Best Drain Cleaning Companies in Illinois Ranked

Slow drains, stubborn clogs, and sewer backups are more than just a nuisance-they can disrupt your daily life and lead to costly property damage if left unaddressed. Professional drain cleaning is a critical service for maintaining the health of your home's plumbing system, from simple sink blockages to complex main sewer line intrusions. This guide provides Illinois homeowners with essential information on common drain problems, effective cleaning methods, and what to expect in terms of service, helping you make informed decisions when you need to clear a blockage.

Reid & Pederson Drainage

1762 S Dixie Hwy #1, Crete, IL 60417

Reid & Pederson Drainage is a sewer and drain cleaning specialist serving Chicago, IL, and the surrounding South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana. With over 40 years of experience, they offer services including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and trenchless sewer repair. The company is known for using the latest technology and providing 24/7 emergency service. Founded in 1984, they also operate Trenchless Innovations, a leader in trenchless pipe repair solutions that minimize disruption during sewer repairs.

5.0

3.0k Reviews

Keeley's Plumbing

270 Eisenhower Ln N #6, Lombard, IL 60148

Keeley's Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and nearby areas including DuPage County. They provide a range of plumbing services for residential and commercial clients, including drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, sewer line repair and replacement, repiping, water heater repair, sump pump repair, gas line installation, and hydro jetting. Keeley's Plumbing uses sewer camera inspections to accurately diagnose issues before recommending repairs. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services and focuses on serving a limited area to maintain local code knowledge and reduce travel times.

5.0

615 Reviews

Excellent Plumbing

785 Oakwood Rd Suite E101, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Excellent Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and the northern Chicagoland suburbs since 2006. They offer a wide range of plumbing services, including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, and water softener installation. Their team is equipped to handle specialized plumbing tasks such as high-pressure hydro jetting and comprehensive boiler and radiator services. With over 17 years of experience, Excellent Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency service and same-day appointments to address urgent plumbing needs promptly.

5.0

511 Reviews

Walsh & Son Plumbing and Sewer

chicago

Walsh & Son Plumbing and Sewer is a licensed plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and the surrounding Chicagoland area. Since 2013, this family- and woman-owned business has provided a range of plumbing services including sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, sump pump maintenance, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. Their team uses advanced technology for sewer camera inspections and offers a 10-year warranty on pipe installations, reflecting their commitment to durable workmanship. They also provide fast, same-day responses to plumbing issues and offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and first responders.

5.0

364 Reviews

Legendary Service

960 Rand Rd Suite 200F, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Legendary Service is a plumbing and home comfort provider serving Chicago, IL. They offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. With over 40 years of combined experience, their licensed team handles plumbing and HVAC needs with thoroughness and professionalism. They also provide indoor air quality solutions and maintenance plans to support ongoing home system care.

5.0

278 Reviews

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Common Drain and Sewer Problems in Illinois

Understanding the signs of a drain issue is the first step toward a solution. Different symptoms point to different problems, ranging from simple buildup to serious pipe damage.

• Slow Drains and Gurgling Sounds: This is often the first warning sign. Gradual buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, or food particles restricts water flow in sinks, tubs, and showers ^{1 2}. Gurgling noises can indicate a venting problem or a partial clog that is trapping air.
• Recurring Clogs: If you find yourself reaching for a plunger or chemical cleaner repeatedly in the same drain, it likely points to a deeper, more stubborn blockage or a structural issue within the pipe ^{1 3}.
• Main Sewer Line Backups: This is a severe issue. Wastewater backing up into multiple drains, toilets, or even surfacing in floor drains is a clear sign of a blockage or damage in the main sewer line that exits your home ^{1 4}.
• Tree Root Intrusion: A prevalent problem in Illinois, especially in older neighborhoods. Tree roots seek moisture and can infiltrate tiny cracks or loose joints in sewer pipes, particularly older clay or tile lines. Once inside, they grow and create a dense, tangled mass that catches debris and causes complete blockages ^{1 3}.
• Foul Odors: Persistent bad smells emanating from drains are typically caused by decomposing organic matter stuck in the pipes, stagnant water trapped behind a clog, or issues with the plumbing vent system ².

