Nobody likes dealing with a clogged drain. But in a place like Phoenix, clogs happen more often than you might think. Dust from the desert, minerals from hard water, and even tree roots can all mess with your plumbing. You might notice your sink draining slowly, water pooling in the shower, or even your main sewer line backing up. In these cases, a plunger just isn’t enough.
If you’ve been searching for a clogged drain cleaning service or looking up main drain cleaning near me—or if you’re curious about using camera tools to check your sewer line—you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything Phoenix homeowners need to know about clearing drains and keeping them clean for good.
At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we’ve been helping families in the Valley for over 20 years. We’ve seen just about every kind of clog out there. In this blog, we’ll walk you through your options—from simple tools to advanced services like hydrojetting—so you’ll know what works best and when to call in a pro.
Common Drain Problems Phoenix Homeowners Face
Phoenix presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to plumbing. The desert environment, older homes, and hard water combine forces to create recurring drain issues.
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Hard Water Buildup
Phoenix is known for having hard water. That means the water in your home is filled with minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals don’t just wash away—they stick to the inside of your pipes. Over time, they harden and create a thick layer that narrows the opening of the pipe. This slows down water flow and makes it easier for other debris to get stuck. Eventually, the buildup can lead to full blockages. Regular cleaning or installing a water softener can help prevent this.
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Grease and Food Debris
Kitchen drains are some of the most common places for clogs to start. Grease from cooking oil, butter, and tiny bits of food often go down the drain, especially if you rinse your dishes or use a garbage disposal. But grease hardens as it cools, sticking to the sides of the pipe like glue. Over time, food particles catch on it, layer after layer, until the drain is completely blocked. Garbage disposals help, but they don’t break down everything. It’s best to avoid pouring grease or large food scraps down the drain at all.
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Hair and Soap Scum
Bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers often clog because of hair and soap. When hair goes down the drain, it doesn’t just disappear. It catches on rough edges or other debris and starts to collect. Soap scum and products like shaving cream or conditioner make things worse by sticking everything together. This forms large clumps that can block water from draining properly. Using a simple hair trap or drain screen can help reduce how much hair goes down the drain.
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Tree Root Intrusion
Even though Phoenix is dry, tree roots still cause big plumbing problems. Roots are always searching for water, and they’ll find even the tiniest crack in your sewer line. Once inside, they grow quickly, taking up space and blocking the flow of waste. In some cases, roots can even break the pipe apart completely. If you’ve had frequent clogs or slow drains throughout your home, tree roots might be the cause—especially if you live in an older home with clay or cast iron pipes.
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Foreign Objects
Sometimes, things that should never go down the drain find their way in. This includes hygiene products, paper towels, toys, wipes, dental floss, and other non-flushable items. Unlike toilet paper, these items don’t break down in water. Instead, they get stuck in pipes and trap other debris around them. This can lead to deep, hard-to-reach clogs that often require professional tools to remove. Teaching kids what shouldn’t go down the drain and keeping lids closed can help prevent this.
Types of Clogged Drain Cleaning Services Every Homeowner Should Know
Different problems require different tools. Some blockages are simple and can be handled with a manual method, while others demand specialized equipment and a professional touch. Here are the main types of clogged drain cleaning services available in Phoenix.
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Drain Snaking (Drain Augering)
Snaking a drain is one of the most commonly used techniques—and for good reason. It’s fast, affordable, and effective for many types of clogs.
A plumber uses a flexible metal cable (called a drain snake or auger) that’s inserted into the drain. As the cable winds through the pipe, it breaks up or latches onto clogs so they can be pulled out.
Best for:
- Hair clogs in showers or bathtubs
- Minor kitchen sink blockages
- Early-stage toilet clogs
Pros:
- Quick solution for shallow blockages
- Minimally invasive
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Not effective for heavy grease buildup or roots
- Might not reach deep or mainline clogs
For recurring clogs or deeper obstructions, you’ll need something with a bit more power.
