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>

Can you leave a toilet clogged overnight?

• <div><p>Usually it’s fine to leave a toilet clogged overnight, as long as it’s not close to overflowing. In some cases, the extra time may give the clog time to work itself out. For example, if it’s caused by an excess of toilet paper, letting it sit could result in the clog dissolving and you may be able to simply flush it away by the time you wake up. </p><p>Only let it sit though if you have more than one toilet in the home.</p></div>

Get matched with top drain cleaners in Madison, NE

Q: How do you unclog a main drain without a snake?

• <div><p>If you want to avoid using a snake to unclog a drain, or if you don&rsquo;t have one, try vinegar and baking soda. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait for 15 minutes, and then run hot water (but not boiling water) down the drain to see if the clog is clear. Repeat multiple times as needed.</p></div>

Q: How do you avoid future clogs?

• <div><p>Using less toilet paper is the easiest way to prevent future clogs. Also, avoid flushing sanitary products, thick paper towels, or hair down the toilet. If you&rsquo;ve been using a brick in the tank to reduce the water used to flush the toilet, take it out immediately. Bricks will eventually fall apart and clog your toilet drain. Keeping your toilet lid closed also helps avoid future clogs.</p></div>

Q: Can you leave a toilet clogged overnight?

• <div><p>Usually it&rsquo;s fine to leave a toilet clogged overnight, as long as it&rsquo;s not close to overflowing. In some cases, the extra time may give the clog time to work itself out. For example, if it&rsquo;s caused by an excess of toilet paper, letting it sit could result in the clog dissolving and you may be able to simply flush it away by the time you wake up. </p><p>Only let it sit though if you have more than one toilet in the home.</p></div>

Q: What causes drain clogs or blockages in homes?

• <div><p>Common causes include hair buildup, soap residue, food particles, and foreign objects. Older pipes can also contribute by facilitating buildup more easily.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Madison, NE

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Madison, NE 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 Madison, NE 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 31, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Walkout garage door was replaced and painted. Broken handle on glass storm door was replaced. New tv was installed on retractable mount and new soundbar was installed. Very satisfied with all repairs and installations. Workers were very professional and left the areas clean and tidy.
House Doctors Northwest Omaha
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Reviewed in June 2025
I hired Chris for a couple jobs. I had a customer at an Ethanol plant that needed a structure stripped and painted and it was pretty sizable, he did a fantastic job and in the time frame that I bid the job. My customer was extremely happy with his work as well as I. Another job he performed for...
Eastn Painting
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Reviewed in May 2023
Very professional in all aspects and they cleaned up after themselves.
National Radon Defense Midwest
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Reviewed in November 2022
Did a great job prepping my project and also cleaned up after they were done. Very satisfied.
iFOAM - Omaha
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Reviewed in October 2022
Really great service theybdid a great job welcoming me to oregon all of my stuff was perfect and clean thanks again for your help
Cita Van Lines Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2022
On time, super friendly, very clean, did an amazing job! Very impressed with how thorough they were! Very reasonable pricing as well! Would 100% hire them again in the future!
Swick's Duct Cleaning
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Reviewed in July 2018
I wanted someone to clean my gutters not try to sell me gutter gaurds. and when they called never said about cleaning gutters only if I wanted to purchase gutter gaurds, bad for buiness
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
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Reviewed in March 2016
Arrived unexpectedly as a followup of work done last year, pointed out cracking tiles and inappropriate gutter size. Did the work the same afternoon and cleaned up after the work was finished
McGavin Roofing
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Reviewed in March 2013
A Plus Carpet cleaning was very professional. They answered the phone, arrived on time, were clear in what we were to expect with drying time etc. Working with them was a pleasant experience and we will definitely use them again.
A PLUS CARPET CLEANING
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Find Drain cleaners in Madison

Hill Country Tub and Shower

Hill Country Tub and Shower

Customers say: True professional

73 local quotes requested

2 years of experience

At Hill Country Tub and Shower we pride ourselves on being the best Remodels company in the area. We've built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing. Being a screened and approved professional gives you the peace of mind you need to allow us to give your home the attention it deserves. Call us today and let's get started!

"Great job, professional"

Kelly T on June 2025

"Great job, professional"

Kelly T on June 2025

KMC Services, LLC

No reviews yet

KMC Services, LLC

No reviews yet

As an owner-operated business, we offer many services from window repairs and replacement to home caulking, tile and grout, drywall repair and installation, painting, minor plumbing and more. With over 15 years in residential and commercial construction, we offer many services. Contact us for a quote today.

