How do I prevent a drain clog?

• <div><p>The first rule of plumbing is nothing but water, toilet paper, number one, and number two go down the drain. </p><p>To prevent clogs, get yourself:</p><ul><li><p>A compast pail where you can clean plates, drain grease, and toss scraps and paper towels. </p></li><li><p>Drain screens for the shower, tub, and bathroom sink to stop hair, jewelry, toys, etc. from going down the drain.</p></li><li><p>Trash cans for everything that shouldn’t go down the drain, like dental floss, hygiene products, and cat litter.</p></li></ul><p><b>P.S.:</b> If you do drop your priceless ring down the drain, take a deep breath, and then <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-retrieve-jewelry-drain.htm">follow these steps to retrieve jewelry from your drain</a>. </p></div>

How do I empty a washing machine drain?

• <div><p>If your washing machine drain is clogged, that isn’t a good sign. Unlike toilet drains or kitchen sink drains, there isn’t matter that is easily broken up with a plumbing snake, and more care is required. If you’re in an old house or have mineral-rich water, there could be a buildup inside the pipe. Either way, if the blockage isn’t obvious and doesn’t dislodge with a snake, you need to call a pro—otherwise, you risk damaging integral plumbing. </p></div>

Get matched with top drain cleaners in Grinnell, IA

Q: How do I empty a washing machine drain?

• <div><p>If your washing machine drain is clogged, that isn&rsquo;t a good sign. Unlike toilet drains or kitchen sink drains, there isn&rsquo;t matter that is easily broken up with a plumbing snake, and more care is required. If you&rsquo;re in an old house or have mineral-rich water, there could be a buildup inside the pipe. Either way, if the blockage isn&rsquo;t obvious and doesn&rsquo;t dislodge with a snake, you need to call a pro&mdash;otherwise, you risk damaging integral plumbing. </p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to unclog a sewer line?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-clear-a-main-sewer-line-clog.htm">cost to unclog a sewer line</a> is between <b>$200 and $600</b>, with the average homeowner spending around $380, depending on the severity of the clog. It can cost as little as $100 to snake a small clog, but you could spend up to $1,600 if you need to video inspect the line and hydrojet a large clog. </p></div>

Q: Can I pour paint down the drain?

• <div><p>No. You should never pour old paint down a drain or sewer because it can clog pipes and pollute the environment. You must dispose of paint properly and safely. Different types of paint need to be disposed of in different ways&mdash;oil-based paints must be taken to a paint recycling center, while you can throw dried-out water- or latex-based paints in the garbage. </p></div>

Q: What happens when you put baking soda and vinegar down the sink drain?

• <div><p>When you put baking soda and vinegar down the drain, they chemically react and help break down clogs. It&rsquo;s not going to work for every type of clog, however. For example, it&rsquo;s not the best way to get rid of grease buildup. For grease, you should try boiling water and white vinegar instead.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Grinnell, IA

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Grinnell, IA 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 Grinnell, IA 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 October 27, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Just had new windows put in by Trent Thompson Construction and I couldn?t be happier! The team showed up on time, worked quickly, and did a really clean job. The windows look amazing and already make the house feel more comfortable. Super impressed with their work highly recommend them if you?re...
Trent Thompson Construction LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
Professional, efficient, knowledgeable, friendly. They reached out to us through Angi. Mike was here the next day, we had an estimate before he left. After reviewing ProCrafters and the shingles they provide we decided they were a good fit for us. Mike said they would be here the following...
ProCrafters Roofing
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Reviewed in January 2023
The two guys were very fast, efficient and cleaned up all of the mess. There was damage to one window screen, one panel of the patio door and missing part for the door which they are replacing and taking care of it for us. We were very pleased.
Renewal by Andersen
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Reviewed in October 2021
Good cleaning job but Too High priced.
Cinderella Castle Cleaning
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Reviewed in October 2021
Horrible. We live out of state and came to check on the house, windows not clean, baseboards not clean, door frames not clean, toilet not clean. Wood floors not washed. What a waste of $550.
Friendly Clean LLC
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Reviewed in December 2018
Jose arrived at the scheduled time and was very nice. He knocked out the job (outdoor drain clog) quickly.
So-Cal Plumbing & Rooter
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Reviewed in September 2013
Work was done cleanly and professionally. They cleaned up any mess they made and haled away their scrap.
Jensen Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2012
They were on time and finished fairly quickly. They came the day they scheduled the job. They showed up to do the estimate and then later to do the job at exactly the time they scheduled. The work far exceeded my expectations. Before they left, they completely cleaned up after themselves.
MIKE'S ELECTRIC & AIR COND
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Reviewed in September 2008
Commander Carpet Care was able to come to my house promptly and give me an accurate estimate that matched my bill (no hidden costs like the last guy)! Gave me some options up front along with tips to make my carpet last longer and look better which I really appreciated. They worked with my...
Commander Carpet Care
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Find Drain cleaners in Grinnell

