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Drains & Sewer Line Services

  • Hydrojetting clears tree roots fast.
  • Leak detection stops hidden leaks cold.
  • Repairs keep Twin Cities drains flowing.

Clearing Drains & Repairing Sewers 24/7 in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Beyond

At Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®, we make clogs, backups, and sewer headaches disappear — giving you total peace of mind, from the sink to the city line. Whether it’s a stubborn kitchen drain, a main sewer blockage, or a suspicious smell creeping through your pipes, our local, licensed plumbing pros handle it all:

  • Slow sink or tub draining?
  • Toilet backing up more than it should?
  • Basement floor drain flooding every time it rains?
  • Tree roots attacking your sewer line (again)?

No problem is too big or too small for our Northern plumbers. We’ll arrive on time (or pay you $5 for every minute we’re late!), investigate thoroughly, show you exactly what’s wrong, and fix it the right way — the first time.

Peace of Mind for Every Pipe and Drain

We believe your drains and sewers shouldn’t keep you up at night — or ruin your day. That’s why thousands of homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Anoka, Ramsey, and beyond count on Northern Ben Franklin for everything from quick clogs to full sewer replacements.

✓  Clogged drain clearing

✓  High-pressure water jetting

✓  Sewer line inspections

✓  Sewer line repairs and replacements

✓  Camera inspections

✓  Pipe repairs and trenchless options

So if something’s bubbling, backing up, or just smells suspicious — give us a call. We’re the Masters of the Plumb-niverse, and we’re here to keep your pipes flowing free.

Our Drains & Sewer Services

Drain Clearing

Don’t let slow drains or stubborn clogs disrupt your day. We provide professional drain cleaning using proven tools and safe techniques to clear buildup, remove blockages, and keep wastewater flowing properly—saving you from backups and costly pipe damage.

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Hydrojetting

Got a stubborn clog that just won’t quit? Hydrojetting blasts away years of buildup, grease, and roots with high-pressure water — clearing your pipes safely and restoring full flow. It’s the ultimate deep clean for your drains and sewers, done by our local pros who know exactly how to keep your pipes in top shape.

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Leak Detection & Repair

Hidden leak? Sky-high water bill? We’ll track down leaks fast using advanced tools — no guesswork or tearing up your walls for nothing. Once we find it, our licensed plumbers fix it right the first time, so you can stop worrying about wasted water and surprise damage.

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Sewer Line Services

A damaged or clogged sewer line is more than an inconvenience—it’s a serious health hazard. From video inspections and hydro jetting to trenchless repairs and full replacements, our team handles every sewer line issue with expertise and minimal disruption to your yard.

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Repiping

Old pipes giving you constant leaks or low water pressure? Our Northern plumbers handle complete or partial repiping to upgrade your system for good. We’ll inspect your current pipes, explain your options clearly, and replace outdated lines with modern, durable materials — all with minimal disruption to your home and routine.

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Pipe Repairs

Leaky or burst pipes can quickly cause expensive water damage. Our licensed plumbers locate the problem fast and deliver durable repairs that keep your home safe and dry. We fix everything from minor pinhole leaks to major breaks in water or drain lines.

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Local Drain & Sewer Problems We Tackle Every Day

Here in the Twin Cities, drains and sewers deal with more than their fair share of trouble. Aging clay or cast iron pipes, heavy tree root growth, freeze-thaw cycles, and old plumbing can turn a small clog or leak into a big, expensive mess fast.

That’s why Northern Ben Franklin Plumbing is equipped to handle every local headache, including:

Root invasions: Our hydrojetting service blasts out roots and stubborn blockages without damaging your pipes — a common issue in older Minneapolis neighborhoods with mature trees.

Frozen or cracked pipes: Freeze-thaw cycles can cause hidden leaks or pipe bursts. We use advanced leak detection to find and fix problems before they turn into flooded basements or high water bills.

Backups from heavy rain: Heavy storms can overwhelm older sewer lines, causing basement backups and floor drain flooding. We inspect, repair, and replace lines as needed to keep everything flowing the right way.

