How do you clean a drain without removing the stopper?

• <div><p>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:</p><ul><li><p>Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain using a funnel</p></li><li><p>Pour 1 ½ cups vinegar into the drain</p></li><li><p>Close the sink stopper for 15–20 minutes</p></li><li><p>Open the drain</p></li><li><p>Pour 2 cups of boiling water down the drain (be cautious as boiling water can damage some types of pipes)</p></li></ul><p>If the drain isn’t unclogged, repeat the process.</p></div>

Do leach field additives work?

• <div><p>Some homeowners use additives every month to help septic system performance, but according to the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/septic/frequent-questions-septic-systems">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>, the effectiveness of septic system and leach field additives is unknown. Further, additives made with organic solvents or alkali chemicals can actually be harmful to the necessary bacteria in a septic system.</p></div>

Why do French drains fail?

• <div><p>French drains may fail when they become clogged with soil granules that slip through the pores of the landscaping fabric and through the holes in the pipe. </p><p>Over time, this debris can build up inside the pipe and prevent water flow. To prevent this failure from happening, regularly flush out your French drain and keep debris away from the inlet grate.</p></div>

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Q: Can you spray bug spray down the drain?

• <div><p>No, it is not advisable to spray pesticides down the drain in your home. Most drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are not properly equipped to remove pesticides. Should pesticides infiltrate waterways, they can cause harm to plants, fish, or other living things. In most areas, pouring pesticides down the drain is illegal due to the potential harm it causes. </p></div>

Q: How often should you hydro jet your sewer line?

• <div><p>The best practice is to hydro jet your sewer line once per year. However, there are several factors that can affect this recommendation, including the age and condition of your pipes, how often your sewer line is used, and the type of waste disposed of in the system. When in doubt, ask a licensed plumber for their recommendation for your plumbing system. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Gibson City, IL

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Gibson City, 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 Gibson City, 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 25, 2025

Reviewed in November 2019
I had my living room, 1 bedrooms, and kitchen painted. I was beyond satisfied with the cleanliness and precision of their work. Everything was done in a timely manner and cleaned up perfect!
CU Midwest Designs, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2017
Eddie and Russ arrived on time and walked through the project and provided a quote. Once we approved the quote and provided a deposit we discussed possible timeline and approved the product to be used. Since we have not yet moved in to the new home we were able to give Eddie a key to come and go...
Urbana Plumbing and Heating
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Reviewed in March 2017
They showed up a day earlier then expected which worked out well. They cleaned out the gutters, redirected a downspout from the drain, repaired a soffit where the birds were nesting. When I had a complaint they returned within an hour and made an adjustment to meet my expectations which turned...
Bash Pepper Roofing Company
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Reviewed in April 2014
I had some remodelling work done in the kitchen, getting new countertops. Kelly came to disconnect the old sink drains, faucet, and dishwasher in the morning before the countertops were installed. Following installation and allowing 24 hours for the silicone to dry, he returned to connect the...
Ameriplumb Plumbing Co.
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Reviewed in April 2009
Very well. Their plumber arrived on time and did a thorough check, finally explaining that everything was tight and it looked like previous damage. We discussed some slow drain problems we had and he gave me advice on how to easily fix them myself (they don't do that kind of work). When I...
Handyman Connection- Atlanta
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Reviewed in July 2008
The most important room that needed to be cleaned was my living/dining room. I know there was a lot of ground in dirt, but after they cleaned it, it appears as though all the dirt is now on top of the carpet. It looks like they cleaned the carpet with dirty water, and I now have to get the...
Steamatic of Albuquerque and Santa Fe
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Reviewed in August 2007
I had a cast iron kitchen sink with matching drains. The paint on the drains had peeled off. I bought new brushed chrome drains. He removed the old ones and replaced them with the new ones. He had to remove the garbage disposal to do it. Also made a trip to the hardware store to buy new drain...
Pop's Toolchest
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Find Drain cleaners in Gibson City

Exclusive Masonry & Construction

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Exclusive Masonry & Construction

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

331 local quotes requested

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 earning your business!

