Best Drain Cleaning Companies in Missouri Ranked

A slow drain or a complete backup is more than an inconvenience; it's a sign your home's essential plumbing system needs attention. Professional drain cleaning services in Missouri address the root cause of clogs, from simple sink blockages to complex main sewer line intrusions, restoring proper flow and preventing costly water damage. This guide explains common issues, effective solutions, and typical service costs to help you make an informed decision when you need to clear a stubborn clog.

Able Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning St. Louis

st louis

Able Rooter Plumbing & Drain Cleaning St. Louis provides drain cleaning and plumbing services in St Louis, MO. They specialize in clearing clogged drains and maintaining plumbing systems to ensure proper function.

5.0

1.0k Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

300 Biltmore Dr Ste 348, Fenton, MO 63026

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in St Louis, MO, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repairs and installations, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and sewer line repairs using both conventional excavation and trenchless methods. They also install water softeners and filtration systems to address hard water issues common in the area. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent problems promptly. Their technicians use video camera inspections to accurately diagnose sewer line issues and provide effective solutions.

5.0

504 Reviews

Buckner's Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing

406 W 75th St Ste F, Kansas City, MO 64114

Buckner's Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has served the Kansas City, MO area since 1983, providing a broad range of HVAC and plumbing services. Their offerings include water heater repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and comprehensive heating and cooling system maintenance and repair. The company is equipped to handle all major HVAC makes and models and offers after-hours service for urgent needs.

5.0

386 Reviews

Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair

14370 NW 61st St, Parkville, MO 64152

Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair is a locally owned plumbing company serving Kansas City, MO. They provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, gas line installation, and sewer camera inspections. The company is licensed and bonded, with over a decade of experience in the plumbing industry. They also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services for urgent needs. Their expertise includes sewer line camera inspections to accurately diagnose plumbing issues. Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair has built a reputation for reliable service and comprehensive plumbing solutions throughout Kansas City.

5.0

239 Reviews

CLEANSTREAM LLC

Monterey Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269

CLEANSTREAM LLC is a plumbing and HVAC service provider located in St Louis, MO. They offer a wide range of services including drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, hydro jetting, water heater repair and installation, leak detection, toilet repair, and water softener installation. Their capabilities include detailed video camera inspections and sewer and drain hydro-jetting to clear blockages effectively. CLEANSTREAM LLC also provides heating and cooling services such as air conditioner and furnace repair and replacement. The company offers 24/7 professional service and serves multiple nearby communities including O'Fallon, Belleville, and Collinsville.

5.0

202 Reviews

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Common Causes of Drain Clogs in Missouri Homes

Understanding what's blocking your pipes is the first step toward a lasting solution. Clogs vary by location and household habits.

Kitchen Drains: The primary culprit here is grease, oil, and fat, which solidify inside pipes. Food scraps, even with a garbage disposal, and soap scum add to the problem, creating a thick, stubborn buildup over time ^{1 2}.

Bathroom Drains: Showers and sinks frequently fall victim to hair, which tangles with soap scum and toothpaste residue. Toilets are often clogged by non-flushable items like wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products, despite packaging claims ^{1 2 3}.

Main Sewer Lines: This is where the most serious and expensive problems occur. In Missouri, especially in neighborhoods with mature trees, invasive tree roots are a major issue. Roots seek out moisture and can infiltrate tiny cracks in older clay pipes, eventually causing complete blockages or pipe collapse ^{1 3 4}. Grease from the kitchen, combined with flushed debris, also accumulates in the main line, severely restricting flow.

Basement and Floor Drains: These often collect dirt, sediment, and debris from laundry or general runoff, leading to slow drainage or standing water ⁴.

Professional Drain Cleaning Methods & Technologies

When a plunger or store-bought chemical drain cleaner fails, it's time to call a professional. Missouri plumbing companies use specialized equipment designed for different types and locations of blockages.

Drain Snaking / Augering: This is a common method for basic to moderate clogs close to the drain opening. A technician feeds a flexible, coiled metal cable (a snake or auger) into the pipe. The cable has a cutting head that breaks apart or hooks the obstruction, allowing it to be pulled out or washed away. It's effective for hair, food, and minor root intrusions ^{1 5}.

