How do you clean a drain without removing the stopper?

• <div>If you have a sink stopper, it can feel more challenging to clean the drain without removing it, but here are a few simple steps:<ul><li>Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain using a funnel</li><li>Pour 1 ½ cups vinegar into the drain</li><li>Close the sink stopper for 15–20 minutes</li><li>Open the drain</li><li>Pour 2 cups of boiling water down the drain (be cautious as boiling water can damage some types of pipes)</li></ul>If the drain isn’t unclogged, repeat the process.</div>

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TRUSTED BY CHARLESTON, IL HOMEOWNERS

4.7
Average homeowner rating
80
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Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Charleston, IL

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Charleston, IL 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 Charleston, IL 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 November 28, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Jim knew exactly what needed to be done as I had this occur the year previous. He was very thorough very professional and gave me tips on how to help keep my drains, cleaned monthly to help prevent further blockages.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
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Reviewed in March 2024
At the start things went well with Xecutive Pools. The estimators showed up on time, spent a great deal of time on site and provided an on the spot estimate of the work. After multiple estimates, we were happy with the amount of time and detail these guys put into their estimate. We accepted...
Xecutive Pools
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Reviewed in October 2021
I called this company to address a blocked drain in my basement. I had water standing and the drain wouldn't drain. Trevor Martin was the plumber who arrived and immediately started telling me that they don't guarantee their work. He started by telling me that their charge is $350. Even though I...
BW/Cook Service Experts
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Reviewed in July 2019
Eva was wonderful. However she did not receive my requested cleaning areas and arrived without a ladder so she was unable to clean light fixtures.
Emilia's Cleaning Inc
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Reviewed in May 2019
By any objective standard my home was not cleaned well. Toilets were left filthy, floors and stairs covered in dirt and dust. Kitchen left with grime. Sinks still had rust around rim of drain and sinks dirty in general. Toilet seats dirty overall- under seats, under rim, all inside bowl- by the...
Clean Tech Maid Service, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2017
Ken came for the initial consultation. He was very helpful. Explained everything and answered all our questions. And asked many times if we had any questions. Rob was the foreman for the work crew. He had us come look at what was being done each step of the way. They put in steel beams with...
Family Waterproofing Solutions
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Reviewed in May 2014
I contacted the company after normal business hours and explained that when I flushed the toilet it backed up into my tub. The gentleman I spoke with asked if I would be comfortable waiting until morning to avoid additional after-hour expenses. I was also, advised that it would be alright to...
R J Kuhn Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2013
Excellent! Arun spent time talking with my wife on what she wanted. He listened to her, offered suggestions and did the plan just as she wanted. Some landscapers don't seem to work well with women, but no problem here! We also asked them to find drain tiles that was connected to our roof...
Rent A Gardener Inc
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Reviewed in June 2013
Everything started alright...lots of workers. When it came time for finishing touches....zero conversation after final payment was made. Despite phone calls and emails for the last 30 days, I have had no contact with vendor. Now i'm left with a refinished pool that is missing all 3 drain...
DANNA POOLS INC
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Reviewed in August 2011
We had a problem with the kitchen sink backing up when ever we ran water or the dishwasher was draining. We tired several products to see if it would clear up the problem but we had no success. I called Scott at Plumb-it and he said he could be there the next day. This worked out perfect for...
Plumb It Best LLC
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Find Drain cleaners in Charleston

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

28503 local quotes requested

NEW! Appliance Consultation – Just $35 Get expert advice before you spend on repairs or replacements. A Neli technician will evaluate your issue and help you decide if your appliance can be fixed—or if it’s time for a new one. Virtual Appliance Diagnosis and Repair - Just $45 Service Description: Diagnose or repair your appliance virtually—no need for anyone to enter your home. Neli’s certified technicians guide you step-by-step via secure video chat. How It Works: Book online at nelihome.com or call 833-876-0900 Connect with a tech through our video platform Diagnose or fix the issue in real time Get expert advice and confidence in your next steps What’s Included: Real-time video guidance from a certified technician Diagnosis of the issue OR full repair (when possible) Step-by-step guidance using your smartphone or tablet Safe, contact-free service - no one in your home Flexible scheduling—appointments available daily Perfect For: Appliance fixes HVAC troubleshooting DIY-savvy homeowners Saving time and money on service calls

"Did a great job "

Don F on November 2025

"Did a great job "

Don F on November 2025

Hoffman Plumbing serves the Effingham - Altamont, IL and surrounding areas. Ryan Hoffman, owner, can take care of all of your residential and commercial plumbing, sewer and backflow needs.