West Shore Home Des Moines

305 Adventureland Drive NW Suites

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

West Shore Home Des Moines

305 Adventureland Drive NW Suites

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

150 local quotes requested

19 years of experience

To accomplish our mission, we have implemented a simple approach that will restore the beauty of your home while significantly reducing your energy bills - and we get it done in just one day! From start to finish, the West Shore Window & Door, Inc., experience is engineered to bring happiness to every home. The health and safety of our customers and employees is a top priority. Our team is following all CDC guidelines so we can provide you with the fast and convenient home improvements. We are also offering free virtual design consultations! Schedule your free consultation today.

"West Shore Homes installed a new shower. They were so friendly and worked efficiently. I was expecting to have to clean up after they were done, but they did all of that for me. My new shower is beautiful and I am happy with the work that was done and each employee that I had contact with"

Heather H on September 2025

"West Shore Homes installed a new shower. They were so friendly and worked efficiently. I was expecting to have to clean up after they were done, but they did all of that for me. My new shower is beautiful and I am happy with the work that was done and each employee that I had contact with"

Heather H on September 2025

Handyman PRO Home Services

930 Boston Way

1.00(

)

Handyman PRO Home Services

930 Boston Way

1.00(

)

8 years of experience

A handyman service you can count on to get service done. I have been in business over 20 years and provide 5 star services for drain cleaning,lawn services,new and replacement of garage doors and openers,smart thermostats. Assembly service for bicycles,indoor furniture,outdoor furniture,lawn and garden items and more.

"He left a large mess, and I had to clean up after him."

Jesica H on April 2022

"He left a large mess, and I had to clean up after him."

Jesica H on April 2022

In 1961, Bob Davis started part-time with one septic truck serving Berwick, Iowa, community. Bob made relationships within the community over time and the company grew into the Bob’s Septic Tank & Portable Restroom Service we are today! We are the only veteran owned and operated full service septic service provider in Central Iowa. We do everything from septic tank and pit pumping, to time of transfer inspections, to septic system install, repair and replacement.

FAHAN LLC LANGUAGE SERVICES

1100 E 17th St

No reviews yet

FAHAN LLC LANGUAGE SERVICES

1100 E 17th St

No reviews yet

My company does a lot of translation/ interpreting and a lot of languages if you interested please contact me. Some of the languages i have is Somali Amharic Oromo Tigrinya Kiswahili French Karen BURMES Arabic Laotian Etc

Comfortec Heating Cooling & Plumbing Inc

1819 18th St

No reviews yet

Comfortec Heating Cooling & Plumbing Inc

1819 18th St

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

At Comfortec we are honored to work for you. When you invite a Comfortec employee into your Northwest Iowa home we will be on time, courteous and professional. Our technicians use carpet mask, protective shoe covers, and drop cloths to prevent your home from having damages caused by our service.

Delta Van Lines Inc

2221 Forsyth Rd

4.33(

)

Delta Van Lines Inc

2221 Forsyth Rd

4.33(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

26 years of experience

Delta Van Lines one of the most trusted Nationwide movers provides the first-class treatment that your belongings deserve. Our moving company offers a variety of moving services that can be customized based on your specific requirements. Are you looking for a local or state-to-state moving solution? Choose Delta Van Lines to ensure your moving experience is absolutely smooth and free from any kind of stress or confusion. If you are looking for someone to facilitate a residential or corporate relocation or a local or long distance move, Delta Van Lines is the name you can count on for impeccable quality of moving services Here at Delta Van Lines, customer satisfaction is our number one priority. We look forward to assisting you with all your moving needs! Call us today for a free quote at 800-544-1380

"very smoothly"

Sukran A on August 2018

"very smoothly"

Sukran A on August 2018

Veile Contracting Inc

301 South Jefferson

No reviews yet

Veile Contracting Inc

301 South Jefferson

No reviews yet

15 years of experience

Whether you are in the process of constructing a new home from the ground up or you need your company’s parking lot repaved, it is important to have a reliable contractor on your side. Luckily for Salem, IA and the surrounding areas, Veile Contracting Inc is here to provide contracting services. Through hard work, innovation, and a genuine concern for our clients, Veile Contracting Inc will continue to flourish as the Midwest's number one construction contracting service. For 3 years, Veile Contracting Inc has been dedicated to providing Salem, IA and the surrounding areas with construction contracting services that are sure to exceed your expectations. Our contracting services cover residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients. We are happy to offer senior discounts and warranties for your convenience. Our services are cost effective, yet of the highest quality.

