Drain Cleaning Services in Seattle, WA
over 4610 reviews
Are you looking for reputable Seattle drain cleaning services? Call 206.792.7495 today so we can send an expert to get your drains flowing freely again. Just explain the situation and we will set up an appointment to get the job done.
For more than 45 years, Gene Johnson Plumbing & Heating has been a trusted name serving homeowners throughout the Greater Seattle area, including neighborhoods such as West Seattle, Ballard, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, and beyond. Our team of licensed plumbers delivers reliable drain cleaning solutions, honest recommendations, and top-tier customer care backed by decades of experience. Whether you’re dealing with a minor clog, recurring backups, or a full sewer line issue, we’re committed to restoring your home’s plumbing quickly, safely, and professionally.
Our Drain Cleaning Services for Seattle, WA Homeowners
Drains are part of your home that you probably don’t think about until they are clogged or backed up, but then it’s the only thing on your mind. Nothing can disrupt your day like water or household waste backing up out of a drain, and it’s wise to keep a good drain cleaning service on speed dial just in case it happens to you. In most cases, getting someone out to your home as soon as possible will minimize any damage and get your plumbing system flowing freely again, just the way you want it.
Some of the drain cleaning services we provide include:
- Sinks
- Washer Piping
- Toilets
- Floor Drains
- Bathtub/Shower Drains
- Grease Traps
- Tree Root Removal
- Drain Vision Video Inspections
- Roof Drains & Leaders
- Sewer Pipe Replacement
- Field Pipe Replacement
- Water Pipe Replacement
- Smoke Testing
- Odor Detection
- Septic Piping
- Hydrojetting
$500 Off
Sewer Repair or Replacement
*Terms & Conditions apply – Contact service provider for complete details
Expert Solutions for Clogged Sewers and Exterior Drain Problems
Sometimes, drain problems are outside of your home in the side sewer system. The side sewer is the section of sewer line that removes waste from your house and carries it to the city’s sewer line in the street. As registered Side Sewer Contractors, we have the qualifications and experience to repair your exterior sewer lines, as well as to provide city sewer hook-ups.
Sewer issues can arise from aging pipes, construction activity, or tree roots breaking into the line in search of water. Exterior sewer pipes can be snaked, jetted, video inspected, repaired, or restored—often with minimal impact on your landscaping. Modern trenchless sewer repair, including pipe lining and pipe bursting, allows for efficient rehabilitation without major excavation. No matter the problem, Gene Johnson Plumbing & Heating provides honest guidance and expert drain and sewer services to get your system flowing again quickly and reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Clogged Drains?
Clogged drains are caused by a variety of factors, and the source often depends on which part of the home the blockage originates from. Bathroom drains commonly collect buildup from hygiene and grooming habits, while kitchen drains struggle with leftover food and grease. Outdoor conditions can also contribute, especially when tree roots search for moisture and invade underground pipes. To prevent these issues, it’s important for everyone in the household to be mindful of what goes down the drains.
Common causes of clogged drains include:
- Soap scum, hair, and dead skin from showers and sinks
- Toilet paper buildup and improper items flushed
- Feminine hygiene products entering the drain system
- Food scraps washed down kitchen sinks
- Cooking grease solidifying inside the pipes
- Tree roots infiltrating the outdoor sewer or drain lines
By understanding what leads to clogs, you can take simple steps to protect your plumbing system. If a blockage does occur, our Seattle plumbers can deal with it through professional drain cleaning service can restore proper flow quickly and safely.
Why Do My Drains Keep Clogging Even After I Clear Them?
Frequent clogs often indicate a deeper issue inside your plumbing system. While plungers may temporarily clear surface blockages, stubborn clogs usually come from long-term buildup, such as grease, soap residue, or mineral scale.
In the Greater Seattle area, older homes are especially prone to shifting or aging pipes, which can develop cracks that let in soil and debris. Tree roots may also infiltrate underground pipes in search of moisture, creating even more severe obstructions. A professional inspection can pinpoint the exact cause and determine whether hydrojetting, cleaning, or trenchless repair is needed. Addressing the issue promptly prevents recurring backups and helps protect your plumbing system.
What Are the Signs That I Need Professional Drain Cleaning Instead of DIY Methods?
Calling a professional is essential when drains remain blocked despite basic efforts. Persistent slow draining, foul odors, and bubbling fixtures often indicate deeper blockages that DIY tools can’t reach. Damage under the yard, such as root intrusion or pipe cracks, may also allow mud and debris into the system. A licensed plumber uses tools like drain cameras and hydrojetting to fully restore flow and prevent future issues.