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Hydrojetting
Hydrojetting is the power washer of the plumbing world—and it’s as effective as it sounds. This process involves using high-pressure water jets to blast through clogs and scour the inside of your pipes.
It’s one of the most efficient ways to eliminate years of buildup in your plumbing system. The equipment can deliver up to 4,000 PSI of pressure, which is strong enough to cut through grease, scale, and even small tree roots.
Best for:
- Thick grease buildup in kitchen drains
- Scale from hard water
- Long-term maintenance of sewer lines
Pros:
- Cleans entire pipe walls, not just the blockage
- Environmentally friendly (no chemicals)
- Prevents future clogs by removing all debris
Cons:
- Requires professional equipment and expertise
- Can damage older, fragile pipes if not used properly
Hydrojetting is an advanced method, but it is well worth it for serious plumbing issues.
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Sewer Inspection Camera
Before you pay for any drain cleaning, it’s important to find out exactly what’s causing the problem. That’s where a sewer inspection camera really helps.
This tool uses a small, waterproof camera that’s pushed through your drain line. As it moves through the pipe, it sends live video to a screen so the plumber can see what’s happening inside. It helps find clogs, check for damage, and even spot things like tree roots getting into your pipes.
Best for:
- Diagnosing recurring blockages
- Inspecting for tree root invasion
- Locating cracked or collapsed pipes
Pros:
- Non-invasive diagnosis
- Accurate, real-time results
- Saves time and money on guesswork
Cons:
- Diagnostic tool only (won’t clear a clog)
- Must be paired with a cleaning method
This is a key step before major repairs or hydrojetting. It ensures the right solution is chosen for the actual problem.
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Rooter Service
If your issue lies deep in the main sewer line—and tree roots are involved—you need rooter service. This involves using a specialized machine with rotating blades designed to cut through and clear out roots, debris, and hardened blockages.
It’s a heavy-duty solution that clears the path so wastewater can flow freely again.
Best for:
- Main sewer line clogs
- Tree root infiltration
- Older homes with clay or cast iron sewer pipes
Pros:
- Clears major obstructions
- Essential for restoring sewer flow
- Prevents property damage from backups
Cons:
- Can be labor-intensive
- Not a long-term fix for tree roots without pipe repair
If you suspect roots are invading your system, rooter service is your best bet before things get messy.
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Manual Drain Cleaning
Sometimes, old-school is the best solution. Manual drain cleaning typically involves removing the P-trap or accessing cleanout points to physically clear out blockages. This method is usually part of a plumber’s initial diagnostic routine.
Best for:
- Localized, minor clogs
- Kitchen or bathroom sinks
- Preventative maintenance
Pros:
- Simple and cost-effective
- No need for high-tech equipment
- Great for first-time issues
Cons:
- Limited reach (only effective for nearby clogs)
- Time-consuming for severe blockages
Manual cleaning is a great first step for non-emergency situations. But if your problem keeps coming back, it’s time to level up.
Looking for Reliable Drain Cleaning Services Near Me? Contact Our Phoenix Experts Today!
Drain problems never happen at a “good” time. And while a DIY fix might sound tempting, most blockages require more than a plunger.
At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we offer a fast, reliable, and affordable clogged drain cleaning service for homeowners across Phoenix. Whether it’s a simple clog, deep buildup, or a stubborn blockage, we’ve got the right tools to handle it—from drain snaking and hydrojetting to video inspections that show exactly what’s going on inside your pipes.
We’ve been serving the Phoenix area for over 20 years, and our licensed plumbers are known for honest service, friendly attitudes, and up-to-date tools. We also believe in fair pricing with no surprises. That’s why we offer drain cleaning starting at just $69—a great deal for homeowners who want real results without breaking the bank.
Need help fast? We’re available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies. And if you’re not sure what’s causing the issue, we offer free inspections with zero pressure to commit.
Call us today at (602) 866-2665 to schedule your inspection or book our $69 drain cleaning special. We’ll get your drains flowing again—quickly, cleanly, and professionally.