How do I stop sludge buildup in my sewer line?

• <div><p>Your sewer line can get grimy quickly. To prevent sludge buildup in your sewer line, pour a mixture of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda down each drain in your home once a month. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.</p><p>Some plumbers recommend 3/4 cup of bleach instead to clean any germs and bacteria that may build up in your sewer line. But this won’t break down any active clogs, and it cannot be combined with vinegar, as the mixture will create a toxic, hazardous gas.</p></div>

Get matched with top drain cleaners in Auburn, ME

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TRUSTED BY AUBURN, ME HOMEOWNERS

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136
Verified drain cleaning services reviews

Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Auburn, ME

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Auburn, ME 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 Auburn, ME 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 05, 2025

Reviewed in February 2020
Awesome Their technician was extremely patient, knowledgeable. He explained what he was doing as he performed his task.
Zoom Drain New England
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Reviewed in September 2013
I would highly recommend Aube's Plumbing and Heating to anyone with a clogged drain issue - or any other plumbing/heating issue. My laundry drain was so clogged that it would take a day or two for the drain to clear enough for me to do another load of laundry - major issue for someone who...
Aube's Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in February 2016
Was at my house within an hour of calling. Figured out the problem (someone flushed a hand cloth down the toilet and clogged everything up). Took care of it. I've been looking for a dependable plumber with reasonable pricing for several buildings I own and plan to use Wayne's in the future.
Wayne's Plumbing & Heating LLC
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Reviewed in October 2008
Pine State was extremely responsive. From the time I called to the time they were at the job was approximately 1 hr. Work was performed quickly and without problems. $290 for 45 minutes of work seems quite expensive to me, but I suppose I was paying for the immediate service.
Pine State Services
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Reviewed in June 2011
referred by another plumbing company that no longer did drain cleaning - came,cleaned, great job - fast, efficient, pleasant and fair price
SEABREEZE PLUMBING & HEATING
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Reviewed in November 2014
I called first thing in the morning since the clog happened the night before. The scheduler was very pleasant and sent someone out within 45 minutes. When the plumber arrived, he put covers on his shoes so as not to dirty the floors, which is always impressive. He diagnosed the problem and...
Richard P Waltz Plumbing & Heating Co Inc
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Find Drain cleaners in Auburn

Zoom Drain New England

Zoom Drain New England

Customers say: Quick response

21 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

ZOOM DRAIN provides sewer and drain cleaning and repairs throughout Southern and Central Maine. Our team of professionals focus on providing you with safe & proven solutions, fast turnaround times and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. We are available 24/7/365 so call ZOOM DRAIN today to schedule an appointment! We offer Residential and Commercial: Drain Cleaning; Drain Installation; Ejector Pump Installation & Replacement; Grease Trap Pumping; Pump Pit Repair; Sewer Line Installation & Replacement; Sump Pump Installation; Sewer Services; Sump Pump Repair; Garbage Disposal Repair; Ejector Pump Repair; Pump Pit Installation & Replacement; Sewer Line Hydro-jetting; Sewer Line Repair; Toilet Repair; Sewer & Drain Inspections

"Technician arrived over 1 hour after the time given by office. Did not know the job specs that were given when appointment was set up. Had to return to shop as tech did not come prepared. When settling bill tech said $350. We explained that we should not have to pay road time for shop run. He called office and came back and said the cost was $350, taking the shop run off the cost. We stated that was the same cost. Tech said it was $75 for the shop run making the bill $425, so minus the $75 the bill was now $350. The cleaning of one pipe with no blockage should not be $425. Tech wore mask 2 out of the 3 times we conversed but the mask was not CDC approved, which means the customer isn’t protected. I think EcoClean needs to improve its communication with clients and needs to improve field tech and office communications."

Raymond L on September 2020

"Technician arrived over 1 hour after the time given by office. Did not know the job specs that were given when appointment was set up. Had to return to shop as tech did not come prepared. When settling bill tech said $350. We explained that we should not have to pay road time for shop run. He called office and came back and said the cost was $350, taking the shop run off the cost. We stated that was the same cost. Tech said it was $75 for the shop run making the bill $425, so minus the $75 the bill was now $350. The cleaning of one pipe with no blockage should not be $425. Tech wore mask 2 out of the 3 times we conversed but the mask was not CDC approved, which means the customer isn’t protected. I think EcoClean needs to improve its communication with clients and needs to improve field tech and office communications."

Raymond L on September 2020

Woodville Plumbing and Heating

Woodville Plumbing and Heating

Customers say: Quality work

45 local quotes requested

8 years of experience

"Rob was great! Excellent communication and follow up."