Common signs you need professional help include:
- Drains that repeatedly clog
- Multiple fixtures backing up at once
- Gurgling or bubbling noises
- Strong sewer odors indoors
- Standing water near floor drains
- Water backing up into tubs or sinks
- Previous DIY attempts making the issue worse
How Does Hydrojetting Compare to Traditional Snaking?
Hydrojetting provides a more comprehensive clean than snaking by completely clearing the inside of the pipe, not just punching a hole through stubborn clogs. Snaking is useful for short-term fixes but cannot remove compacted grease, scale, or heavy debris.
Hydrojetting uses high-pressure water to scour pipe walls and restore full flow, making it ideal for homes in the Greater Seattle area, where older plumbing systems often accumulate buildup. While snaking treats the symptom, hydrojetting treats the cause, resulting in fewer recurring backups. It’s a durable, thorough solution for homeowners who want long-lasting results and improved drain performance.
What Drain Issues Happen Outside the Average Home, and How Are They Repaired?
Exterior sewer problems often arise when tree roots invade underground lines, leading to cracks, misaligned joints, and complete blockages. Soil movement or construction in your yard can also damage pipes. Once affected, these lines may fill with grease, sludge, and debris that disrupt flow.
Common exterior drain problems include:
- Root intrusion at pipe joints
- Collapsed or broken sewer sections
- Pipe bellies that trap debris
- Soil shifting causing misalignment
- Severe blockages from years of buildup
- Cracks allowing soil infiltration
- Old pipes deteriorating with age
Trenchless options like pipe lining or bursting can restore the system without damaging your landscaping.
Can Regular Drain Maintenance Really Prevent Major Plumbing Problems?
Absolutely. Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid major repairs. Regular cleaning helps prevent stubborn clogs, grease buildup, and deeper blockages that can affect your entire plumbing system. Catching issues early, such as minor cracks or early-stage root growth in your yard, keeps them from becoming emergencies.
Benefits of scheduled drain maintenance include:
- Fewer unexpected backups
- Longer-lasting sewer and drain pipes
- Early detection of root intrusion
- Prevention of major blockages
- Reduced risk of indoor flooding
- Lower likelihood of pipe failure
- Improved overall system performance
Consistent maintenance protects your home and keeps your drains flowing reliably year-round.
Gene Johnson’s Drain Maintenance Advice for Seattle Homeowners
A simple and consistent drain maintenance program can help you avoid stressful plumbing emergencies, especially during inconvenient moments like when guests are visiting or multiple fixtures are running at once. Routine care keeps water flowing smoothly, reduces strain on your plumbing system, and prevents small issues from turning into expensive repairs.
A proper drain maintenance program should include:
- Regularly flushing drains with hot water to reduce buildup
- Avoiding grease, oil, and food scraps in kitchen sinks
- Using drain screens to catch hair and debris
- Scheduling professional drain cleaning as needed
- Inspecting slow drains before they become full blockages
- Keeping outdoor drains and gutters free of leaves and debris
These preventative steps should help keep your plumbing performing at its best. However, if your drains still fail you after proper maintenance, Gene Johnson’s plumbers are always just a call away to save the day!
Contact Gene Johnson Today for Trusted Drain Cleaning Services in the Greater Seattle Area
When your drains or sewer lines are giving you trouble, you need a team you can trust to respond quickly and deliver lasting results. Gene Johnson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical provides comprehensive drain cleaning, sewer inspection, and sewer repair services for homeowners across the Greater Seattle area. From clearing stubborn blockages to addressing damaged sewer lines with trenchless repair options, our licensed professionals have the tools and expertise to restore proper flow and protect your home from future plumbing issues.
Own a commercial or industrial building? We also offer commercial plumbing services!
If there are drains in your home that are clogged and causing trouble, call Gene Johnson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical today at 206.792.7495 in Seattle, WA, and the surrounding area for professional residential and commercial drain cleaning services.
QUALITY SERVICE
Within Your Budget
The best plumbing, cooling, heating, and electrical services shouldn’t have to break the bank. That’s why we are happy to provide our customers with opportunities to save on their next service with us. Our current online deals are updated periodically, so there is something for everyone, whether you are a first-time customer or a long-time loyalist.
Here are some benefits of trusting Gene Johnson with your HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical needs.
