Drain

A drain is any channel or pipe that carries wastewater away from your home, from kitchen sinks to shower floors to outdoor systems. Clogs, slow drainage, and unpleasant odors are common issues that can escalate quickly if ignored. Whether you need routine cleaning or a more involved repair, Angi helps you find the right pro and provides guidance to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.

Related to Drain Service

Drain Service Articles and Advice
Xiao Faria daCunha  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Plumbing Stack and How Does It Work?
A plumbing stack is an integral part of your drain-waste-vent system and includes three major components. A failed plumbing stack can lead to more damage.
Lauren Bongard  •  Apr 10, 2026
How Liquid Drain Cleaner Works: Pros and Cons
If you have a clogged pipe and natural methods are not working, you may need something stronger. How do drain cleaners work? Find out in this guide.
Lauren Bongard  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a P-Trap?
What is a P-trap? This essential plumbing part keeps sewer gas out of your home and helps prevent drain clogs. Here’s everything you need to know.
C.E. Larusso  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is Brown Friday? Key Mistakes to Avoid
Learn why Brown Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—sees a surge in plumbing issues and how to prevent common household plumbing problems during the holidays.
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Apr 10, 2026
How a Shower Drain Works: Plumbing Diagram
The hidden parts of your shower drain keep everything flowing. Reference our shower drain plumbing diagram to understand how your shower drain works.
D.P. Taylor  •  Apr 10, 2026
What to Know About Washing Machine Drain Code Requirements
A leaking washing machine can cause big problems like water damage, so make sure your washing machine drain is up to code with this helpful guide.
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Vent a Washing Machine Drainpipe Like a Plumbing Pro
Without proper ventilation, a washing machine can clog, leak, and cause a dangerous mess in your home. Learn how to vent a washing machine drain with this guide.
Lauren Bongard  •  Apr 10, 2026
Pros and Cons of Installing a Linear Shower Drain
Linear shower drains offer several stylistic options for your bathroom, but they can come at a cost. Keep reading to learn about linear shower drain pros and cons.
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Common Drain Service Questions

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.

Plumbers will typically take one to two hours to install a new drain pipe, but that timeline can vary based on the area’s accessibility, the drain length, and the type of drain line. Replacing an easily accessible p-trap under a sink could take as little as a half an hour, while replacing a larger section of drain line behind the wall could take as long as three to four hours. When hiring a plumber for your specific installation, ask them to provide an estimated timeline to get a more accurate assessment.

Applying drain cleaner is a common DIY solution to clogged drains, but it can be extremely harmful to your pipes and lead to corrosion and leaks. It is almost always better to try snaking a clog than using a drain cleaner, but the best solution is to hire a professional plumber. They can locate the clog and gauge the severity using a camera system and then decide if using a plumber’s snake, auger, or drain cleaner is the best option to remove the clog and limit damage to your plumbing system.

Yes, plumber's putty ensures a solid bond between the drain assembly and sink. Silicone is a good alternative if you prefer not to use plumber's putty. However, plumber's putty typically isn't visible from the outside of the drain, as you can wipe away any excess when done.

When you put baking soda and vinegar down the drain, they chemically react and help break down clogs. It’s not going to work for every type of clog, however. For example, it’s not the best way to get rid of grease buildup. For grease, you should try boiling water and white vinegar instead.