Top Drain Cleaning Companies in Memphis, Tennessee Ranked

A clogged drain is more than an inconvenience; it's a sign your home's essential plumbing system needs attention. Professional drain cleaning services in Memphis address blockages that cause slow drains, backups, and potential water damage, ensuring wastewater flows freely and hygienically away from your property. This guide explains the common causes of clogs in our area, the professional solutions available, and how you can find qualified local specialists to restore your pipes to full function.

Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air

10545 US-64, Arlington, TN 38002

Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air is a family-owned plumbing company serving Memphis, TN, and the surrounding area. Founded in 2010, they offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and repiping. The company is known for its upfront pricing and 24/7 emergency availability, ensuring customers have access to help whenever needed. They also specialize in trenchless sewer repair, providing less invasive solutions for sewer line issues. With over 14 years of combined industry experience, Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air brings professional expertise and community-focused service to their customers.

5.0

1.1k Reviews

Crowe Services/Heating & Air

6391 Ferrell Dr, Memphis, TN 38134

Crowe Services/Heating & Air in Memphis, TN provides comprehensive HVAC and plumbing services for residential and commercial customers. Their offerings include air conditioning and furnace repair, maintenance, and installation, as well as plumbing services such as leak detection, toilet repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and sewer camera inspections. The company is equipped to handle complex plumbing issues with capabilities like high-pressure hydro jetting and sewer line camera inspections. Crowe Services/Heating & Air has a strong reputation supported by licensed technicians and extensive experience, serving the Memphis area with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Emergency service availability is also offered to address urgent needs.

5.0

484 Reviews

1-Tom-Plumber

145 Locke Rd, Somerville, TN 38068

1-Tom-Plumber is a plumbing company based in Memphis, TN, offering a range of services including plumbing repairs, water heater repair, and drain cleaning. They provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services for issues such as burst pipes, clogged drains, and water damage. Their certified plumbers and drain specialists are available any time, including weekends and holidays, to respond quickly to urgent needs. The company also partners with Mid-South Restoration to assist with water and fire damage recovery. 1-Tom-Plumber is recognized as one of the fastest-growing plumbing companies in the nation, serving the Memphis area with reliable and timely service.

5.0

149 Reviews

Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air

6843 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38134

Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air serves the Memphis, TN area with a wide range of plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. Their offerings include water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, and leak detection. Founded in 2010, the company has grown to a team of over 50 professionals dedicated to providing dependable solutions that prioritize clear communication and customer care. They are available 24/7 for emergency plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs, ensuring prompt assistance whenever required.

4.9

3.7k Reviews

Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C

5320 US-70, Mason, TN 38049

Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C serves Memphis, TN, providing plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. With over 20 years of experience and more than 1,000 positive reviews, they handle leak repairs, drain cleaning, sump pump repairs, toilet repairs, and repiping. Their team offers comprehensive home comfort solutions, including heating and AC installation and maintenance. Established in 2005, Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C is known for skilled workmanship and reliable service.

4.9

1.3k Reviews

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Common Culprits of Clogged Drains in Memphis

Understanding what's blocking your pipes is the first step toward a lasting solution. In Memphis homes and businesses, drain obstructions typically fall into a few familiar categories, each requiring a specific approach for effective drain clearing.

• Kitchen Drains: The primary offenders here are grease, cooking oil, and food scraps. Over time, grease solidifies inside pipes, trapping other debris like coffee grounds and creating a stubborn, cement-like blockage ^{1 2}.
• Bathroom Drains: Hair is the most common culprit, binding with soap scum and toothpaste residue to form dense clogs in sinks and shower drains ^{1 3}. Toilets can become blocked by non-flushable items like hygiene products and wipes.
• Main Sewer Lines: These are the most serious blockages. Memphis's mature tree root systems are a frequent cause, as roots seek moisture and can infiltrate small cracks in underground pipes ^{2 4}. Heavy mineral buildup, collapsed pipes, and accumulated debris from all household drains can also cause a main line backup.

Professional Drain Cleaning Methods

When a plunger or store-bought chemical drain cleaner fails, it's time to call a professional. Memphis plumbers use specialized tools designed to safely and effectively clear blockages without damaging your pipes.

Drain Snaking (Augering)

This is the most common method for tackling localized clogs. A flexible metal cable (a "snake" or "auger") with a specialized head is fed into the drain. The rotating cable breaks apart the obstruction or hooks onto it to pull it out. It's a cost-effective and efficient solution for simple clogs in sinks, tubs, and toilets ^{1 5 6}.

• Best For: Isolated clogs in accessible drains, hair blockages, and minor food obstructions.

Hydro Jetting

For deep, stubborn, or recurring blockages, hydro jetting is the superior solution. This process uses a specialized hose that blasts water at extremely high pressure (often thousands of PSI) into the pipe. The force not only clears the immediate clog but also scours the interior walls of the pipe, removing grease, scale, and root filaments for a comprehensive clean ^{5 7 6}. It's particularly effective against the tree root intrusion common in Memphis's main sewer lines ⁴.

• Best For: Severe main line blockages, heavy grease buildup, root intrusion, and for providing a long-term preventive clean.

Video Pipe Inspection

Before any major work begins, a video inspection is a crucial diagnostic tool. A small, waterproof camera is snaked through the drain, providing a real-time view of the pipe's interior on a monitor. This allows the technician to pinpoint the exact location, nature, and severity of the clog-whether it's roots, a break, or buildup-ensuring the correct cleaning method is used ^{8 2 6}.

Understanding Drain Cleaning Costs in Memphis

The cost for professional drain unclogging services in Memphis varies based on the location of the clog, the method required, and the time of day. Here's a general breakdown based on local service data:

• Snaking a Sink, Shower, or Toilet: For a standard augering job on an accessible fixture, you can expect costs to range from $100 to $300^{1 9}.
• Snaking a Main Sewer Line: Clearing a clog from your main exterior line requires more powerful equipment and labor, with prices typically ranging from $150 to over $500^{1 7}.
• Hydro Jetting: This more intensive service for main lines or deep clogs generally costs between $300 and $800+^{5 7 10}. Many companies bundle a video inspection with hydro jetting or offer it as a vital add-on service to confirm the problem is fully resolved.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Clog

How do you know which service is right for your situation? Here's a quick guide:

• For a slow kitchen sink or a backed-up bathtub: Start with a drain snake. It's the standard, effective fix for these common household issues ¹¹.
• For recurring slow drains, a complete sewer backup, or suspected roots: Hydro jetting is often the recommended choice. It provides a deeper clean that can prevent near-term future clogs, especially against roots and heavy grease ^{5 6 11}.
• For an unknown or severe problem: Always request a video inspection first. It eliminates guesswork, saves money on unnecessary methods, and provides a clear picture of your pipe's health ^{8 2}.

Preventing Future Drain Problems

The best drain service is the one you don't need. Incorporate these simple habits to keep your Memphis home's drains flowing freely:

• Use drain screens in all sinks and tubs to catch hair and food particles.
• Never pour grease or cooking oil down the kitchen drain. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in the trash.
• Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Even "flushable" wipes do not break down like toilet paper and are a leading cause of blockages ¹².
• Run hot water through kitchen drains for a minute after washing dishes to help melt and flush away minor grease buildup.
• Schedule periodic professional cleaning, especially for your main sewer line, if you have mature trees near your service line or an older home. Preventive hydro jetting can avert a major backup ^{3 11}.

Frequently asked questions

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