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
Paige Bennett  •  Aug 4, 2026
Why Your Shower Drain Smells Like Sewage: 6 Common Causes
If your shower drain smells like sewage, it could be a sign of plumbing or septic trouble. Learn the causes of a smelly shower drain and what to do next.
Ginny Bartolone  •  Aug 4, 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.
Ben Kissam  •  Aug 4, 2026
6 Ways to Unclog Your Toilet Without a Plunger
Even if you’re scrambling to find chemicals or a plunger, you can unclog a toilet quickly. Here are six ways to unclog your toilet without a plunger.
Dan Simms  •  Aug 3, 2026
How Much Will It Cost to Clean My Drain? [2026 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.
Stephanie Mickelson  •  Aug 1, 2026
Why Is My Toilet Overflowing? These 5 Reasons Might Explain It
When your toilet is overflowing, it can be messy and stressful. Here are five reasons why it might be happening in your home.
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Jul 31, 2026
How to Remove Calcium Buildup in Pipes
If you're worried that calcium buildup is causing your pipes to corrode, you need to learn about DIY and professional ways to remove calcium buildup in pipes before something major happens.
Taylor Sansano  •  Jul 31, 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.
Lauren Bongard  •  Jul 20, 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.
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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.