Many homeowners don't even think about hiring a professional drain cleaning company until they're facing a totally clogged drain. In reality, it's not a bad idea to have preventative drain cleaning performed on occasion. Still, if you need to hire a drain cleaning company to deal with a clogged drain in your home, there are a few questions you'll want to ask to determine whether the company is a good fit for your needs.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

First and foremost, you'll want to check that a prospective drain cleaning company is both licensed and insured. Licensure or certification requirements can vary a bit from one state to the next, but any drain company should be able to provide proof that they meet or exceed your state's licensure laws for plumbing professionals. You'll also want to ask for proof of liability insurance for your own protection and peace of mind.

How Will You Diagnose the Problem?

If you're dealing with a clogged drain, finding the exact location of the clog can be the biggest challenge. Make sure your drain cleaning company has the equipment and resources needed to properly detect clogs in your drain or sewer line. Ideally, you'll want to choose a company that has access to video drain inspection equipment for this purpose.

Which Methods Do You Use?

There are many possible methods for clearing out a clogged drain, so be sure to ask which method(s) your potential drain cleaning company uses most often. One of the most popular options is that of using a high-pressure stream of water to clear out stubborn clogs, although other companies may use a power snake or even special cleaning chemicals to break down clogs.

How Much Will It Cost Me?

While most drain cleaning companies won't be able to give you a detailed estimate until they've inspected your drain, they should still be able to give you some general pricing information before you hire them for the job. This will help you get a better idea of what to expect when it comes time to pay for your drain cleaning. You'll also want to make sure that the company offers a satisfaction guarantee so you can have the service repeated if you run into another clog within a few weeks of the initial service.

Asking the right questions when hiring a drain cleaning company can help you make an informed choice. From there, you can have your drain cleared out in no time.