What are the signs of a clogged main sewer line?

• <div>Some signs that your main sewer line is clogged are easy to spot, like when water backs up into your showers, sinks, and toilets for no apparent reason. However, some indicators are more subtle. The most common signs that you may have a clogged sewer main include:<ul><li>Gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilet</li><li>Water in your basement drain or in the lawn</li><li>Smell of raw sewage throughout your home</li><li>Other found odors like rotten eggs around your home</li></ul></div>

Get matched with top drain cleaners in Columbus, OH

There are 25 highly-rated local drain cleaners.

TRUSTED BY COLUMBUS, OH HOMEOWNERS

4.6
Average homeowner rating
2.7k+
Verified drain cleaning services reviews

Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Columbus, OH

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Columbus, OH is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Columbus, OH is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

Last update on September 18, 2025

Reviewed in July 2024
My technician , Joe , did a great job unclogging my drain. And cleaned up after the job. Five stars.
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2021
I had a basement floor drain that was clogged, causing water to backup on the basement floor and some carpet. ARS came out and unclogged the drain. However, they didn't bother to clean up around the drain when the finished unclogging it, leaving a brown sludge (sewage?) on the floor and splashed...
ARS / Rescue Rooter Columbus
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2018
Technician did a good job cleaning out my kitchen sink drain.
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2014
Initially they came out to snake our drain but soon discovered that the drain wasn't even connected to the line to the street. A new line needed to be laid and it was done quickly. Now my roof runoff drains properly and they cleaned everything up perfectly.
Paige Gutters & Drains
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2013
Drain Buster's cleaned out my main drain that runs from the back of the house to the property line at the back of the lot. Drain Busters were very responsive getting to the house on time. They also did a fantastic job cleaning out tree roots from the drain. They were at the house a little...
Drain Busters
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2013
I purchased a Big Deal for a drain cleaning. I purchased the deal on Sunday night and called Mr. Sias the next day to schedule. We agreed on Friday morning between 10 & 10:30 a.m. Mr. Sias arrived at my house a little before 10. My husband met him there and he cleaned out the drain. Works...
Robert Sias Handyman Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2009
They cleaned it all out and even flushed the drains that go from the gutters out to the street. I could not be more pleased.
Technicare Carpet Cleaning
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2006
That price doesn't include any suppliers. They are high in price. They found the leak, cleaned out the drain to the basement. They raised a little plastic pipe in the basement and cleaned out bathtub drain upstairs.
Muetzel Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2005
THE DRAIN BRAINS EMPLOYEES WERE VERY COMPETENT AND OFFERED INFORMATION ON THE ENTIRE CLEANING PROCESS. I ASKED THEM TO CLEAN OUR BASEMENT DRAIN IN ADDITION TO OUR MAIN HOUSE DRAIN. I WOULD RECOMMEND THE DRAIN BRAINS INC. FOR ALL ANGIE'S LIST MEMBERS. THEY ALSO GAVE ME A DISCOUNT FOR BEING AN...
Drain Brains LLC
Request a quote

Drain cleaners in Columbus

Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians

Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians

Customers say: Super punctual

273 local quotes requested

18 years of experience

We come through for you when you need us to. That’s not just a promise—it’s how we do business. At Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians, we don’t just fix problems, we deliver peace of mind. Whether it’s plumbing, electrical, heating, or cooling, our team of skilled professionals is here to repair, upgrade, or replace whatever’s giving you trouble.

We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose what makes the most sense for your home, balancing function, budget, and what’s best for the planet. No pressure. Just honest advice from people who genuinely care about doing the job right.

And if you’re calling us for a furnace or A/C repair? You’ll unlock our never-expiring Repair Buyback that credits you back up to $1500 off a future full HVAC system replacement. It’s just one more way we make today’s decision count toward tomorrow’s comfort.

Our EcoFi Advantage Membership is packed with perks to help protect your home and your wallet—and we always show up on time, with professional, courteous service you can count on. You can even book online anytime at www.geteco.com.

Proudly serving Central Ohio since 2007, Dayton since 2021, Cincinnati since 2023, and Chillicothe since 2023. We come through for you when you need us to. – Aaron Gaynor

"He was nice and professional. Did a good job. Quickly got the job done."

