Drain Cleaning Services in Seattle, WA
over 600 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
0%
Or low-monthly Payments
*For 60 months on select services.
FREE
Diagnostics And Consultations On HVAC Systems
*Diagnostic or repair services are not included. This is a no-obligation consultation for homeowners interested in upgrading or replacing their HVAC and/or heating systems. Offer applies to residential properties only and must be scheduled during normal business hours.
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: 600 | Average rating: 4.8
Michael Cook
Joe Clark
Mark Ochoa was amazing dealing with a complicated issue in my basement bathroom and got us back in business. It was not a fun job. Really appreciate you Mark!
Lynne Dixon
I had an emergency water heater leak and called for help. Joe came out and got the old water heater removed and new one installed. He was very helpful and informative, I appreciate him getting this resolved so quickly. I’ll definitely use Gene Johnson again!
Janet englund
We had a new installation of a tankless hot water heater by Steven Fritz today and it was an amazingly painless and actually interesting procedure! He was very thorough and explained things fully and carefully and got the job done in a single day. Really impressive!
Catherine Hawley
We discovered very early in the morning that our hot water tank was leaking. I called Gene Johnson plumbing. The scheduler was efficient and thorough. About 15 minutes after I ended that call I received one from Pavel along with an email that he was on his way. He assessed the situation and got right to work. We now have a very functional new hot water heater, thanks to Pavel and Nathan. They were very knowledgeable and professional. Would happily recommend their services to friends and family.
Leah Grimshaw
Jaren came out today to fix our bathtub, which was significantly clogged. This was my first-ever experience calling a plumber, and it was terrific from start to finish. The person I spoke with to book was friendly and efficient. They were able to get me in the same day, and I appreciated receiving a text letting us know when the plumber would arrive, along with a picture of who would be coming. I also appreciated Jaren calling us to let us know he was going to be early and to check with us if that was okay. Jaren was kind, patient, and knowledgeable. He did a fantastic job all around. He had excellent communication with us and our HOA, and this was the best experience I’ve ever had with someone coming into my home for repairs. I am so happy my bathtub is back to normal, and I will recommend Gene Johnson to any of my friends and family. Jaren honestly made a nightmare situation manageable and even pleasant! Thank you again so much!
james tucker
Your company has been here before! Great people! Great service ! Waiting for you guys now 👍
Rachel Doerflinger
Gene Johnson is incredible to work with. They assigned me a human customer care rep through text message named Samara who has been so amazingly helpful and caring during this whole frustrating leak process. Our technicians Greg and Rory who visited us a few different times were simply amazing, so understanding, and always helpful with an extremely positive attitude even when new issues arose. Tyler, the waterline team leader and expert, was so accommodating and understanding and made sure to set things up for me with Samara for an effortless scheduling experience on my end. Gene Johnson made me feel like family. Thank you so much. ❤️
Brittni Zackery
Joe did a ton of investigative work and labor to address a pressure, pipe/water tank, and vent installation issue in our home. He is super knowledgeable and walked us through each step, with great tips for general maintenance along the way. Top notch professionalism and quality work!
Rami Rafeh
Mark Ochoa was exceptional, showed up early and helped me in a bind. Would recommend without hesitation. Good to know who you can count on when needed
Peter Morawski
We’ve been with Gene Johnson for years, going back before the mergers. The service continues to be top notch. We recently signed up for the yearly membership and feel we are getting our money’s worth. Just got our first full plumbing inspection and are very glad to have the peace of mind to know what does or doesn’t need attention. The expertise of the staff is excellent, with a special shout out to today’s technician, Mark Ochoa, who was both knowledgeable and pleasant. Thank you kindly!
BJ Erkan from Bothell Integrated Health LLC
I am so used to people trying to upsell me that I was pleasantly surprised when Derek, our technician, gave exceptional service with zero upsell. So greatly appreciated. The seeds of future business have been planted, as when my next plumbing need arises, I will be calling Gene Johnson and asking for Derek.
Bruce Hobert
They provided prompt service to hook up new utility sink lines to my copper pipes. Andrew was professional and communicated well before, during and after the service. I would defuse them again!
Tim Lucas
Mark Ochoa did a fantastic job unclogging a stubborn blockage behind a washer. The plumbing made it hard to get to the problem, but he kept working on it until the issue was addressed. Nice to have that taken care of.
Sean Osentowski
Gene Johnson Plumbing were great in responding to my problem within 24 hours and had it fixed next day! Jaren was a great help and had an answer for all my plumbing questions.
Anthony Caso
Steven provided top notch service and did great work! Quickly diagnosed and resolved this issue.
Irena Marcus
I had a great experience with Gene Johnson when I needed plumbing work done. My technician, Jeff Freeman, was professional, polite, and extremely knowledgeable — I really appreciated the quality of his work and how friendly and professional he was.
I also liked receiving a heads-up text and phone call with the estimated arrival time. The dispatch team was polite and professional as well, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free.
I will highly recommend this company!
Robin Campbell
We have a 14 yr old water heater I needed service. Taras (technician) was knowledgeable helpful and offered good advice on potential issues ahead.
Karen Epstein
Really appreciate the knowledge and expertise provided by Jaron. He was quick to diagnose the problem, efficient at unclogging the main line and a pleasure to work with. I have a good working knowledge of plumbing and I found Jaron to be honest and not looking to just drain my wallet.
Suzie Jaberg
Same day service, super friendly, super fast. Will definitely hire them again.