Professional Drain Cleaning Methods

When a plunger or store-bought solution fails, it's time to call a professional. Licensed plumbers use specialized equipment to diagnose and clear blockages safely and effectively.

• Drain Snaking/Augering: This is a common method for tackling localized clogs. A flexible metal cable (a "snake" or auger) is fed into the drain. The tip can either break apart the clog (like hair or grease) or hook and pull it out. Different sized snakes are used for sink drains versus main sewer lines ^{1 5}.
• Hydro-Jetting: For severe, greasy blockages or root intrusions, hydro-jetting is a powerful solution. This technique uses a specialized hose with a multi-directional nozzle to blast streams of high-pressure water (often 3,000-4,000 PSI or more) through the pipe. It cuts through grease, scale, roots, and sediment, scouring the pipe walls clean and restoring full flow ^{1 6 5 7}.
• Video Camera Inspection: Before or after cleaning, a video inspection is an invaluable diagnostic tool. A waterproof, high-resolution camera is snaked through the pipe, providing a real-time view of the interior. This allows the technician to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the clog (e.g., roots, a collapsed section, a grease plug) and assess the overall condition of the pipe ^{1 8}.
• Pipe Descaling: In areas with hard water, mineral scale (lime and calcium) can build up inside pipes, narrowing the diameter and reducing flow. Descaling is a process that removes this hard, cement-like buildup, often using mechanical or high-pressure water methods ⁸.

What Influences the Cost of Drain Cleaning in Illinois?

The price for professional drain cleaning services is not one-size-fits-all. Several key factors determine the final cost for Illinois residents.

• Severity and Nature of the Clog: A simple hair clog in a bathroom sink is far less expensive to clear than a main sewer line choked with tree roots or a complete collapse of an old pipe ^{1 4}. Hydro-jetting for tough blockages typically costs more than standard snaking ⁶.
• Location of the Blockage: Cleaning a small, accessible drain like a kitchen sink ($100 - $275) is generally less costly than addressing a clog deep in the main sewer line, which requires heavier equipment and more labor ($200 - $600 or more) ^{4 6 9}.
• Pipe Material and Age: The type of pipe affects the cleaning approach and cost. Modern PVC pipes are straightforward to work with. Older clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes can be more fragile, requiring a gentler approach, and may have more joints where roots can enter ^{1 10}.
• Accessibility: If the cleanout point (the access port to the main line) is buried, obstructed, or non-existent, the technician may need to excavate or find an alternative access point, which increases time and labor costs ^{4 10}.
• Frequency of Maintenance: Proactive, regular maintenance can save money in the long run. Scheduling a routine sewer line inspection and cleaning every 1-2 years can prevent severe root intrusions and catastrophic backups, avoiding emergency service fees and more extensive repairs ^{3 7}.

Understanding Service Estimates and Choosing a Provider

When you contact a plumbing professional in Illinois for a drain issue, a reputable company will typically ask detailed questions about the symptoms. For main line or complex issues, they will often recommend a video camera inspection to provide an accurate diagnosis and a firm quote. Be wary of providers who give a firm price over the phone without assessing the situation. A trustworthy plumber will be transparent about their pricing structure, which may include a diagnostic fee, a base rate for labor, and costs for equipment use (like cameras or hydro-jetting machines). Always ensure the company is licensed, insured, and has positive local reviews. Investing in a proper diagnosis ensures you pay for the correct solution, not just a temporary fix.

Preventative Measures for Homeowners

While professional help is essential for major blockages, Illinois homeowners can take steps to minimize drain problems.

• Use Drain Guards: Install strainers in sinks, tubs, and showers to catch hair and food particles.
• Dispose of Grease Properly: Never pour cooking oil, grease, or fat down the kitchen drain. Let it cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.
• Be Mindful of What You Flush: Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet. Avoid "flushable" wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and cotton swabs.
• Flush with Hot Water: Regularly flush kitchen drains with a pot of boiling water to help melt and move minor grease buildup.
• Schedule Routine Inspections: Consider having your main sewer line inspected with a camera every few years, especially if you have large trees near your sewer line or live in an older home. This proactive step can identify small issues before they become expensive emergencies.

Frequently asked questions

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