The Truth Behind Drain Cleaning Scams by Patterson Plumbing

Now and then, you’re going to have a clogged drain. It’s inevitable unless you plan on never putting anything down your drain, including water. A new drain pipe will eventually clog up with soap scum, grease, hair, toothpaste, shaving cream, etc. A clogged drain is a part of life that can’t be escaped. However, a costly repair bill and drain cleaning scam can be avoided when you have a clogged drain.

Hi, my name is Ivan Patterson, owner of Patterson Plumbing. I have been a plumber for 25 years and have cleared over 10,000 drain clogs. I wrote this article to inform you about an essential issue, how to avoid drain cleaning scams.

One day, you are going about your busy and active life. Surprisingly, your toilets start backing up with sewage into the shower and bathtub! Undoubtedly, panic is most likely the first thing that comes to your mind. It’s one of the worst-case and widespread scenarios happening daily in every city worldwide. 


Don’t panic. You are not alone.

Unfortunately, drain cleaning scams are common.


Here’s what you should know and what to do next. A clogged drain is a sudden stop in water draining down the sink, toilet, or shower drain. Something has blocked the flow. Henceforth, it could be that too much toilet paper went down and accidentally got lodged into a sharp corner of the drain system combined with some accumulated soap scum, hair, and a few strings of dental floss. Maybe it’s the so-called not so wise to flush flushable cleaning wipes. Or it could be another prevalent issue of tree roots growing inside the main sewer line leading from the house to the city sewer in the street. Regardless of the cause, clogged drains are inconvenient, especially in today’s busy world.


Rest assured, clogged drains can be cleared 99.9% of the time with the right equipment and a skilled, honest plumber.


I recommend to avoid using off-the-shelf clog-busting liquid drain solutions, guaranteeing you a fast, efficient, claiming no harm to your plumbing or the environment. Truthfully, they are a waste of money, bad for your pipes, dangerous for your health, and hazardous for the environment. Consequently cause severe problems in the future. Instead, calling a plumber is a better solution.

Choosing a plumber amongst the plethora of plumbers selling the same slogan “it’s clear, or it’s free,” or “$60.00 clear any drain,” or “super duper amazingly efficient drain buster rooter pro.”  

All of the above sounds wonderful. Before you choose that plumber or plumbing company, there are a few things to be mindful of.


Clogged Drains can be Cleared 99.9% of the Time


Clogged drains can be cleared 99.9% of the time with the proper equipment and an efficient, honest plumber. There are three types of drain cleaning machines:

1. Small Drain Machine: Minor hair clogs in showers, tubs, and bathroom sink.

2. Medium Drain Machine: Kitchen and laundry drain clog stoppages.

3. Large Drain Machine: The everything backs up in the house drain machine. This machine clears from the main sewer line at home and goes to the street. Various clog issues use different cutters.

Patterson Plumbing has all of these machines with various cutters ready for any clogged drain job. Call for expert drain cleaning.


The Camera-Repipe Sales Tactic Scam


Significant plumbing companies use this classic sales tactic scam. A plumbing technician will arrive at your home and attempt to clear your sewer drain clog with an improper small drain machine intended for clearing minor drain clogs. The technician will not be able to remove the sewer blockage. That technician will either tell you they need to put a camera down the drain or call their supervisor, who will arrive and tell you they need to put a camera down the drain. Often the camera service is free (dramatic wink). The technician or the supervisor will inform you that you must repipe your home. A repipe job could cost up to $30,000.


The Truth About Licensed Plumbing Companies


In the state of California, only the plumbing company owner is required to be licensed and insured. The company may hire numerous unlicensed and undertrained technicians.

However, in the state of Oregon, all plumbing company employees must complete and pass a state-certified 4-year apprentice training program. Customers receive qualified service.

Sadly, that is not the case in the state of California. I, Ivan, CEO, licensed and insured plumber of Patterson Plumbing, will show up at your home and provide an efficient and effective drain cleaning service. I guarantee scam-free honesty.  Contact Patterson Plumbing today.


Choose an experienced plumber over anything when it comes to drain clogs and plumbing.


Thank you for your special undivided attention. I hope this provides helpful information to avoid potential drain cleaning scams now and in the future. Take care – Ivan Patterson.

Recommended Readings:

5 Ways to Avoid a Sewer or Drain Cleaning Scam

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Attorney General Shapiro Sues Gillece Services for Misleading Consumers

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against Gillece Services, Thomas Gillece (owner of Gillece), James F. Hackwelder (a former service manager for Gillece), and Joseph A. Nikoula (a field supervisor for Gillece) for allegedly misleading Pennsylvania consumers into paying for unnecessary home improvement work, including the unnecessary replacement of sewer pipes… read more.

Drain Cleaner Poisoning Information

Drain cleaners contain very dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to your health if you swallow them, breathe them in (inhale), or if they come in contact with your skin and eyes. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing or breathing in drain cleaner… read more.

Photograph of Ivan Patterson, CEO and licensed plumber of Patterson Plumbing and Drain Inc. He is facing the camera, smiling. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He is wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt and driving his plumbing van.
Ivan Patterson
CEO and Licensed Plumber of Patterson Plumbing

Hi, I’m Ivan, CEO and licensed plumber of Patterson Plumbing and Drain Inc. Thank you for taking the time to read my plumbing blog!