Drain Snaking Service in San Diego, CA

Clear your pipes without tearing up your home:

Cost-Effective
Fast Results
Versatile
Prevents Bigger Issues

Plus, you benefit:

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Free Sewer Camera Inspection

Restore your sewer pipes?

When Your Sewer Pipes Need Professional Drain Snaking Service

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Drain snaking is a time-tested method for clearing clogs and obstructions from residential and commercial plumbing systems in San Diego. This technique uses a flexible, coiled drain cable, which is often motorized, to break through or retrieve debris lodged inside pipes, such as grease buildup, hair, and food particles.

It’s a reliable first step for restoring normal drainage and determining whether additional treatment, such as hydro jetting or descaling, is necessary.

Cable snaking is often mistaken for a long-term fix. While it can quickly unclog a blockage, it doesn’t resolve the underlying cause or stop clogs from coming back.

Vlad Khorenko, CEO Almco Plumbing

Affordable Solution

Drain snaking offers a budget-friendly way to clear minor to moderate clogs

Fast & Efficient

It quickly restores normal water flow throughout your plumbing system

No Chemicals Needed

A safe, eco-friendly mechanical method—no harsh cleaners or toxic runoff

Works on Most Drains

Effective against common blockages like hair, grease, and debris in sinks, showers, tubs

No Digging Needed

All work is done through existing cleanouts—no excavation, no mess, no damage to your property

The Epoxy Pipe Lining San Diego team, a division of Almco Plumbing, has over 20 years of experience providing plumbing services, especially sewer and drain cleaning.

Our licensed technicians use a variety of professional tools and techniques, such as traditional cable snaking and more advanced equipment, to address issues ranging from simple clogs to severe pipe buildup with precision and care.

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There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for clearing clogged drains. Professional plumbers use a variety of techniques, depending on the severity and cause of the blockage.

Drain Snaking

Ideal for clearing localized clogs, such as hair, soft clogs, or small debris
It is a quick and affordable solution for most residential and light commercial drains

Does not fully clean pipe walls; some buildup may remain
Less effective against large blockages or tree root intrusion

Hydro Jetting

Removes stubborn clogs, grease buildup, and tree roots with high-pressure water
It cleans pipe interiors thoroughly, restoring full flow
Great for long-term maintenance and serious blockages

Higher cost than snaking
Not recommended for brittle or aging pipes without prior inspection

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Convenient for small organic clogs (e.g., hair or food waste)
Fast-acting and readily available for basic use
May be used as part of regular maintenance (in moderation)

It can corrode pipes, especially older ones
It is harmful to the environment and not safe for frequent use
Often ineffective on solid or recurring clogs

Therefore, drain snaking is a smart first step for most minor clogs. For heavier buildup or recurring issues, hydro jetting offers deeper, longer-lasting results.

Our experienced technicians will assess your system and recommend the safest and most effective method based on the condition of your plumbing and the type of clog.

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Select the Right Equipment

The plumber selects a drain snake based on the severity of the clog and the type of pipe. Handheld snakes are used for minor, shallow clogs, while motorized versions are ideal for deeper, more stubborn blockages.

Inserting the Snake

The flexible cable is carefully fed into the drain and guided through the pipe’s bends until it reaches the blockage. Precision is key to avoiding damage to the pipe lining.

Clearing the Obstruction

Using manual or motorized rotation, the plumber spins the snake to break up or latch onto the clog. Depending on the material, the debris is pulled out or pushed through the system to restore flow.

Testing & Verifying Flow

Once the clog is removed, the plumber runs water through the system to ensure proper drainage. If needed, further inspection or additional cleaning methods, such as hydro jetting, may be recommended for long-term prevention.

This efficient process makes drain snaking a go-to solution for San Diego homeowners dealing with everyday clogs, from hair and grease to food debris and soap buildup.

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The customer complained about drainage problems in the toilet and bathroom.

Our Solution: We initially decided to clean the sewer using a drain snake. While working, we discovered that tree roots had grown into the cast iron pipes, which was preventing water from draining from the bathroom and toilet.

Result: After clearing the sewer pipes of sprouting roots, we restored water flow to the main sewer system. However, this is only a temporary solution because new roots will quickly grow through cracks in the cast iron. Additionally, a final camera inspection revealed that the inner walls of the pipe are corroded. We offered the customer an epoxy lining option as a more effective, long-term solution.

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The client called us to clean a section of the sewer system connecting the kitchen and bathroom drains to the main sewer. Water flow in this part of the house had become so blocked that it was impossible to use the kitchen sink.

Our Solution: We used a drain snake to break through the layers of soft deposits that had accumulated in the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet drains. It turned out that, in addition to food waste, napkins and other foreign objects had been washed down the drain, causing the blockage. A subsequent camera inspection revealed that plant roots had penetrated the sewer system.

Result: With the help of drain snaking, the sewer’s capacity was restored, making it possible to conduct a camera inspection. In addition to clogged pipes, we found that tree roots had grown into the sewer system. To prevent this from happening again, we recommended trenchless pipe repair or replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does drain snaking work?

It is a proven method for unclogging drains that uses a flexible metal cable with an auger or cutting head. The cable is fed into the pipe to break up, loosen, or remove the clog, allowing water to flow freely again.

When should you use drain snaking?

It is best used for slow-moving drains, total blockages, or recurring clogs that don’t respond to plunging. It’s often the first solution used for common clogs in sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.

Is drain snaking safe for all types of pipes?

Yes, when done by a professional. It is generally safe for PVC, cast iron, and copper pipes. However, if the pipe deteriorates and collapses, the cable snaking will not be able to clear it. The cable will escape through the cracks in the pipe.

What types of clogs can drain snaking removed?

It effectively removes hair, soft stoppages, and food particles. It’s commonly used on kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and laundry lines.

How does drain snaking compare to hydro jetting?

Drain snaking is ideal for minor-to-moderate, localized soft clogs.
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the entire pipe system, making it more effective against grease buildup, sludge, grease, and soap scum.

Your plumber may recommend one method over the other based on the situation.

Can I snake a drain myself?

You can rent a DIY drain snake, but improper use can damage pipes or push the clog deeper. Professionals have the right tools, training, and inspection equipment to do the job safely and thoroughly.

How much does professional drain snaking cost?

Our prices usually range from $175 to $550, depending on the severity of the clog and access to the drain. We always provide transparent, upfront pricing—no surprises.

How long does a typical drain snaking service take?

Most jobs are completed in 30 to 60 minutes. Severe blockages or multiple clogs may take longer, but we work efficiently to restore full flow as quickly as possible.

Does drain snaking prevent clogs from coming back?

It clears the current blockage, but it doesn’t prevent future buildup. For long-term results, we recommend routine maintenance or hydro jetting for deep pipe cleaning.

What’s the best way to prevent drain clogs?

Avoid flushing baby wipes, paper towels, toys, grease, hair, and food waste down the drain. Use strainers, run hot water after use, and schedule a professional cleaning if clogs occur frequently. Hydro jetting is excellent for preventive maintenance.

Would you like us to perform a camera inspection?

Yes. We use video camera inspections to locate tough clogs or to check the condition of pipes before or after snaking.

Is drain snaking messy?

Not at all. Our team uses protective covers and cleanup tools to keep your home clean throughout the process.

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Drain Snaking Service in San Diego, CA

Restore your sewer pipes?

When Your Sewer Pipes Need Professional Drain Snaking Service