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
Rachel Hoffman  •  Jul 15, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Bathtub or Shower Drain? [2026 Data]
We’ll cover the cost of replacing a shower or bathtub drain, whether you can tackle this repair yourself, and what other projects to consider along the way.
Mariel Loveland  •  Jul 15, 2026
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.
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Jul 10, 2026
8 Tips to Unclog a Toilet With Household Tools and Supplies
A clogged toilet can be embarrassing and even dangerous. Learn these tips to unclog a toilet, whether or not you have a plunger on hand.
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Flush a Water Heater? [2026 Data]
A water heater flush costs $160 on average but can vary based on the unit size, type, labor, location, and more. Keep reading to learn how much you could pay.
Mariel Loveland  •  Jul 9, 2026
How to Defrost a Frozen Drainpipe: 5 Methods to Fix One of Winter’s Biggest Woes
Whether you use a space heater or warm water, this guide will show you how to defrost a frozen drainpipe before it causes serious damage.
Kelly Reilly  •  Jul 9, 2026
Why Is My Water Heater Not Draining? 6 Causes and Solutions
If your water heater isn't heating up properly, you could have a drainage issue. These common causes of water heater not draining could be to blame.
Deane Biermeier  •  Jul 9, 2026
How to Install a Dishwasher Drain Hose in 6 Steps
Save money by learning to DIY install a dishwasher drain hose. You can do it with or without an air gap fitting in less than an hour and a half.
Angi  •  Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Drain Pipes in a House? [2026 Data]
Discover the cost to replace drain pipes in a house, including average prices, key factors, and tips to save on your plumbing project.
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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.