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>

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TRUSTED BY ELMIRA, MI HOMEOWNERS

4.6
Average homeowner rating
46
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Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Elmira, MI

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Elmira, MI 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 Elmira, MI 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 June 2020
did not quote just cleaning my gutters
Leaf Home Bath
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Reviewed in July 2018
Very straight forward communication. Clean and quick
M&M Tree Service
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Reviewed in May 2017
Very professional, cleaned up after the work was done. Very courteous when answering questions. Gutters and downspouts are working perfectly.
Frazer Building and Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2016
After the completion of the air testing, I hired them to put drain tile and replace the insulation in the crawl space. Greg and Carrie were excellent to work with and kept me well informed. Would use them again in the future.
Restoration Environmental Safety Technologies, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2016
Joe was extremely professional and even showed us a price sheet before working so we would know the cost upfront. The price was pretty high but I realize that is dictated by Roto-Rooter, not the individual technician. He was there wirhin 90 minutes of our call and arrived within the timeframe...
Roto-Rooter
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Reviewed in October 2014
Actual work of drying out our basement from a clogged drain pipe was less than satisfactory. Tear out was not complete and requires extra work by the re construct team. Our incident was on a holiday and the young man who came advised we were lucky that he answered his phone. They failed to...
BMS CAT & Mellon Certified Restoration
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Reviewed in February 2014
Modern informed me that a drain I covered up with tile was the place he was going to have to snake out, I informed him that I was told that the drain under that tile was not functional from the other contractor that I called last year to do my drain. Modern said this was the best place to go...
MODERN SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING
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Reviewed in January 2014
Their services were good. The on-site guy that came out and helped diagnose the problem was pleasant and diagnosed the problem correctly. He ended up snaking out the laundry drain and not the main. This saved an extra trip out, as they did not have the proper equipment with them in the truck to...
Cut-Rate Plumbing, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2013
We are selling our home and provided a well and septic inspection to the buyer. The crew was here on time and were professional. They did not measure the sludge. They did give advice on well and septic systems. They were in and out within a 1/2 hour and I was not sure what I paid for? They...
D & H Environmental
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Reviewed in September 2013
Got right in, fluids checked, windows washed, I opted to skip the tire pressure check because the car has electronic pressure sensors. Oil drained, filter changed, refilled oil (6 quart sump) leak check, and out the door in about 20 minutes. No fuss no muss, exactly the maintenance needed in...
MOBIL 1 LUBE EXPRESS
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Find Drain cleaners in Elmira

Precision Plumbing

3626 Pine Hollow Court

4.95(

)

•Approved Pro

Precision Plumbing

3626 Pine Hollow Court

4.95(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

30 years of experience

With over 25 years of experience, I take pride in my quality craftsmanship. We are owner operated, and believe in building long-term relationships with our clients by delivering honesty along with exceptional work. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and customer service. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. Give us a call today! We look forward to working with you!

"Very high quality work promp service"

Timothy M on January 2023

"Very high quality work promp service"

Timothy M on January 2023

Bathworks of Michigan, LLC

400 76th Street SW #17

Bathworks of Michigan, LLC

400 76th Street SW #17

Customers say: Quality work

560 local quotes requested

19 years of experience

A Trusted Partner for Bathroom Remodeling in Michigan! As a leading name in Grand Rapids bath remodels, BathWorks offers a range of services that combine gorgeous products with daily functionality. Whether you need a shower conversion or a complete bathroom overhaul, we deliver results you'll love tailored to your unique needs. If your bathing area isn't working for you, we can replace or convert it into a stunning, low-maintenance tub or shower. Our one-day wet-area upgrades ensure minimal disruption to your daily life while delivering maximum impact to your bathroom. Looking for a complete bathroom transformation? We also offer floor-to-ceiling remodels to give your bathroom a completely new look and feel. Ready to begin your bathroom makeover? Contact BathWorks today! Based in Grand Rapids, MI, we proudly serve homeowners throughout Michigan with expert craftsmanship and personalized service.

"Explained everything well. Walked us through design. Good job explaining limitations with the project and managing expectations. Sales guy was very patient and friendly."

