Seattle, WA · Licensed & insured
Drain Cleaning in Seattle
A slow kitchen sink, a clogged shower and a whole-house backup need different investigations. Identify the affected fixtures first, then ask whether clearing, jetting or a camera inspection fits the symptoms and pipe condition. A Seattle neighborhood or an older address does not establish the cause of a clog.
Signs you need us today
- A sink or tub that drains slower every week
- Gurgling from a nearby drain when you flush
- Two or more fixtures backing up at the same time
- Water rising in the shower when the washer drains
- A sewer smell in the basement or crawlspace
- Repeat clogs in the same fixture within months
How the job runs
- 1Locate the blockageWe identify whether it is a fixture branch or the main line before touching a cable.
- 2Clear itCable machine for hair and solids, hydro jetting for grease and scale build-up.
- 3Camera the lineOn main lines we run a camera so you can see roots, bellies or breaks yourself.
- 4Prevent the repeatYou get a plain answer: maintenance, jetting interval, or a repair recommendation with pricing.
Seattle homeowner guide
One slow drain or a whole-house backup?
A single slow bathroom sink may involve its stopper, trap or branch pipe. When a toilet flush causes water to rise in a tub, or a washing machine discharge backs up through a floor drain, the restriction may be farther downstream. That distinction matters: clearing one fixture does not solve a shared branch or side-sewer obstruction.
In a Seattle rental or condominium, ask whether adjacent units have symptoms before assuming the problem belongs to one apartment. Shared drain stacks and common sewer connections require access and authorization from the building manager. Do not keep testing toilets or running laundry if wastewater is already backing up.
Cabling, hydro jetting and camera inspection do different jobs
A drain cable can remove an obstruction and restore flow. Hydro jetting uses water to clean deposits from suitable pipes, but its suitability depends on the pipe's condition, access and type of blockage. A camera records visible conditions inside an accessible line; it does not clear a clog on its own and may have limited visibility when the pipe is full of wastewater.
For repeat backups, ask for the footage, the distance to the defect and whether the issue is roots, deposits, an offset joint or a damaged section. Cleaning may address roots or buildup temporarily, while a broken or displaced pipe can need a repair. An older Ballard or Montlake address is a reason to review the property records, not proof that its sewer is clay or damaged.
What to do before and after a drain visit
Remove items from under the affected sink and identify any outdoor cleanout without opening a pressurized or overflowing fitting. Tell the technician if you have used a chemical drain cleaner; do not add more or mix products. Photograph where the backup appeared and note which appliance was running at the time.
After service, ask which fixtures were flow-tested and what was actually removed. Keep fats, oils and grease out of kitchen drains, use strainers for hair, and put wipes in the trash rather than the toilet. A recommended maintenance interval should follow the line's observed condition and use, not a blanket rule for the neighborhood.
Details to have ready when you call
- Which drain backed up first?
- Did another fixture or appliance trigger the backup?
- Has this line been cleared before, and is camera footage available?
- Is there a cleanout and has any chemical cleaner been used?
Seattle references: SPU side-sewer responsibilities and permits · Current side-sewer application process. · Public Health plumbing and water-heater permits · SPU meter and leak checks.
What this costs in Seattle
Illustrative planning ranges, not verified local market averages or a binding quote. Access, diagnosis, permits and restoration affect the price. Confirm the current charges before booking.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Sink, tub or shower drain clearing | $150 – $350 |
| Toilet auger / pull and reset | $200 – $450 |
| Main line clearing through cleanout | $250 – $600 |
| Hydro jetting a grease-packed line | $450 – $1,100 |
| Sewer camera inspection | $0 – $350 |
Questions Seattle homeowners ask
- Is hydro jetting safe for old pipes?
- On sound cast iron and clay, yes, at controlled pressure. If the camera shows a cracked or badly deteriorated line we tell you before jetting rather than after.
- Why does my kitchen drain keep clogging?
- Grease and food deposits are possible causes, but the trap, branch layout or a downstream defect may also be involved. Ask what was found and whether the proposed method addresses the cause. Jetting suitability depends on the pipe condition.
- Do you clear the clog the same day?
- Standard drain calls in Seattle are same-day in most cases when you call before mid-afternoon.
Covering every Seattle neighborhood
Ballard · Fremont · Wallingford · Green Lake · Queen Anne · Magnolia · Capitol Hill · Central District · Beacon Hill · Columbia City · West Seattle · Georgetown · Greenwood · Phinney Ridge and the rest of the city.
Talk to a plumber now
(206) 635-7619