Barbara L on September 2025

"He was nice and professional. Did a good job. Quickly got the job done."

Barbara L on September 2025

Apex Plumbing, Heating and Air Pros

6663 Huntley Rd Suite M

3.97(

)

•Approved Pro

Apex Plumbing, Heating and Air Pros

6663 Huntley Rd Suite M

3.97(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

872 local quotes requested

6 years of experience

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade, and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earing your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today.

"Quick efficient and friendly. Thanks!"

Michael R on September 2025

"Quick efficient and friendly. Thanks!"

Michael R on September 2025

Drains & Excavation Services

Drains & Excavation Services

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

43 local quotes requested

With over 10 years of experience we can take care of all your excavation/outdoor plumbing needs! Call us today for a free quote!! We will guarantee customer satisfaction and worry free warranties.

"You will not find a nicer group of guys! They do great work for a great price! 10 out of 10 would recommend!"

Dylan C on July 2021

With over 10 years of experience we can take care of all your excavation/outdoor plumbing needs! Call us today for a free quote!! We will guarantee customer satisfaction and worry free warranties.

"You will not find a nicer group of guys! They do great work for a great price! 10 out of 10 would recommend!"

Dylan C on July 2021

Jack L Woods Plumbing Co Inc

Jack L Woods Plumbing Co Inc

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

102 local quotes requested

Approx 20 employees. No subs. Charges by the hour. Travel charges may apply. No service fee. Extra charge for after-hours service. May contact via phone or email. Award winning.

"A+ Service, expertise and follow up. Tim came out to check water issues, identified the cause and it repaired in just over an hour. Jim from the office phoned with follow up regarding part I would need for future and informed me it would be less expensive for me to order. Class act and VERY trustworthy?? Brian / Columbus"

Brian R on August 2023

Approx 20 employees. No subs. Charges by the hour. Travel charges may apply. No service fee. Extra charge for after-hours service. May contact via phone or email. Award winning.

"A+ Service, expertise and follow up. Tim came out to check water issues, identified the cause and it repaired in just over an hour. Jim from the office phoned with follow up regarding part I would need for future and informed me it would be less expensive for me to order. Class act and VERY trustworthy?? Brian / Columbus"

Brian R on August 2023

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Columbus

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Columbus

Customers say: Quick response

476 local quotes requested

31 years of experience

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing every customer’s individual needs are important. Whether it’s a simple sink clog or a damaged sewer line, you can count on a Mr. Rooter plumber to take care of your plumbing needs day or night with never an overtime charge. Our professional service, quality products and honest, up-front pricing make Mr. Rooter the best value in plumbing services nationwide. Mr. Rooter is ready for all emergency plumbing issues, from clogged drains and sewage backups to frozen pipes and leaking water heaters. You can count on an expert diagnosis from Mr. Rooter with our camera inspection tools. Then we’ll fix it right the first time, whether it takes HydroScrub drain cleaning or trenchless pipe repair, with courteous smiles on our faces.

"Everything was done professionally. He wore booties in the house to reduce dirt, moved all my under counter things out of the way, and didn’t waste time. He was efficient and kind."

Michelle B on August 2025

"Everything was done professionally. He wore booties in the house to reduce dirt, moved all my under counter things out of the way, and didn’t waste time. He was efficient and kind."

Michelle B on August 2025

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

455 Industrial Mile Rd

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

455 Industrial Mile Rd

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

90 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Roto-Rooter is a fully licensed and insured plumbing company providing 24/7 plumbing services, drain cleaning, and water damage cleanup. More people depend on Roto-Rooter than any other plumbing company in North America.

Five Star Home Services is a network of top-rated home services companies located throughout Central and Southwest Ohio. We offer affordable residential and commercial heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services at prices that are highly competitive. Although we are a local company, we have an entire team of master plumbers, NATE-certified HVAC technicians, and master electricians who are available around-the-clock with emergency repair services year-round throughout Southwest Ohio. Our company started as a small mom-and-pop shop in 1972. Since that time, our vision has been to provide homeowners with the best HVAC equipment and the best workmanship possible at the most competitive prices in the areas we service. Although we have grown tremendously over the years and now offer plumbing and electrical work throughout Ohio, our vision has remained the same. In addition to providing the best products and services at the lowest prices, we are also committed to making our communities better places to live and work and giving back to those in need.