Kate E on February 2025

"Explained everything well. Walked us through design. Good job explaining limitations with the project and managing expectations. Sales guy was very patient and friendly."

Kate E on February 2025

Zuvers heating, cooling & Plumbing

223 East St South

5.00(

)

Zuvers heating, cooling & Plumbing

223 East St South

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

"The whole process of quoting, sales presentation, finance arrangement, installation was simple, timely, professional, complete and painless. The price was very competitive, the installation was smooth and prompt, and the end product is thing of beauty. This review is from a homeowner who has had a couple of terrible furnace experiences in the past decade."

John G on January 2021

"The whole process of quoting, sales presentation, finance arrangement, installation was simple, timely, professional, complete and painless. The price was very competitive, the installation was smooth and prompt, and the end product is thing of beauty. This review is from a homeowner who has had a couple of terrible furnace experiences in the past decade."

John G on January 2021

Proudly Serving all of Northern Michigan! Nights, Weekends and Holidays--No extra charge Friend to the Landlord! "In God We Trust"

Up North Property Services

105 W. Chisholm St.

No reviews yet

Up North Property Services

105 W. Chisholm St.

No reviews yet

29 years of experience

A service for Absentee and Vacation Home Owners, "Peace of Mind for You, Security for Your Home" * Weekly, Bi-Weekly or Monthly home and Property Inspections * Additional Caretaker Services Available * Experienced and Professional * Outstanding Customer Services * Affordable

C.T.Janni & Associates

5098 Knapp Drive

No reviews yet

C.T.Janni & Associates

5098 Knapp Drive

No reviews yet

32 years of experience

We are a small 1-3 person full service plumbing/mechanical contracting & repair company located in Flint, Mi. and offer senior discounts, financing, utility rebates, all at competitive prices.

Bear Plumbing Inc.

7178 Pulaski Road

No reviews yet

Bear Plumbing Inc.

7178 Pulaski Road

No reviews yet

34 years of experience

Bear Plumbing Inc. 7178 Pulaski Road Concord, MI 49237, (517) 524-6808, http://bearplumbing.biz, We are Bear Plumbing Inc. in business since 1991 and we serve 60 Mile Radius. We provide Plumbing Repair Service. Plumbing, Plumbing Contractor, Plumbing Repair, Plumbing Service, Plumber, Plumbing Concord MI, Plumbing Contractor Concord MI, Plumbing Repair Concord MI, Plumbing Service Concord MI, Plumber Concord MI

L b J water Works

10064 Madison Ave

No reviews yet

L b J water Works

10064 Madison Ave

No reviews yet

35 years of experience

plumbing and heating reapair

Showing 1-10 of 23

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

If you've discovered a rather frightening buildup of brown and black gunk below your shower cover, you're not alone. The smelly sludge is often a collection of mildew and biofilm. Biofilm comes from the breakdown of soap scum, hair, skin cells, and bacteria that collects during shower time. It's quite common in a humid space and relatively easy to clean with a gentle DIY cleaning solution such as baking soda and vinegar.

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.

Common drain issues include slow-running drains, whether in a sink or shower, clogged drains, a bad smell, and water backing up into a sink, shower, or bathtub. Causes range from hair, grease, roots, or toilet paper clogging the drainpipes to flooding outside the home, which prevents sewer lines from draining properly.

Regrading your yard can often fix drainage problems. You can also try aerating the lawn to encourage better drainage or install a new drainage system to prevent water from pooling in certain areas.

Regardless of the drain cleaner type you choose to use, they all work through chemical reactions that create heat. Thanks to the heat, the clogged hair begins to dissolve until it is able to be flushed away. To avoid clogs in your drain due to hair, use hair catchers and empty them out after every shower.

The Elmira, MI 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
•
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.
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.
Mariel Loveland
•
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.
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.
Heather Ayer
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
How to Snake a Basement Floor Drain in 9 Steps
Knowing how to snake a basement floor drain is an important DIY skill for homeowners. Our guide gives a step-by-step process to clean your basement drain.