- Best value service in Seattle
- Always on-time arrival
- No mess left after a job
- Friendly team that truly cares about your safety and comfort
- Fixed right guarantee
- Upfront pricing
- Follow up calls to ensure your peace of mind
- Range of service options- no ultimatums!
Total reviews: 4610 | Average rating: 4.8
Kimberlee Querry
Sharon Robinson
I contacted Gene Johnson Plumbing regarding a broken pipe coming into my home. Greg was very thorough and kept me informed of the progress while the work was being done. He was very professional and made sure when he entered my home he was careful he did not track in any dirt.
Steven Springer
Service tech. Justen did such a fantastic and quick job changing out my water heater. At First he came out for a bid. I said ok and Justen got right into getting the old tank ready to remove/went and got new tank with parts. Was done ✔️ in 3 hours total. Very impressive.
Gisele “Gigi” Gelle
Derek was fast, knowledgeable and helpful. The quote was reasonable and he walked me through the whole process. I highly recommend!
Sophia Brink
Jaren was outstanding! He stepped in and resolved a critical kitchen emergency with impressive speed and professionalism. He was extremely prompt, worked quickly, and clearly explained every step of the process. Truly exceptional service. I couldn’t be more impressed
J Fitzpatrick
Excellent work! Thank you
Kate Reingold
So grateful for the service we got from Mike K! He was patient, kind, and efficient, and I really appreciated the approachable way he talked about the plumbing issues and the costs involved. Everything was really clear, which was so helpful
Amanda Hollowell
Had a great experience with Sean he explained everything answered any questions we had. Definitely going to call again if any other issues in the future!
David Schooler
Nosh was outstanding.
James Goodwin
Steven Fritz from Gene Johnson showed up the same morning they were contacted to diagnose a water heater problem. Repair and replacement options were identified and discussed. Replacement of old water heater was quickly accomplished with good discussion along the way as needed. I felt we got a quality installation from a quality outfit.
Morgan Hansen
Jaren was super helpful in diagnosing my water leak issue, proposing solutions, and was transparent up front about the pricing of all options. Fast, hassle-free service all around.
Amy Damerow
Steven came out to troubleshoot our guest bathroom toilet that had leaked while extended family was visiting. The toilet had been shut off for a month and we couldn’t reproduce the issue after about 15 flushes, so he gave us a bunch of tips to watch for and that if we could get it reproducing they would come back out and waive the dispatch fee. We felt this was fair, and it was good to have peace of mind that we may have solved the issue previously. He was very polite and respectful the whole visit.
Aidan Malone
Greg, Rory, and Tyler did a fantastic job replacing a leaking water line and broken shutoff valve. They were professional, and kept me in the loop. Great experience overall.
Goran Sparrman
Pavel did a great job addressing our plumbing issues. This included some major upgrades and installation of new technology for water system monitoring.
Christine J
Mark Ochoa came out to my house today for my annual plumbing inspection and did a great job. I trust no one except the techs at Gene Johnson Plumbing! Thanks again for taking care of all my plumbing needs.
John Ruze
We’re totally grateful to Gene Johnson Plumbing! We had a sudden terrible leak under one of our apartment buildings. I consider myself a good handyman, but this was above my abilities. Colton Todd sent out one of his best, and he (Sean) knew exactly what to do. Sean had to build a new T-piece, knew just what to purchase and installed a terrific (I think a) PEX piece with high quality (and cool) fittings.
It’s odd, when I’ve asked fellow Landlords, also Realtors to recommend a plumber, they (almost always) scowl and say there is absolutely no one they could recommend! Well, now there is, Gene Johnson Plumbing. They were terrific, professional, timely and saved our butts.
John, Manager, Truaire Apartments, Lakewood, 98499
Chris Lemoine
When we encountered a seemingly intractable water leak challenge, there could not have been anybody nicer and more professional in helping us address it than Hugo Lira-Hernandez from Gene Johnson Services. Plus he arrived much earlier, took less time, and charged less than we expected.
Louise Kapustka
Tech Hugo professionally completed an annual maintenance for me, explaining his work. He is s great example of Bel-Red’s customer care and service. Thank you!
Samantha Doerr
The technician (Darius) and overall communication from the company was great. We will definitely use them again.
Yasmine Arbob
Armando was incredible and super kind and helpful through and through. He gave us an honest assessment of the situation with no pressure to make a decision until we could make a decision. I would 100% use gene johnson again mostly because of how great he was.