Drain Cleaning vs. Plumbing Services: What's the Difference?
When you’re getting texts about a backed-up sink and your inbox is already full of projects, the last thing you need is to waste time figuring out whether you need a plumber or a drain tech.
The truth is, plumbing and drain cleaning are two different specialties. Knowing who to call can save time AND money (up to 43%).
Here's a clear breakdown of how they differ, how they overlap, and how Lovett makes it simple by offering both. Day or night. No guesswork required.
What Does a Plumber Handle?
If your property has water pressure issues, a broken water heater, or a faucet that just won't stop leaking, that's a job for a plumber. Lovett's licensed plumbers handle everything related to getting clean water in and keeping gas lines safe.
Here's what that looks like in real life:
- Leaks and burst pipes: We fix water lines and aging pipes to prevent water damage and mold.
- Fixture installation: Need a new sink, toilet, or shower installed? No problem.
- Water heaters: We repair, replace, and maintain all types of systems, including tankless units.
- Gas lines: We handle gas piping for stoves, heaters, and furnaces safely and efficiently.
- Backflow and sump systems: We maintain the systems that protect your building from flooding and contamination.
If it involves water coming in, gas flowing safely, or fixtures working properly, we're the ones to call.
What Does a Drain Tech Do?
Drain cleaning is all about what's going out. That means wastewater, grease, hair, roots, and anything else that doesn't belong in your plumbing system. If you’re getting complaints about slow drains or toilets that gurgle, it's time to bring in a drain specialist.
Lovett's drain crews show up fast and come prepared to fix the issue right the first time.
Here's how we get it done:
- Clog removal: We use professional snaking and rooter equipment to clear blockages quickly.
- Hydro-jetting: This is a high-pressure cleaning tool that blasts away buildup and even tree roots.
- Video inspections: We send a camera into the line to find the blockage and confirm it's cleared.
- Commercial kitchen drains and grease traps: We clean and service them to prevent surprise shutdowns.
- Storm and floor drains: We clear debris and buildup from drains in garages, parking lots, and warehouses.
- Preventive maintenance: Routine cleanings keep your system healthy and reduce emergency calls.
If water won't go down or keeps coming back up, it's time to call our drain team.
Not Sure Who to Call? Use This Quick Guide!
Why Facility Managers Choose Lovett
Lovett has served Portland's commercial, multifamily, industrial, and hospitality buildings since 1997. We're local, family-owned, and available 24 hours a day.
What makes us different?
- We do both plumbing and drain work so you don't have to coordinate multiple vendors.
- We respond fast because waiting isn't an option when you manage a busy facility.
- We do it right with licensed professionals, specialized equipment, and full transparency.
- We help prevent problems by offering customized maintenance plans that save you money and time.
- We care about your property and treat every job like it's happening at our own building.
Schedule Service Today
Whether you've got an emergency or want to get ahead of the next one, Lovett is ready. One call handles everything behind your walls and under your floors.
Call 503-737-8423 to schedule service or request a maintenance quote.
Let us keep your systems flowing and your buildings running without interruption.