Hydro Jetting: For tough, greasy buildup, severe root infiltration, or completely blocked lines, hydro jetting is the most thorough solution. This technique uses a specialized hose with a multi-directional nozzle that blasts water at extremely high pressure (often 1,500 to 4,000 PSI) into the pipe. It doesn't just create a hole through the clog; it scours the entire interior pipe wall, removing all scale, grease, and debris, leaving the pipe clean like new ^{6 7 5}. It's highly recommended for preventative maintenance and complex commercial jobs.

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, transmitting a live feed to a monitor. This allows the technician to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem-whether it's a root mass, a grease plug, a broken pipe, or a misaligned joint-without guesswork ^{1 7}. This ensures the correct cleaning method is used and can reveal underlying issues that need repair.

Main Sewer Line Cleaning: Cleaning the main line that connects your home to the municipal sewer or septic tank often requires heavier-duty versions of the above methods. A large-capacity sewer snake or a powerful hydro jetter is used to clear the 4 to 6-inch diameter pipe. This service is crucial when multiple fixtures in the home are backing up ^{7 4}.

What Influences the Cost of Drain Cleaning in Missouri?

Drain cleaning is not a one-price-fits-all service. Several key factors determine the final cost, which can help you understand estimates from local providers.

1. Clog Severity and Location: A simple hair clog in a bathroom sink accessible from the drain cover is relatively inexpensive to fix. A deep clog in the main sewer line, especially one caused by dense tree roots or solidified grease, requires more labor, time, and powerful equipment, increasing the cost significantly ^{1 6 7}.

2. Pipe Material and Age: The condition of your pipes matters. Older homes in Missouri often have clay or cast iron sewer lines. Clay pipes are particularly susceptible to root intrusion through their joints. Cleaning roots from fragile, aged pipes requires more care and may reveal the need for future replacement, which factors into the assessment ^{3 4}.

3. Required Cleaning Method: The technology used directly impacts price.

• Basic Snaking: Typically the most affordable option.
• Hydro Jetting: Costs more due to the advanced equipment and water power involved, but provides a superior clean.
• Camera Inspection: Adds a diagnostic fee but can save money by accurately identifying the problem ^{1 7 5}.

4. Service Provider Expertise and Equipment: Established companies with licensed, insured technicians and state-of-the-art equipment may charge more than a handyman with a basic snake. The investment in professional service often translates to a more reliable, guaranteed, and longer-lasting solution ^{5 8}.

5. Time and Accessibility: Emergency service after hours, on weekends, or holidays will incur premium rates. Similarly, a clog that is difficult to access (e.g., under a concrete slab, deep in a landscaped yard) will add to labor time and cost ^{9 8}.

Estimated Cost Ranges for Missouri Services

Based on regional service data, here are general price ranges you might encounter. Always get a specific quote for your situation.

• Standard Drain Snaking/Augering: $100 to $400. This covers most single-fixture clogs in sinks, showers, or tubs ^{1 6}.
• Hydro Jetting Service: $300 to $600+. This is for more serious, full-pipe cleaning, often for main lines or severe kitchen grease blockages ^{1 6 7}.
• Video Camera Inspection: $150 to $350. This is usually a standalone diagnostic fee or bundled with a cleaning service ^{1 7}.
• Main Sewer Line Cleaning: $200 to $800+. The wide range accounts for the method used (snake vs. jet), the severity of the blockage (simple debris vs. extensive roots), and the length of pipe cleared ^{1 7 9}.
• Commercial Service & Hourly Rates: For larger-scale jobs, some companies charge an hourly rate (e.g., $100 to $200+ per hour) plus a trip fee, especially for ongoing maintenance contracts ^{5 8}.

Preventative Maintenance for Missouri Households

Proactive care can prevent most major drain disasters and extend the life of your plumbing system.

• Never Pour Grease Down the Drain: Let cooking fats solidify in a can and dispose of them in the trash. This is the single best practice for kitchen drain health ^{2 3}.
• Use Drain Guards: Install strainers in all sink and shower drains to catch hair, food particles, and other debris.
• Flush with Care: Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Even "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper and are a leading cause of sewer clogs ^{2 3}.
• Schedule Professional Cleanings: For homes with older plumbing or large trees on the property, consider a professional sewer line cleaning every 18 to 24 months as preventative maintenance. This can clear developing root intrusions and buildup before they cause a backup ^{10 11}.
• Flush Drains Regularly: Periodically flush seldom-used drains (like basement floor drains or guest bathroom sinks) with hot water to prevent trap evaporation and sediment buildup.

Frequently asked questions

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