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
Ginny Bartolone  •  May 18, 2026
3 Reasons ​​Why Your Dishwasher Won’t Drain
Dishwasher not draining properly? Discover what’s going on with your dishwasher drain and how to fix problems like clogged drain lines and garbage disposals.
Taylor Sansano  •  May 5, 2026
How to Unclog a Toilet With Baking Soda and Vinegar
Did you know you can unclog a toilet with items already you already have in your pantry? Learn how to unclog a toilet with baking soda and vinegar in this blog.
Ginny Bartolone  •  May 3, 2026
How to Drain a Pool Safely: A Complete Guide
Learning how to drain a pool is just as important as all the other upkeep tips you've gathered along the way. Here's a step-by-step DIY guide.
Samantha Hawrylack  •  May 3, 2026
How to Remove the 6 Types of Bathtub Drain Stoppers
If your tub stopper is ruining bathtime or it’s time for a new one, you can easily DIY the job. Keep reading to discover how to remove a bathtub drain stopper.
Mizuki Hisaka  •  May 3, 2026
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.
Lawrence Bonk  •  May 3, 2026
How to Unclog a Washer Drain: 5 Potential Methods
Keep standing water and water damage from a clogged laundry drain at bay with this guide. Follow these steps for how to unclog a washer drain.
Mariel Loveland  •  May 3, 2026
How Do I Drain the Water Lines in My House? A Guide to Draining Your Plumbing System
How do I drain the water lines in my house? This guide will walk you through it in five simple steps, along with tips to prevent damage to your plumbing.
C.E. Larusso  •  May 3, 2026
How to Unclog Your Garbage Disposal Quickly and Easily
Garbage disposal clogs can stop the flow of your kitchen. Follow these simple tips to unclog your disposal and get it running in no time.
Find Plumbers near you
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
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.