Drain and sewer cleaning covers everything from clearing a slow kitchen sink to snaking a main line that's backing up into the basement. In Lexington, older neighborhoods with clay or cast-iron sewer laterals tend to see more root intrusion and line breaks, while newer areas usually deal with grease clogs, hair, and the occasional flushed object. The 6 companies we cover in this category handle both ends of that spectrum, from a quick auger job to full hydro-jetting and camera inspections.
What the service actually involves
Most calls start with a diagnosis: a plumber runs a cable (snake) or, for tougher clogs, uses a hydro-jetter that blasts high-pressure water to scour the inside of the pipe. For sewer lines, a camera inspection is standard practice before any real work begins, so the tech can see whether you're dealing with grease buildup, tree roots, a collapsed section, or bellied pipe holding standing water. A trenchless repair or spot excavation may follow if the camera finds structural damage rather than just a clog.
What to look for before you hire
Ask whether camera inspection is included or billed separately, whether the quote is flat-rate or hourly, and what equipment they actually run (a basic hand snake won't touch a root-clogged main). Confirm they carry insurance for sewer work, since a botched job can mean water damage inside the house. Get a clear answer on warranty: a reputable outfit will guarantee the clog stays clear for a set period.
How our scoring helps
We score each company on responsiveness, pricing transparency, technical capability (jetting and camera equipment, not just a cable), and how consistently customers report the same clog didn't return within weeks. See the full ranked guide to Lexington plumbers for how these 6 compare, and read our methodology for the exact criteria and weighting behind the scores.
