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>

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>

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TRUSTED BY WEST SALEM, IL HOMEOWNERS

4.7
Average homeowner rating
80
Verified drain cleaning services reviews

Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in West Salem, IL

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in West Salem, 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 West Salem, 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 01, 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 West Salem

Ron's Plumbing

407 East Mulberry Street

3.50(

)

•Approved Pro

Ron's Plumbing

407 East Mulberry Street

3.50(

)

•Approved Pro

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

10 years of experience

Welcome to Ron's Plumbing! We always provide high quality work, that produces an exceptional product. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with all of our clients, and we cannot wait to hear from you. Call today!

"null"

Deedee S on June 2020

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Deedee S on June 2020

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

403 W. Walnut

1.50(

)

Kingery's construction

Kilmans Drain Cleaning

PO Box 333

No reviews yet

Kilmans Drain Cleaning

PO Box 333

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

1173 BAinbridge St

No reviews yet

Solutions Contracting

1173 BAinbridge St

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

6907 W. Grand Ave

4.86(

)

McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

6907 W. Grand Ave

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.

First Response Drain Service

915 Eva Ln.

5.00(

)

First Response Drain Service

915 Eva Ln.

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

First Response Drain Service is a locally owned and operated company that was developed to provide businesses and homeowners with professional service that keeps their drainage systems flowing efficiently. We have 5 employees on staff full time and 3-4 part-time employees. All are well groomed and respectful. On occasion subcontractors are used for large scale projects. This allows for proper safety and insurance requirements as we work in conjunction with other top notch contractors. First response Drain Service is owned and operated by a Union trained plumber who spent numerous years learning the trade. This valuable training is applied to our day to day operations and is what sets us apart from other sewer service contractors. We offer free estimates, charge NO travel time and bill by the hour and affordable rates. Anyone who mentions our Angie's List ad will receive a free video sewer inspection recorded to DVD. First Response Drain Service is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise smelly situation. Our technicians enjoy what they do and it reflects in the work that we do. Our staff is friendly and easy to talk to. We explain each situation in a way that makes sense. Give us a call and you will experience a whole new concept in the sewer service industry.

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

JOE BEARD AND SONS

5766 Prospect Dr

3.20(

)

JOE BEARD AND SONS

5766 Prospect Dr

3.20(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

77 years of experience

Since 1948, Joe Beard & Sons has been providing outstanding drain cleaning and septic tank services to the residential and commercial industries. Joe Beard & Sons also specializes in hydro excavating and sewer repairs.

"The guy brought a truck that wasn't empty so only half our septic waste would fit. They made us pay for the whole job and only pumped half our septic tank."

Sherry W on September 2020

"The guy brought a truck that wasn't empty so only half our septic waste would fit. They made us pay for the whole job and only pumped half our septic tank."

Sherry W on September 2020

Showing 1-10 of 13

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish a clog from a frozen drainpipe since ice technically causes a clog. If the temperature doesn’t tip you off, there are a few additional signs that your pipe is frozen. Look for condensation and frost around the pipes. Ice in pipes can cause a banging or clanking noise as opposed to a clog from a softer material.

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.

A clogged air gap can cause a dishwasher not to drain. There are, however, other potential issues that can lead to improper drainage. For example, if you have attached the air gap to a garbage disposal and forgotten to remove the knockout plug, wastewater may backflow into the dishwasher. Check that the air gap is installed properly, and then look for clogs in the air gap and dishwasher filters.

You can pour hot water down your gutter drain to melt ice and keep ice dams from forming. If the problems persist, consider investing in heat cables to run in your gutters. Heat cables can adjust based on the surrounding temperature to keep ice thawed.

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.

The West Salem, 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

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.
Lauren Bongard
•
Sep 19, 2024Sep 19, 2024
How Liquid Drain Cleaner Works: Pros and Cons
If you have a clogged pipe and natural methods are not working, you may need something stronger. How do drain cleaners work? Find out in this guide.
Mariel Loveland
•
Mar 23, 2025Mar 23, 2025
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.
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.
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.