Danny L on November 2024

"Rob was great! Excellent communication and follow up."

Danny L on November 2024

A-1 Plumbing

209 Titcomb Hill Road

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

A-1 Plumbing

209 Titcomb Hill Road

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

123 local quotes requested

5 years of experience

A-1 Plumbing and Heating is a locally owned plumbing and heating contractor that specializes in service and repair work along with construction and remodeling services. We are a veteran owned residential and commercial plumbing and heating contractor based in Franklin County, Maine. Our expertise includes new construction, remodels, service, and repair.

Revelare Kitchens

1750 Industrial Highway, Suite100

4.34(

)

•Approved Pro

Revelare Kitchens

1750 Industrial Highway, Suite100

4.34(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

492 local quotes requested

16 years of experience

Revelare Kitchens (latin for "unveil") was created in 2007. Since then, we have grown into a family of creative and innovative kitchen designers and craftsmen who are committed to excellence and unparalleled design. Specializing in kitchen cabinet refacing, custom cabinetry, and countertops; Revelare Kitchens has an option to satisfy a wide range of styles perfectly matched to your house and your budget. We believe creative designs are the result of meaningful dialogue and trust between the interior designer and client. In every project, we strive to fully understand our clients’ needs and apply their feedback and ideas into our designs. We do, however, use our expertise to ensure that the end result is as professional as possible. Contact us today to see how we can get you started.

"Will King is an outstanding rep of Revelare Kitchens. Very knowledgeable, courteous and overall , an excellent employee"

Tom M on September 2025

"Will King is an outstanding rep of Revelare Kitchens. Very knowledgeable, courteous and overall , an excellent employee"

Tom M on September 2025

Zoom Drain New England

39 Immersion Drive Suite #1

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Zoom Drain New England

39 Immersion Drive Suite #1

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

57 local quotes requested

19 years of experience

"Marcus came over the day after I requested the quotes (quotes requested Sunday, he came Monday.) He assessed the situation and explained options and pricing. He very willingly attempted the lower cost option first, even though we had doubts it would work. He told if it did not work and we had to go to the higher cost option, I would only be charged for that, not both. We did have to go to that option and he was able to clear the clog from my sewer line. He then inspected with a camera and showed me that there were several roots intruding on the line. He recommended repeating the process with a nozzle designed to remove these. He did not have that on his truck, so another visit was scheduled for today with a different tech. This was also successful and it was clear from the camera inspection at the end that the roots were gone. I was expected a horrible mess from this process, and was very happy that both operations were completed with minimal additional sludge in my basement."

Peter R on January 2025

"Marcus came over the day after I requested the quotes (quotes requested Sunday, he came Monday.) He assessed the situation and explained options and pricing. He very willingly attempted the lower cost option first, even though we had doubts it would work. He told if it did not work and we had to go to the higher cost option, I would only be charged for that, not both. We did have to go to that option and he was able to clear the clog from my sewer line. He then inspected with a camera and showed me that there were several roots intruding on the line. He recommended repeating the process with a nozzle designed to remove these. He did not have that on his truck, so another visit was scheduled for today with a different tech. This was also successful and it was clear from the camera inspection at the end that the roots were gone. I was expected a horrible mess from this process, and was very happy that both operations were completed with minimal additional sludge in my basement."

Peter R on January 2025

Cyr's Home Services

Cyr's Home Services

Customers say: True professional

23 local quotes requested

20 years of experience

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of Handyman Services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"I can't say enough GOOD THINGS about CYR HOME SERVICES. They gave me a GREAT PRICE for GREAT WORK. CYR answered all of my questions, responded to texts/phone calls in a timely manner (unheard of these days), and completed the work on time! CALL them...you'll be glad you did!"

Carole L on July 2025

"I can't say enough GOOD THINGS about CYR HOME SERVICES. They gave me a GREAT PRICE for GREAT WORK. CYR answered all of my questions, responded to texts/phone calls in a timely manner (unheard of these days), and completed the work on time! CALL them...you'll be glad you did!"

Carole L on July 2025

Long Home

960 Turnpike Street, Suite C

Long Home

960 Turnpike Street, Suite C

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

303 local quotes requested

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing projects and specialize in asphalt shingle installations and replacements. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Long Home did an awesome job installing my new shower, vanity, and bathroom floor. It looks beautiful!"

Peter M on April 2025

"Long Home did an awesome job installing my new shower, vanity, and bathroom floor. It looks beautiful!"