Crouse Concepts

No reviews yet

Crouse Concepts

No reviews yet

13 years of experience

We are a central Illinois based small, family business, with 3 generations now working for the company. Though we will tackle just about anything, we do know our limitations and not will not accept a job we cannot perform to the highest standard- your's & ours. What we will do, is help you find a suitable solution if we cannot perform the job requested. We offer delayed billing, accept credit cards with prior notice, and will self finance select customers/jobs.

Shepard & Shepard Mechanical

5.00(

)

Shepard & Shepard Mechanical

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Residential plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sewer cleaning, sewer replacement. We accept most major credit cards. Payment due at time of job completion

Custom Construction & Remodeling

1.00(

)

Custom Construction & Remodeling

1.00(

)

27 years of experience

Custom Construction is a Licensed and Insured FULL SERVICE DESIGN and BUILD Company and General Contractor with a wide range of experience. Interior to Exterior, from A to Z one call does it all. Let our dedicated team of experts make your dreams come true. We handle all types of remodeling. We accept all major credit cards and offer financing for quailifed clients. Emergency 24/7 services available

Kingery's construction

1.50(

)

Kingery's construction

1.50(

)

Free onsite estimate

Kilmans Drain Cleaning

No reviews yet

Kilmans Drain Cleaning

No reviews yet

15 years of experience

We offer drain cleaning sevices for Southern Illinois. If you cant flush,give us a call!

Solutions Contracting

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Solutions Contracting

No reviews yet

19 years of experience

Solutions Contracting is dedicated to provide home and buisness owners with high quality construction, remodeling, and small project solutions, that are customized to our customers needs and wants. Solutions Contracting is certified to provide roofing and lead paint renovation services in Illinois. Although we are located in Barry Illinois we serve the entire west central Illinois area.

McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.86(

)

McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.86(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

Mcdonagh & sons plumbing & sewer takes great pride with 15 years of experience! We are honest, reliable, genuine and trustworthy! We are constantly referred by our customers because of our great service and dedication to meet their needs! We offer free estimates! "anything plumbing, anything sewer, any time". Ertain areas are to subject a service fee *prices may vary. Discounts can not be combined, unless noted. Award winning. Additional dba - mcdonagh & sons plumbing and sewer.

Showing 1-10 of 16

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

Professionals use snakes, hydrojetting, or chemical cleaners to clear blockages effectively without damaging pipes.

If you're dealing with a clogged sink drain, you may be able to avoid removing the drain by using a plunger to dislodge the clog. While we associate plungers with toilets, they can do the same job with your sink drain. Be gentle, though, as forceful movements can push clogs further into your plumbing system and make them more difficult to remove. Additionally, make sure you’re using a sink plunger—with a flat bottom—and not a toilet plunger—which has a smaller bottom protruding from the larger flat piece.

If your drain doesn’t have metal crosshairs or crossbars, you should use a tub drain extractor. These tools create a grip on the drain so you can turn it using a 1/2-inch ratchet drive, drain key, or wrench. Your drain may not have crosshairs if it's old and broken.

If you have a sink stopper, it can feel more challenging to clean the drain without removing it, but here are a few simple steps:

Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain using a funnel
Pour 1 ½ cups vinegar into the drain
Close the sink stopper for 15–20 minutes
Open the drain
Pour 2 cups of boiling water down the drain (be cautious as boiling water can damage some types of pipes)

If the drain isn’t unclogged, repeat the process.

Water leaking through your basement floor is a good sign of a clogged drain, but another sign of a clogged basement floor drain can include unpleasant odors coming from the drain. Also, hearing gurgling noises when water drains from the basement or having other plumbing fixtures (like toilets or other drains) backing up is a good indicator.

The Charleston, IL 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

Angi
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Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Drain Pipes in a House? [2025 Data]
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How Liquid Drain Cleaner Works: Pros and Cons
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How Do I Drain the Water Lines in My House? A Guide to Draining Your Plumbing System
How do I drain the water lines in my house? This guide will walk you through it in five simple steps, along with tips to prevent damage to your plumbing.
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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
•
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.
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•
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.