clogs that keep returning

These problems are common in Des Moines homes, especially in winter when grease and soap cool in the lines or shifting soil stresses older plumbing, which is why understanding drain clearing vs drain cleaning matters.

Drain Clearing: The Quick Fix

When the water’s not moving, clearing is the first step. Using a snake or auger, we break through the blockage and get flow restored fast.

Clearing is perfect for:

• Hair and soap clogs in bathrooms
• Food buildup in kitchen drains
• Small obstructions near the opening

It’s quick and gets results, but it doesn’t remove the residue on pipe walls. If you don’t clean afterward, the clog usually comes back.

Drain Cleaning: The Long-Term Solution

Cleaning goes further. Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing uses hydro jetting and video inspection to scrub your pipes from the inside out.

Hydro jetting blasts away grease, soap, and even small roots using pressurized water. It’s safe for most systems and especially useful for older homes across central Iowa.

Cleaning helps prevent:

• Frequent clogs and slow drains
• Odors from trapped buildup
• Mineral deposits from Iowa’s hard water

Once cleaned, your pipes run like new, no residue, no leftover grime, and no recurring clogs.

Why the Right Drain Service Matters in Des Moines Homes

Des Moines plumbing faces a perfect storm of local challenges. Older neighborhoods have tree roots that find their way into drain lines. Hard water leaves mineral deposits that narrow pipe openings. Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles also make the ground shift, stressing older connections, often leading to situations where drain clearing vs drain cleaning makes a difference in how the problem is fixed.

Regular drain cleaning is the best defense. It keeps buildup from turning into blockages and protects your plumbing from unnecessary wear. Bell Brothers has worked on homes across Altoona, Ankeny, and West Des Moines long enough to know that maintenance is always cheaper than an emergency call.

Choose Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Bell Brothers has been serving Des Moines and the surrounding areas for generations. We know the plumbing, the soil, and the water here better than anyone. Our licensed plumbers use advanced tools, honest communication, and clean workmanship to make sure every job’s done right.

Homeowners across central Iowa choose Bell Brothers because:

• We use advanced inspection and cleaning tools
• Our technicians are experienced and local
• We offer same-day service for urgent plumbing problems
• Prices are clear and upfront
• Every job is backed by a satisfaction guarantee

We treat your home like it’s our own and take pride in work that lasts.

Keep Your Drains Flowing with Help From Bell Brothers

If your drains keep clogging or you’re tired of slow sinks and gurgling tubs, it’s time to call Bell Brothers Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We handle both quick clearings and full cleanings for homeowners in Des Moines, Ankeny, Altoona, and Urbandale.

Call today to schedule your drain inspection or cleaning. We’ll find the problem, explain your options, and make sure your plumbing is ready for every Iowa season.