Do You Need Drain Cleaning? The Ultimate Homeowner Checklist

Every homeowner in Southeast Michigan eventually faces a plumbing issue — but most people don’t call a plumber until water stops draining completely. The truth is, your plumbing system usually gives you plenty of warning signs before a full-blown backup happens.

This drain cleaning checklist helps you spot early signs of clogs, blockages, or sewer issues before they turn into emergencies. Whether you’re in Detroit, Livonia, Royal Oak, or Farmington Hills, these same rules apply.

If you check off more than one item on this list, it’s time to get your drains professionally inspected and cleaned.

1. Your Toilet Clogs Two or More Times a Week

Plunging your toilet once in a while is normal. Doing it several times a week isn’t.
Frequent clogs mean there’s a deeper obstruction forming in your sewer line — buildup from wipes, grease, or even small roots from nearby trees. These blockages can restrict water flow and eventually cause a complete backup.

A professional drain cleaning can remove debris, hydro jet the line, and restore your plumbing to full flow.

2. Your Bathroom or Basement Smells Like Sewage

If you notice a musty or sewer-like smell in your bathroom, basement, or around floor drains, it’s a big red flag. The odor usually comes from trapped gases or stagnant water inside your plumbing.

Bad smells are one of the first signs that your drains aren’t venting properly or that waste is sitting somewhere it shouldn’t. The longer you ignore it, the higher the risk of contamination or mold growth in your home.

3. Your Toilet Won’t Flush Properly

A slow or incomplete flush can indicate a blockage forming between your toilet and the main sewer line. If you hear bubbling, gurgling, or the water rises before going down — it’s a venting issue or partial blockage.

This is one of the most common service calls plumbers get, and fixing it early is a lot cheaper than replacing flooring after a sewage backup.

4. Strange Noises from Your Sinks or Tub

If your drains make weird noises, it’s usually trapped air caused by buildup in your pipes. That means waste and air is fighting for space in the same line. You’ll often hear this when running the dishwasher or flushing the toilet.

Those gurgling sounds are your system’s way of saying: “I’m clogged, clear me soon.”

5. Slow Draining Water in Sinks, Tubs, or Showers

If water sits in your sink or tub for more than a few seconds after you turn off the tap, you’ve got buildup. Hair, soap, grease, and even minerals from hard water can line your pipes over time.

The fix depends on the severity:

• Light buildup can be cleared with professional snaking.
• Heavy buildup or recurring slow drains often require hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clean the entire pipe interior.

Hydro jetting is one of the best long-term solutions for Michigan homeowners, especially in older neighborhoods with aging sewer lines.

6. Wet or Uneven Areas in Your Yard

A soggy or uneven lawn can indicate a leak in your main sewer line. If you see standing water or smell sewage in your yard — even when it hasn’t rained — you might have a broken pipe or septic overflow.

This is more common in Southeast Michigan than most realize, especially in areas with large trees. Roots naturally seek moisture and can grow right into your sewer line.

7. Downspouts or Storm Drains Are Backed Up

After a heavy rain, if you see water pooling near your home’s foundation, your storm drains or downspouts might be clogged. That’s not just an outdoor issue — it can lead to basement flooding and foundation cracks.

A quick camera inspection and outdoor drain cleaning can prevent thousands in water damage later.

8. Floor Drains Have Puddles or Standing Water

If your basement or garage floor drains have puddles nearby, your main line may be struggling. That water has nowhere else to go, so it comes up through the lowest point in your plumbing system — your floor drains.

Ignoring this sign can lead to serious flooding during storms or heavy water use.

Why This Checklist Matters

Most plumbing issues don’t show up overnight. They build slowly over months or years. Catching them early saves you from:

• Emergency backups
• Water damage
• Mold growth
• Foundation issues
• Expensive sewer line replacements

Your drains are like arteries — they need to stay clear for your home’s plumbing to function properly.

If you’ve checked one or more of these boxes, it’s time to call a local drain cleaning professional.

Types of Drain Cleaning Services Available

Here’s what a professional drain cleaner can handle — fast, affordable, and done right the first time.

Kitchen Drains

Grease, food particles, and soap scum can block kitchen drains fast. You’ll usually notice a bad smell or a slow-draining sink first. Regular professional cleaning keeps your kitchen flowing and odor-free.

Bathroom Drains

Between hair, toothpaste, and soap, bathroom drains are some of the most commonly clogged. Snaking or hydro jetting can clear buildup and prevent future blockages.

Sewer Line Cleaning

Main sewer lines carry all your wastewater out of your home. When they clog, everything backs up — toilets, tubs, and sinks. We use camera inspections to pinpoint the blockage before performing high-pressure cleaning.

Floor Drain Cleaning

Basement and garage floor drains collect debris, dirt, and sometimes small objects. These need to be cleaned regularly, especially in Michigan homes with sump systems or older cast iron piping.

Water Heater and Septic Maintenance

While not traditional “drain cleaning,” many homeowners also schedule septic and water heater maintenance at the same time. Sediment buildup in water heaters can lower efficiency and raise your energy bills — both of which drain your wallet.

Emergency Drain Cleaning in Michigan

Clogs don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Whether it’s midnight on a Saturday or during a snowstorm in January, our network of local plumbers is ready 24/7.

You’ll get:

• Fast arrival times
• Licensed Michigan plumbers
• Upfront pricing before work starts
• Access to commercial-grade equipment

Preventative Drain Maintenance Tips

Here’s how to keep your drains running clean all year long:

1. Avoid pouring grease down the drain. It solidifies and clogs pipes.
2. Use hair catchers in showers and tubs.
3. Flush drains monthly with hot water and baking soda to reduce buildup.
4. Schedule annual drain cleaning before winter. Cold weather can harden debris in pipes.
5. Inspect outdoor drains every fall to remove leaves and dirt.

These small steps can save you hundreds on repairs later.

Why Michigan Homeowners Choose 99 Dollar Drain Cleaning

We connect you directly with local, affordable drain professionals who know the area, the soil conditions, and the common plumbing challenges in Michigan homes.

Our plumbers use top-tier equipment — from augers to hydro jets — to handle everything from minor clogs to full sewer replacements.

When you call, you’re not getting a random national call center. You’re connecting with a local expert who can actually show up the same day.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve noticed slow drains, gurgling pipes, or foul odors — don’t wait. Drain problems only get worse over time. A quick visit from a professional drain cleaner can prevent expensive water damage and keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.

Whether it’s your kitchen sink, main sewer line, or basement floor drain, our team have you covered — fast, affordable, and local?