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

29055 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

Hiatt Repair and Maintenance

No reviews yet

Hiatt Repair and Maintenance

No reviews yet

We are a family owned property maintenance and repair company that specializes in customer satisfaction, residential or commercial.

24/7 Plumbers in Champaign

No reviews yet

24/7 Plumbers in Champaign

No reviews yet

47 years of experience

Best services possible for the homeowners and business owners in our community. To that end, each and every master plumber here at 24/7 Plumbers is held to the highest standards of training, experience, versatility, and professionalism. This means that when you choose 24/7 Plumbers you can count on receiving the precise service solutions you’re looking for quickly and with quality that’s built to last.

Mid-State Sewer Services

5.00(

)

Mid-State Sewer Services

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

General hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Afterhours service is available.

"Our basement drains were backing up when we ran the washing machine, and Mid-state came out to clean our drains. They initially forgot about our appointment, but came soon after we called to remind them. They were here about an hour and cleared a large clump of roots from our pipes, resolving the issue. The cost was $175, which I thought was reasonable."

Margaret W on December 2019

General hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Afterhours service is available.

"Our basement drains were backing up when we ran the washing machine, and Mid-state came out to clean our drains. They initially forgot about our appointment, but came soon after we called to remind them. They were here about an hour and cleared a large clump of roots from our pipes, resolving the issue. The cost was $175, which I thought was reasonable."

Margaret W on December 2019

Mike's SEAMLESS GUTTERS

No reviews yet

Mike's SEAMLESS GUTTERS

No reviews yet

21 years of experience

Providing 5 & 6 inch seamless guttering and ALL guttering services. We clean gutters inside and out. We remove and replace old gutters. We install on brand new homes. We clean drains and irrigation tiles. We get the water away from your foundation. Free Estimates. Family Owned.

We are a Carrier FAD company that specializes in repair and replacement of HVAC systems including Geothermal. We have NATE certified technicians. We also provide plumbing services, repairs and replacements. Our company logo is Fixed Fast, Fixed Right. We warranty our work and pride ourselves on our service to our clients. We provide 24 hour emergency service. Back Flow Preventer Device Inspections.

Delta Van Lines Inc

4.33(

)

Delta Van Lines Inc

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

On the Level Home Maintenance & Repair

3.20(

)

On the Level Home Maintenance & Repair

3.20(

)

Customers say: Quality work

15 years of experience

I operate a Handyman service in Champaign Illinois. At present we have a staff of 4 providers. We are comfortable handling most any job around the house from yard maintenance to kitchen & bath remodels. I work with several Realtors & retail outlets, we also work on several commercial sites.

Showing 1-10 of 14

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

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.

Some homeowners use additives every month to help septic system performance, but according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the effectiveness of septic system and leach field additives is unknown. Further, additives made with organic solvents or alkali chemicals can actually be harmful to the necessary bacteria in a septic system.

No, it is not advisable to spray pesticides down the drain in your home. Most drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are not properly equipped to remove pesticides. Should pesticides infiltrate waterways, they can cause harm to plants, fish, or other living things. In most areas, pouring pesticides down the drain is illegal due to the potential harm it causes.

French drains may fail when they become clogged with soil granules that slip through the pores of the landscaping fabric and through the holes in the pipe.

Over time, this debris can build up inside the pipe and prevent water flow. To prevent this failure from happening, regularly flush out your French drain and keep debris away from the inlet grate.

The best practice is to hydro jet your sewer line once per year. However, there are several factors that can affect this recommendation, including the age and condition of your pipes, how often your sewer line is used, and the type of waste disposed of in the system. When in doubt, ask a licensed plumber for their recommendation for your plumbing system.

The Gibson City, 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

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Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
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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.