"BEWARE - THINGS HAVE CHANGED -- I have used this company for years and years. They always use to be precise, honest, and competitive. But unfortunately something has changed drastically and I will never be using them again. We had an emergency with our furnace and they came right out on a Sunday. Upon them diagnosing the problem, they quoted me over 1500 for a service to fix the issue, and also quoted me over 7700 for more future service on the furnace. Mind you, this house is 900 sq ft and a brand new furnace installation is half this price. My husband asked about the ridiculous cost and the tech told him its a lot cheaper if we were to do it ourselves, so we asked for the part numbers we needed. He told us he does not have the part numbers available. We were not happy with the exchange so we reluctantly called a competitor, HVAC MECHANICAL SERVICES (614)286-7682 (ps-call them and thank me later). They came out the next day and fixed the issue for $584. I called the manager at Canal Heating and Cooling and I explained how we were happy, returning customers and are very upset with the outrageous quotes, the lack of transparency on part numbers and labor rates, and the over inflated future maintenance costs. I also mentioned his competitors rates and thoroughness. I asked for a justification prior to writing this review to see if there was a mistake. He simply said, we use flat rates, are a bigger company and the smaller companies (his competitors that we uses) can charge a lot less, and that he offers the warranties on the parts he replaces; he also goes on to say that if we were to move forward with the future maintenance, by the time they got to the heat exchange ($3300), his techs would then suggest a new system. Does all this sound like a honest company; charging a long- term loyal customer 4x more than his competitor with no justification. Then trying to quote over 7700 in maintenance on equipment that costs a fraction of that to replace brand new with a manufactures warranty. This company use to have morals and loyal customers, but it seems since it has switched to five star, those days are over. I will never do business with them again. Doing right by the customer, being honest and transparent, and not price gauging goes a long way."

NATALIE T on January 2025

"BEWARE - THINGS HAVE CHANGED -- I have used this company for years and years. They always use to be precise, honest, and competitive. But unfortunately something has changed drastically and I will never be using them again. We had an emergency with our furnace and they came right out on a Sunday. Upon them diagnosing the problem, they quoted me over 1500 for a service to fix the issue, and also quoted me over 7700 for more future service on the furnace. Mind you, this house is 900 sq ft and a brand new furnace installation is half this price. My husband asked about the ridiculous cost and the tech told him its a lot cheaper if we were to do it ourselves, so we asked for the part numbers we needed. He told us he does not have the part numbers available. We were not happy with the exchange so we reluctantly called a competitor, HVAC MECHANICAL SERVICES (614)286-7682 (ps-call them and thank me later). They came out the next day and fixed the issue for $584. I called the manager at Canal Heating and Cooling and I explained how we were happy, returning customers and are very upset with the outrageous quotes, the lack of transparency on part numbers and labor rates, and the over inflated future maintenance costs. I also mentioned his competitors rates and thoroughness. I asked for a justification prior to writing this review to see if there was a mistake. He simply said, we use flat rates, are a bigger company and the smaller companies (his competitors that we uses) can charge a lot less, and that he offers the warranties on the parts he replaces; he also goes on to say that if we were to move forward with the future maintenance, by the time they got to the heat exchange ($3300), his techs would then suggest a new system. Does all this sound like a honest company; charging a long- term loyal customer 4x more than his competitor with no justification. Then trying to quote over 7700 in maintenance on equipment that costs a fraction of that to replace brand new with a manufactures warranty. This company use to have morals and loyal customers, but it seems since it has switched to five star, those days are over. I will never do business with them again. Doing right by the customer, being honest and transparent, and not price gauging goes a long way."

NATALIE T on January 2025

Amanda Plumbing Sewer & Drain

Amanda Plumbing Sewer & Drain

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

17 local quotes requested

Local family owned and operated reputable plumbing company since 1995. 24/7 Residential and Commercial Full Service Plumbing Company Repair, Replace, Remodel, Excavation and Gas Lines. Chamber of Commerce small business of the year. 18 Employees. Upfront pricing structure. Readers choice award from the Delaware Gazette Best Plumbing Company . License #49045.

