Fast Drain Clearing Services in the Twin Cities
Slow drain? Standing water? Our professional plumbers clear clogs fast and keep your pipes flowing, so you don’t have to worry about backups or messes.
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Drain Clearing for Minneapolis–St. Paul Homes
A slow drain might not seem urgent — until your sink fills up, your shower backs up, and you’re left dealing with dirty water and frustration. Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® clears clogs fast and keeps them from coming back, so you can stop worrying and get on with your day.
Why Drains Clog in the Twin Cities
Around Minneapolis and St. Paul, older homes often have aging pipes and tree roots that love to sneak into sewer lines. Grease, hair, soap scum, and debris build up over time, narrowing the pipe until water has nowhere to go. Add in our freeze-thaw winters and shifting ground, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for stubborn clogs and unexpected backups.
How We Clear Drains — the Right Way
Anyone can dump chemicals down a drain. We do it right. Our licensed plumbers find the source of the clog, clear it safely, and check that the pipe is flowing free — not just poked open temporarily. For tough build-up or root intrusions, we offer hydrojetting to blast away years of debris. If we need to see exactly what’s going on, we use camera inspections for a clear view inside your pipes.
Need that clog gone today?
Call Northern at (320) 559-3407 and get your drains flowing again.
Serving Your Neighborhood
Homeowners across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Anoka, Ramsey, Maple Grove, and nearby count on us to clear clogs quickly and prevent future headaches. When you call Northern, you get peace of mind — and pipes that flow like they should.
Why Homeowners Trust Northern Benjamin Franklin for Drain Clearing
✔ A service approach built on reliability and follow-through.
When drains stop working properly, homeowners need a company that shows up prepared and does what they say they will do. Northern Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is known throughout the Twin Cities for dependable service and a process built around accountability — and that same standard applies to drain clearing.
✔ Always On Time® and clear expectations from the start.
Your time matters. Our technicians arrive when scheduled and explain what’s happening inside your drain before work begins. You’ll receive straightforward pricing up front, so you can make informed decisions without pressure or surprises.
✔ Service tailored to Twin Cities drain systems.
Drain clearing in Minneapolis and St. Paul isn’t one-size-fits-all. Older homes, finished basements, long drain runs, and seasonal conditions all affect how drains behave. Our team clears drains every day across the metro, adjusting methods based on the system and conditions — not a generic checklist.
✔ A focus on solutions that last, not quick fixes.
We don’t believe in clearing a drain just to have the same problem return weeks later. Our goal is to restore proper flow while reducing the likelihood of repeat clogs whenever possible. If we see signs that a different service may be needed, we explain why and walk through the options clearly.
How Homeowners Can Help Prevent Drain Clogs
Most drain clogs don’t happen all at once. They build up gradually through daily use. A few consistent habits can go a long way toward keeping drains flowing properly—especially in Twin Cities homes with older plumbing.
Be mindful of what goes down the drain.
Most drain clogs form gradually through everyday use. Grease, cooking oils, coffee grounds, and food scraps commonly contribute to kitchen drain buildup, even when hot water is used. In bathrooms, hair and soap residue tend to collect along pipe walls over time, especially in older plumbing systems found throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Use drain strainers consistently.
Simple strainers in sinks, tubs, and showers help catch debris before it enters the drain line. This small habit can significantly reduce buildup, particularly in homes with older pipes or long drain runs.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners.
Store-bought drain cleaners may offer short-term relief, but they rarely remove buildup completely and can be harsh on pipes over time. In Twin Cities homes with aging plumbing, repeated use can contribute to pipe wear rather than solve the underlying issue.
Use toilets only for waste and toilet paper.
Items labeled “flushable,” along with paper towels and hygiene products, don’t break down the same way and are a common cause of drain and sewer problems across the metro area.
Run water in less-used drains periodically.
Basement floor drains, utility sinks, and guest bathroom fixtures benefit from occasional use. Running water helps prevent debris from settling and keeps traps functioning properly, which is especially helpful before heavy rain or spring snowmelt.