DT Homes

Po Box 2172

No reviews yet

DT Homes

Po Box 2172

No reviews yet

15 years of experience

we have 4 employees and can handle anything from your honey-do to a new construction . The forms of payment we accept are cash and local checks .

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

AAA Action Drain Service

1400 E Abbott Rd

No reviews yet

AAA Action Drain Service

1400 E Abbott Rd

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

AAA Action Drain Service serves the Tri-City area which includes Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney. With over 25 years of experience, AAA Action Drain Service specializes in Plumbing Repairs and Sewer & Drain Cleaning with the use of a Sewer Inspection Camera and a Hydro Water Jetter. If you are experiencing Groundwater Problems, AAA Action Drain Service offers you the solution. AAA Action Drain Service is Bonded and Insured and offers Professional Drain Cleaning at a Reasonable Price. Please call Dave or Scott

DRAIN SURGEON INC

2052 W CALLE COLOMBO ST

No reviews yet

DRAIN SURGEON INC

2052 W CALLE COLOMBO ST

No reviews yet

34 years of experience

Residential, Commercial, Municipalities, Farms serviced.

Independent Plumbing & Heating Inc

1921 Broadway

4.20(

)

Independent Plumbing & Heating Inc

1921 Broadway

4.20(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Emergency services offered

Independent Plumbing & Heating Inc has been serving the Western Nebraska Panhandle including Scottsbluff, Gering, Bridgeport, Mitchell, Sidney, Kimball, and the surrounding communities since 1933. We are locally owned and operated. We offer both Residential and Commercial Sales, Installation, Repair and Service for: *High Efficiency Air Conditioning *High Efficiency Heating *Heat Pumps *Geo Thermal *Plumbing *Septic Service & Repair *Hot water heaters *Appliances Come visit our showroom for all your new appliance and Plumbing Fixture needs. Our Brand Names Include *Lennox *Kohler *Delta *Bosch Call us for Your Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing Needs

King's Plumbing

7444 North Johnson Rd

4.80(

)

King's Plumbing

7444 North Johnson Rd

4.80(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Small family owened shop that provides all the services of a large plumbing shop and more.

Volkman Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

211 S 3rd St

5.00(

)

Volkman Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

211 S 3rd St

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are a full service residential and commercial mechanical contractor

Herman Plumbing Co Inc

904 N Broadwell Ave

4.92(

)

Herman Plumbing Co Inc

904 N Broadwell Ave

4.92(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Herman Plumbing Co., Inc. has been providing continous service to the Grand Island area for 76 years. We have a dedicated staff of 16 employees to assist in resolving your plumbing issues.

"Very professional! They have done two different jobs. The first was a problem with my sewer line backing up. They found that it was full of tree roots. The plumber worked for hours cutting through the roots. It was a long, hard job and he was determined to get it cleaned out. The second job was to clean the kitchen drain. Obviously, the previous owner dumped lots of grease down the drain. It was a lot to clean out. The cost wasn't bad considering that the tree roots ended up being a day and a half project."

Candi S on June 2020

Herman Plumbing Co., Inc. has been providing continous service to the Grand Island area for 76 years. We have a dedicated staff of 16 employees to assist in resolving your plumbing issues.

"Very professional! They have done two different jobs. The first was a problem with my sewer line backing up. They found that it was full of tree roots. The plumber worked for hours cutting through the roots. It was a long, hard job and he was determined to get it cleaned out. The second job was to clean the kitchen drain. Obviously, the previous owner dumped lots of grease down the drain. It was a lot to clean out. The cost wasn't bad considering that the tree roots ended up being a day and a half project."

Candi S on June 2020

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

If you want to avoid using a snake to unclog a drain, or if you don’t have one, try vinegar and baking soda. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait for 15 minutes, and then run hot water (but not boiling water) down the drain to see if the clog is clear. Repeat multiple times as needed.

Using less toilet paper is the easiest way to prevent future clogs. Also, avoid flushing sanitary products, thick paper towels, or hair down the toilet. If you’ve been using a brick in the tank to reduce the water used to flush the toilet, take it out immediately. Bricks will eventually fall apart and clog your toilet drain. Keeping your toilet lid closed also helps avoid future clogs.

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.

Usually it’s fine to leave a toilet clogged overnight, as long as it’s not close to overflowing. In some cases, the extra time may give the clog time to work itself out. For example, if it’s caused by an excess of toilet paper, letting it sit could result in the clog dissolving and you may be able to simply flush it away by the time you wake up.

Only let it sit though if you have more than one toilet in the home.

Common causes include hair buildup, soap residue, food particles, and foreign objects. Older pipes can also contribute by facilitating buildup more easily.

The Madison, NE 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.
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•
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.
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•
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.
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.
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.