Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Minot, ND

No, you typically cannot use metal detectors to find your sewer line. Most sewer lines are made of non-metallic materials such as PVC, clay, or cast iron, which are not detectable by standard metal detectors. Metal detectors are designed to locate metallic objects, so they won't be effective for identifying the path of a non-metallic sewer line. To locate your sewer line accurately, it's best to use other methods.

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.

When hiring a sewer line company, you need to consider more than just the quoted price. Make sure to check that the company or contractor is licensed, certified, and insured to protect you both. Check for positive reviews, and you can even request references for extra peace of mind. 

To find the best contractor, you might also want to consider how long the company has been in business doing sewer line cleaning and if they’ve won any industry awards for their work and service. Review potential contracts closely, and look for transparent pricing.

In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don’t technically need a license, as they aren’t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They’ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your plumber’s professional licenses before hiring.