Sewer Cleaning vs. Drain Cleaning: What Minneapolis Homeowners Need to Know

When water backs up, drains slow down, or strange smells start coming from your plumbing, many Minneapolis homeowners hear two terms thrown around: drain cleaning and sewer cleaning. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes—and knowing the difference can save you time, stress, and money.

What Is Drain Cleaning?

Drain cleaning focuses on clearing blockages inside the plumbing pipes within your home. These are the pipes connected to sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and floor drains.

Common causes of drain clogs include:

• Grease and food buildup in kitchen drains
• Hair and soap residue in bathroom drains
• Paper products or items flushed down toilets
• Mineral buildup from hard water

Drain cleaning typically addresses localized issues—for example, one sink backing up or a shower draining slowly. In many cases, a professional can clear these clogs using specialized tools without needing to access your yard.

What Is Sewer Cleaning?

Sewer cleaning, on the other hand, targets the main sewer line that runs underground from your home to the city sewer system. This is a critical pipe, especially in older Minneapolis neighborhoods where sewer lines may be decades old.

Common reasons sewer lines need cleaning include:

• Tree root intrusion
• Heavy grease or sludge buildup
• Collapsed or offset pipe sections
• Debris from older pipe materials (clay, cast iron, Orangeburg)

Signs you may need sewer cleaning:

• Multiple drains backing up at once
• Gurgling sounds from toilets or floor drains
• Sewage odors in the home or yard
• Water backing up in basement floor drains

Because Minneapolis experiences deep frost, soil movement, and freeze-thaw cycles, sewer lines can be especially vulnerable to damage and blockages over time.

Why the Difference Matters

Drain cleaning treats symptoms in individual fixtures. Sewer cleaning addresses the source of larger, system-wide problems. If a sewer line issue is mistaken for a simple drain clog, the problem can return quickly—or worsen.

This is why sewer video inspections are often recommended. A camera inspection allows professionals to see exactly what’s happening inside your sewer line and determine the right solution before costly damage occurs.

Minneapolis Homeowners: We’re Here to Help

If you’re unsure whether your issue is a drain problem or a sewer problem, you don’t have to guess. Our team is available to perform sewer inspections, sewer cleanings, and sewer repairs to keep your system running properly—especially important in Minnesota’s tough climate.

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn backup, slow drains, or want peace of mind with a sewer inspection, we’re ready to help. Reach out anytime to schedule service or ask questions—we’ll make sure you get the right solution for your home.