"Great job!"

Douglas N on October 2024

"Great job!"

Douglas N on October 2024

Safe Electric and Plumbing

Safe Electric and Plumbing

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

558 local quotes requested

Safe Electric is the Columbus electrician your friends and neighbors trust. Since 1994, we have been a leading electrician who provides the highest level of safety and quality workmanship to the residents of central Ohio. You can count on our Columbus electricians for all your service needs. We can equip your home so you get all the best features with all the latest tech available from home automation, security, media systems, and connected smart home devices. For anything from replacing light fixtures to re-wiring your entire Columbus home, our electricians at Safe Electric have you covered.

"Amazing! They were so easy to work with and so friendly!"

Maddi H on September 2025

"Amazing! They were so easy to work with and so friendly!"

Maddi H on September 2025

...

Showing 1-10 of 228

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

To clean gunk out of a sink drain, pour in a half cup of baking soda, then 1 cup of white vinegar. The two will react chemically; let them fizz for 15 minutes, then rinse with boiling water. Repeat these steps if necessary for particularly dirty sink drains, and consider a drain snake if there are clogs.

You should hire a sewer service professional to unclog a main sewer line with tree roots. Tree roots can grow into the main sewer line, and this problem requires a specialized hydro jet, or rooter, that is powerful enough to clear the roots. The tree can also damage the main sewer line, and a professional will need to make repairs or replace the damaged sections. Sewer line replacement costs about $60 to $250 per linear foot.

Some signs that your main sewer line is clogged are easy to spot, like when water backs up into your showers, sinks, and toilets for no apparent reason. However, some indicators are more subtle. The most common signs that you may have a clogged sewer main include:

Gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilet
Water in your basement drain or in the lawn
Smell of raw sewage throughout your home
Other found odors like rotten eggs around your home

First, find the cleanout pipe in your yard. Unscrew the cap—you may need a wrench to do so. Then, get a drain snake. You can use a non-motorized one, but a motorized snake will make the job a little easier. Feed the snake through the pipe until it reaches the clog. Spin the snake continuously, but don’t try to feed it through the pipe anymore. Keep spinning until you feel it break the clog apart.

On average, a plumber will take 30 minutes to two hours to clear a clogged drain. If the clog is located close to the drain or an access point and isn’t severe, the project will take about half an hour. If the clog is deep within your plumbing system or is a severe blockage, it can take two or more hours to remove the clog. For this reason, main line clogs tend to take longer, usually between two and three hours.

By submitting this question, I acknowledge and agree that Angi may publicly display my name, city, state, and question on the website for professionals and others to see.

The Columbus, OH homeowners’ guide to drain cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Candace Nelson
•
Mar 4, 2025Mar 4, 2025
How Much Will It Cost to Clean My Drain? [2025 Data]
When your shower or sink starts draining slowly or not at all, it’s time to act. Get tips for how to unclog a drain, and learn about drain cleaning service pricing.
Angi
•
Jul 21, 2025Jul 21, 2025
How Much Does Roots in Pipes Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
Find out the average cost to remove roots from pipes, what impacts pricing, and expert budgeting tips for root removal, and protect your plumbing.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Apr 4, 2025Apr 4, 2025
Drain Bladder vs. Snake: What’s the Difference?
You can tackle a drain blockage with a drain bladder or snake, but the type of clog will determine which one is better.
Mariel Loveland
•
Aug 9, 2024Aug 9, 2024
What Is the Standard Tub Drain Size and How Do I Measure for My Drain?
Tub drain sizes are standardized, but they can vary in certain circumstances. This guide will discuss the most common sizes and how to measure your tub.
Heather Ayer
•
Sep 18, 2024Sep 18, 2024
5 Easy Ways to Remove Hair From Your Drain
If you’ve got a slow-draining bathtub, it could be due to hair buildup. This complete guide will show you how to remove hair from the drain.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Sep 19, 2024Sep 19, 2024
How to Unclog a Sink With Baking Soda and Vinegar in 5 Easy Steps
Baking soda and vinegar are like two peas in a pod when it comes to clogs. Keep reading to learn how to unclog a sink with baking soda and vinegar.