Drain Cleaning Complete Guide — Methods and Prices in Quebec

Method 1: mechanical snake

The drain snake (auger) is the plumber's basic tool for clearing a drain. It's inserted into the pipe to mechanically pierce or remove the clog. Effective for most common clogs (hair, soap, food debris), the snake is the most economical solution. The limitation: it doesn't clean the pipe walls.

Method 2: high-pressure hydro-jetting

Hydro-jetting blasts water at very high pressure (1,500 to 4,000 PSI) through the pipe. This technique completely cleans the pipe walls, eliminating encrusted grease, scale, and even smaller tree roots. It's the most effective method for recurring clogs or heavily fouled pipes.

Method 3: camera inspection

Camera inspection allows you to see exactly what's happening inside your pipes. A camera-equipped cable is inserted into the drain to precisely identify the problem: clog, roots, cracks, wrong pitch, faulty joints. It's the essential diagnostic step before any major repair.