FIX-A-LOT Handyman Service

622 S Wilson Ave

No reviews yet

FIX-A-LOT Handyman Service

622 S Wilson Ave

No reviews yet

14 years of experience

Flexible hours to fit your needs. Free estimates. Reliable, professional, insured.

H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning

2420 North Court Street

No reviews yet

H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning

2420 North Court Street

No reviews yet

Terry has been providing the great people of Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Pella, and the surrounding communities unparalleled service for the last 16 years. Terry not only provides service to residential and commercial customers, he is also the one plumbers call to get the job done. H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service is has the lowest prices around. Contact Terry for the following: •Drain Cleaning •Sewer Cleaning •Minor Plumbing •Flooded Basements •Bathroom Drain Clearing • Kitchen sinks unclogged •Toilets and Tubs unclogged •Septic Tank Line Cleaning •Residential •Commercial H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service is a locally owned and operated business. Call today for prompt and reliable service! Drain Cleaning Sewer Cleaning Minor Plumbing Basements pumped out Bathroom Drain Clearing Bathroom and Kitchen sinks unclogged Toilets and Tubs unclogged Residential Commercial Ottumwa, Iowa, Oskaloosa, Iowa, Pella, Iowa, Fairfield, Iowa.

Showing 1-10 of 16

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

The first rule of plumbing is nothing but water, toilet paper, number one, and number two go down the drain.

To prevent clogs, get yourself:

A compast pail where you can clean plates, drain grease, and toss scraps and paper towels.
Drain screens for the shower, tub, and bathroom sink to stop hair, jewelry, toys, etc. from going down the drain.
Trash cans for everything that shouldn’t go down the drain, like dental floss, hygiene products, and cat litter.

P.S.: If you do drop your priceless ring down the drain, take a deep breath, and then follow these steps to retrieve jewelry from your drain.

If your washing machine drain is clogged, that isn’t a good sign. Unlike toilet drains or kitchen sink drains, there isn’t matter that is easily broken up with a plumbing snake, and more care is required. If you’re in an old house or have mineral-rich water, there could be a buildup inside the pipe. Either way, if the blockage isn’t obvious and doesn’t dislodge with a snake, you need to call a pro—otherwise, you risk damaging integral plumbing.

The cost to unclog a sewer line is between $200 and $600, with the average homeowner spending around $380, depending on the severity of the clog. It can cost as little as $100 to snake a small clog, but you could spend up to $1,600 if you need to video inspect the line and hydrojet a large clog.

No. You should never pour old paint down a drain or sewer because it can clog pipes and pollute the environment. You must dispose of paint properly and safely. Different types of paint need to be disposed of in different ways—oil-based paints must be taken to a paint recycling center, while you can throw dried-out water- or latex-based paints in the garbage.

When you put baking soda and vinegar down the drain, they chemically react and help break down clogs. It’s not going to work for every type of clog, however. For example, it’s not the best way to get rid of grease buildup. For grease, you should try boiling water and white vinegar instead.

The Grinnell, IA 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.
Mariel Loveland
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
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.
Samantha Hawrylack
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
What Is Hydro Jetting and When Do You Need It?
Hydro jetting can help clear deep plumbing clogs and debris buildup. Use this guide to learn all about hydro jetting and whether it’s the appropriate fix for your problem.
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.
Mariel Loveland
•
May 1, 2025May 1, 2025
How to Get Something That Fell Down the Sink Drain
Getting something that fell down the sink drain can be frustrating, especially if it holds sentimental value. This step-by-step guide shows how to get something out of the sink without taking it apart.
Heather Ayer
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
How to Snake a Basement Floor Drain in 9 Steps
Knowing how to snake a basement floor drain is an important DIY skill for homeowners. Our guide gives a step-by-step process to clean your basement drain.