We know local soil conditions, pipe materials, and typical problem spots — because we live here too. So whether you need a quick drain cleanout, a powerful hydrojetting, or a full sewer line replacement, our Northern crew will fix it properly and help you prevent future surprises.

Why Drain & Sewer Problems Are Common in Minneapolis Homes

Drain and sewer problems in Minneapolis are often influenced by the way homes were built, updated, and affected by local conditions over time. Understanding these factors helps explain why certain issues are more common here than in newer areas.

Older Sewer Lines in Established Neighborhoods

Many Minneapolis homes were built decades ago, and sewer lines in neighborhoods like South Minneapolis, Longfellow, Nokomis, and Northeast often rely on older materials or partial replacements. Over time, these systems can develop restricted flow or alignment issues that lead to recurring drain problems rather than one-time clogs. Homeowners who see the same issues returning often benefit from having the full line evaluated instead of repeatedly clearing individual drains.

Freeze–Thaw Cycles and Seasonal Ground Movement

Minnesota’s freeze–thaw cycles cause soil to expand and contract throughout the year, placing stress on underground sewer lines, especially at joints and connection points. Drainage changes that appear after winter are often an early sign of this movement. Addressing those changes early helps prevent small shifts from turning into larger structural problems underground.

Tree Roots from Mature Urban Landscaping

Minneapolis’s mature tree canopy is one of the city’s defining features, but tree roots naturally seek moisture and can enter small cracks in sewer lines. Once roots establish themselves, they tend to return unless the underlying issue is addressed. Regular monitoring and proactive service can help manage root intrusion before it leads to repeated backups or pipe damage.

Heavy Rain and Snowmelt

Spring snowmelt and heavy rain place extra demand on drain and sewer systems throughout the city. In homes where sewer lines already have partial restrictions, this added water can push the system past its limits, often first showing up in basement floor drains or lower-level fixtures. Identifying and correcting underlying restrictions before peak runoff seasons reduces the risk of sudden backups.

Because these conditions are common across Minneapolis, drain and sewer problems tend to develop gradually. Paying attention to early warning signs and addressing them before they escalate often leads to simpler repairs, less disruption, and lower long-term costs for homeowners.

FAQs About Drain & Sewer Services in the Twin Cities

What types of drain and sewer problems do you help with?
We help Twin Cities homeowners with common drain and sewer issues such as slow drains, recurring clogs, backups, odors, and concerns with main sewer lines. The right solution depends on what’s happening inside the system, which we determine through professional evaluation.

How can I tell if the problem is a drain or the main sewer line?
If one fixture is affected, the issue is often limited to that drain. When multiple sinks, toilets, or floor drains are backing up at once, the problem may involve the main sewer line. This is a common issue in older Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods with shared or aging sewer connections.

Are slow drains something Twin Cities homeowners should address right away?
Yes, especially if the problem keeps coming back. Persistent slow drains often signal buildup or blockage deeper in the system. Addressing it early can help prevent backups, which are more likely during heavy rain or snowmelt.

What causes drain and sewer problems in this area?
In the Twin Cities, drain and sewer issues are often caused by aging pipes, grease and debris buildup, tree root intrusion, and shifting soil. Freeze–thaw cycles and seasonal ground movement can also stress sewer lines over time.

Do drain and sewer issues ever become emergencies?
They can. Untreated problems may lead to sewage backups, water damage, or loss of usable plumbing. This is especially important for homes with finished basements, which are common throughout the Twin Cities.

Do you work on older plumbing systems common in Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Yes. Many homes in the area still rely on older drain and sewer systems. Our plumbers are experienced working with both older materials and newer systems, and we tailor solutions based on the home’s age and condition.

When should I call a professional instead of waiting?
You should call a plumber if drains clog repeatedly, multiple fixtures are affected, water backs up into floor drains, or you notice sewer odors. These signs often indicate an issue that won’t resolve without professional service.