Do sewer cleaning companies need to be licensed?

<div><p>In most states, companies that perform sewer cleaning services don’t need specific licensing, but you should always ensure you hire a licensed and certified plumber to get the work done. You can use <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">our state licensing tool</a> to check whether the potential sewer cleaning company holds a plumber’s certification and license. Hiring a certified sewer cleaning services guarantees that the work will be done safely, there won’t be additional damage done to your home, and the problem will be fixed.</p></div>

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?

<div><p>There are a few <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/warning-signs-main-sewer-line-clog.htm">signs of a clog in your main sewer line</a> that you should keep in mind.</p><p>Common signs of a sewer line clog:</p><ul><li><p>Multiple fixtures in your home drain slowly</p></li><li><p>Drains in your home gurgle during or after draining</p></li><li><p>Water backs up into your sewer line cleanout</p></li><li><p>You notice foul odors in your home</p></li></ul><p>The best way to confirm that your main sewer line is clogged is to hire a professional plumber to assess the situation and use a camera to inspect the inside.</p></div>

Will drain cleaner clear a clogged sewer line?

<div><p>In most cases, drain cleaners will not clear a clogged sewer line, and they’re likely to damage your plumbing. Sewer lines are several inches wide, meaning any material that clogs it will need to be large. Drain cleaner can work on small clogs, but it usually won’t clear a larger one in a sewer main. Drain cleaners can also easily damage and corrode your plumbing with prolonged contact, and a clog will keep the cleaner in contact with the pipes for an extended period. Hire a professional sewer cleaner instead for a safe fix.</p></div>

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Q: How much does it cost to get something out of the sewer?

<div><p>The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-clear-a-main-sewer-line-clog.htm#">cost to snake your main sewer line</a> is around <b>$250</b> for a simple snake. Most sewer line specialists charge between <b>$45 and $200</b> per hour for main sewer line snaking, so the time involved plays a major role. The price you&rsquo;ll pay will depend on the severity of the clog, the item causing the backup, how long it takes to remove the item, and more. A more severe issue that requires unclogging a main sewer line will cost <b>$3,100 on average</b>.</p></div>

There are 13 highly-rated local sewer cleaners.

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Sewer Main Install, Replace or Repair

4.4

(116)

Drain Clog or Blockage Clearing

4.4

(116)

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

4.4

(122)

Verified Reviews for Sewer Cleaning pros in Boston, MA

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

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

Last update on July 17, 2025

Reviewed in January 2020
We have worked with Papalia on a few things and have had an amazing experience with the entire team! Install an old radiator -- Excellent install with no surprises. They found a couple of issues that I would not have caught. avoiding a big mess in the future. Installed a new water heater --...
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in April 2013
Professional and efficient from start to finish. Early Friday morning my husband and I noticed a large amount of water collecting in our basement. To our untrained eyes it appeared the water was coming from our main water pipe. We called Papaila first thing that morning to make an appointment....
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in June 2013
Our sewer pipes were blocked; turns out kids had put a roll or two of toilet paper down the toilet in a couple of 'sessions'. A day or so later I noticed the sink 'gurgling' and a funny smell in the basement. Anyways, after my husband tried to use chemicals on the main line without success, he...
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in November 2013
I had 3 new kitchen appliances hooked up - a dishwasher, a refrigerator and a gas range. The plumber was on time, professional and did a good job in a nice time frame. There was a water dispenser hook up for the refrigerator, which required finding the water source and switching it on. Myself...
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in June 2014
Adam arrived in the middle of the window that they had given us, which was really good. He immediately diagnosed the problem and gave us the quote for the work that needed to be done. He wound up having to do extra, but didn't increase the cost. He was very professional, courteous (used...
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in May 2024
They were excellent. I had a septic pipe leak into my basement and garage. They came out immediately. They were professional and kind and fixed the issue and the price was very reasonable.
New England Drain Service
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Reviewed in September 2023
Very prompt and courteous service. It is nice to see that there are some contractor that are still concerned about serving the client first.
Beacon Drain Service, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2015
Napoleon used a large roto rooter machine. He dug out the clean outlet outside which was buried under snow. He could have used the one in the foyer closet but preferred the outside location. Rooted some 40' out to the street and found that roots was the problem again. He suggested next time...
All Drain Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2013
I called at 1pm on a recommendation from our plumbers Kerrivan-Lane when I called them about what sounded to them like a backed up main sewer pipe. The person who answered was very pleasant and explained the prices and that someone would come between 2:30 and 4pm, but I would get a call when...
All Drain Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2013
this company is so easy to deal with. called, showed up within an hour. diagnosed the problem. did the work. even helped me clean out the mess on the floor. went through my basement bulkhead instead of walking over my house which is very appreciated. gave me an angie's list discount....
All Drain Services, Inc.
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