Address slow drains early.
A drain that’s draining more slowly than usual is often an early sign of buildup deeper in the line. Taking care of the issue early can help prevent full blockages or backups from developing.
Daily habits won’t prevent every drain issue, but they can reduce how often clogs occur and help keep plumbing systems running more reliably. When problems persist or return, professional drain clearing can restore proper flow and protect the system long-term.
Call Northern at (320) 559-3407 for dependable drain clearing service.
Local Factors That Can Make Drain Problems Worse
Local conditions in Minneapolis and St. Paul can cause drain problems to worsen over time, even when homeowners are careful with everyday use. These factors tend to accelerate buildup or expose weak points in drain systems rather than create sudden, one-time issues.
Freeze–thaw cycles stress underground drain lines.
As soil expands and contracts throughout the year, underground drain lines can shift slightly. Over time, this movement can create low spots or minor misalignments where debris collects more easily, leading to slow drains that gradually worsen instead of clearing on their own.
Mixed plumbing systems from older homes and remodels affect flow.
In many Twin Cities homes, drain systems include a combination of older piping and newer connections added during past updates. These transitions can interrupt flow and make buildup more likely compared to modern, uniform systems.
Mature tree canopies increase root-related drain issues.
Established neighborhoods with large trees often experience root intrusion in underground drain and sewer lines. Roots naturally seek moisture and can enter small imperfections, making clogs more persistent and harder to fully resolve without professional equipment.
Basement and lower-level drains carry added risk.
Basement floor drains are common in Minneapolis and St. Paul homes and often handle more than routine wastewater, especially during heavy rain or spring snowmelt. When drain lines are already partially restricted, these conditions can make clogs more disruptive when they occur.
Because these conditions are part of everyday life in the Twin Cities, drain problems often develop gradually rather than suddenly. Understanding how local factors affect drain performance helps explain why professional drain clearing is sometimes needed even when good habits are in place.
Drain Clearing FAQs for Minneapolis Homeowners
What is drain clearing, and how is it different from drain cleaning?
Drain clearing focuses on removing clogs and blockages that restrict flow in sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and floor drains. In many Twin Cities homes, drain clearing is used to restore proper drainage when buildup or debris has caused recurring slow drains.
What causes drains to clog so often in Minneapolis homes?
In Minneapolis and St. Paul, common causes include grease buildup, soap residue, hair, food waste, and debris. Older plumbing systems and long drain runs—common in many established neighborhoods—can also make drains more prone to clogs over time.
Is a slow drain something that needs professional clearing?
Occasional slow drainage can happen, but drains that clog repeatedly or drain slowly across multiple uses often need professional clearing. These issues usually indicate buildup deeper in the line that household solutions won’t fully resolve.
Do you clear floor drains and basement drains?
Yes. Floor drains and basement drains are common problem areas in Twin Cities homes, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt. Clearing these drains helps reduce the risk of backups in lower levels.
Can drain clearing help prevent future clogs?
Professional drain clearing removes existing buildup and restores proper flow, which can reduce how often clogs occur. If a drain continues to clog after clearing, it may signal a deeper issue that needs further inspection.
Is drain clearing safe for older plumbing systems?
Yes, when performed by a professional. Many Minneapolis and St. Paul homes have older pipes, and our approach is adjusted based on the age and condition of the plumbing to avoid unnecessary stress on the system.
How do I know if I need drain clearing or a different service?
If a single drain is affected, drain clearing is often the right solution. If multiple drains are backing up at once or there are sewer odors or backups, the issue may involve the main sewer line and require a different service.
How quickly can drain clearing be scheduled in the Twin Cities?
Drain clearing is often available with same-day service, depending on scheduling and urgency. Recurring clogs, backups, or slow drains should be addressed promptly to prevent further issues.
Our Drains & Sewer Services
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.
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.
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.
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.