Peter M on April 2025

Ramsey Excavation, Sewer and Drain

Ramsey Excavation, Sewer and Drain

Customers say: Quick response

30 local quotes requested

21 years of experience

Ramsey Excavation Sewer and Drain is a professional sewer service. With over 16 years prior experience we are ready to handle any project big or small. We offer 24 hour emergency services. Give us a call today to! We look forward to working with you!

"Thomas was very responsive and courteous. He showed up bright and early on Monday, as promised. He reached out to coordinate with the previous pro who had identified the issue but did not have the equipment to clear the blockage. Thomas found our septic tank which had not been opened the entire 25 years we've own the house. He quickly removed the blockage and resolved our issue pumping sewage up to the septic tank from the fish house. I will certainly call him first next time we have a problem."

Ellen L on August 2025

"Thomas was very responsive and courteous. He showed up bright and early on Monday, as promised. He reached out to coordinate with the previous pro who had identified the issue but did not have the equipment to clear the blockage. Thomas found our septic tank which had not been opened the entire 25 years we've own the house. He quickly removed the blockage and resolved our issue pumping sewage up to the septic tank from the fish house. I will certainly call him first next time we have a problem."

Ellen L on August 2025

PIC Home Pros, LLC

PIC Home Pros, LLC

Customers say: True professional

1307 local quotes requested

27 years of experience

Committed to Professionalism. This phrase encapsulates the core philosophy of our company, PIC Home Pros. Founded on principles of compassion and dedication, we strive to deliver top-notch workmanship and ensure a positive customer experience. At PIC, we offer dependable home services driven by a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction. Our goal is to not only meet but exceed our customers' expectations, leaving them delighted with the results and eager to return to us for future projects. We take pride in providing quality products and affordable bathroom remodeling services to our valued clients. With a team boasting over 50 years of combined experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project we undertake. Trust PIC to deliver excellence in every aspect of your home improvement needs.

"positive experience, knowledgeable professional staff."

Kevin C on September 2025

"positive experience, knowledgeable professional staff."

Kevin C on September 2025

GrayBridge

GrayBridge

10 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

GrayBridge is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"Josh did a great job on the roof repair. He did the job when he said he would. He picked up the materials so I didn’t have to. I would hire Josh again and I would recommend him as well. "

Desiree S on August 2025

"Josh did a great job on the roof repair. He did the job when he said he would. He picked up the materials so I didn’t have to. I would hire Josh again and I would recommend him as well. "

Desiree S on August 2025

Showing 1-10 of 43

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

A good option for opening up and cleaning a sink drain is to use a ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar, along with a rubber stopper to cover the drain while those materials work their magic. After about 15 minutes, you can flush the drain with hot water. In many cases, these materials can scrub out minor clogs and get the drain working properly again. If the issue persists, call in a plumber near you to get the problem permanently fixed.

Your sewer line can get grimy quickly. To prevent sludge buildup in your sewer line, pour a mixture of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda down each drain in your home once a month. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.

Some plumbers recommend 3/4 cup of bleach instead to clean any germs and bacteria that may build up in your sewer line. But this won’t break down any active clogs, and it cannot be combined with vinegar, as the mixture will create a toxic, hazardous gas.

It’ll take 20 to 30 minutes to unclog a sewer line using a drain snake or drain cleaner. If you hire a professional, you should expect them to be on-site for three hours or less. In addition to clearing the clog, they’ll do other routine inspections, which adds to the overall time (and cost) required.

Unlike regular cleanings, snaking your sewer line should be done as needed. There’s no reason to snake your sewer line if you don’t have any noticeable issues, like slow drainage or plugged drains. You can add it to your regular sewer cleaning checklist as a prevention method (on the same 18- to 22-month schedule), but it’s not always necessary.

It is not advisable to use drain cleaner in a washing machine. Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the internal components of your washer, including rubber seals, hoses, and even the drum. These chemicals can also react with any residual detergent or fabric softener, potentially leading to noxious fumes. If your washing machine is experiencing drainage issues, it's best to address the problem directly by inspecting and cleaning the lint filter, checking for clogs in the drain hose, or seeking professional repair services. Using drain cleaner in a washing machine is a risky solution that can cause more harm than good.

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The Auburn, ME 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.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Sep 10, 2024Sep 10, 2024
How to Snake a Drain to Fix a Clog
Clogged drains are a pain and can be persistent if you don’t deal with the blockage. Use this guide on how to snake a drain to save money and DIY a solution.
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.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Apr 4, 2025Apr 4, 2025
How to Unclog a Shower Drain With Standing Water
If you've been dealing with standing water in your shower, don't fret. Read this guide to find out how to unclog a shower drain with standing water.
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.
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.