24/7 Expert Drain Cleaning in Memphis, TN
Residential Drain Cleaning from a Master Plumber-Led Team
Since 2010, Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air has helped Memphis homeowners resolve slow, clogged, and backed-up drains with same-day service from a team led by a Master Plumber licensed in both Tennessee and Mississippi. Our technicians arrive in fully stocked vans so most drain problems are diagnosed and cleared on the first visit. When slow drains are ignored, they can turn into sewage backup, pipe corrosion, and flooding, and store-bought chemical cleaners can eat away at pipe interiors over time, making professional drain cleaning a safer choice for your home.
Call (901) 290-1110 or contact us online to schedule drain cleaning near you today!
Drain Repair & Replacement Services in Memphis
You can only snake or hydro-jet a drain so many times before the pipes themselves need professional attention. Cracked, corroded, or collapsed drain pipes cause recurring clogs and slow drainage that no amount of clearing is likely to fix permanently. Our team handles full drain repair and replacement for Memphis-area homes, including:
- Repairing cracked or broken drain lines caused by tree root intrusion, ground shifting, or age-related deterioration
- Replacing old or corroded pipes, including outdated cast iron or clay pipes common in older Memphis neighborhoods
- Upgrading to modern PVC drain lines for better flow and long-term durability
- Video camera inspections to locate damage and determine the best repair approach
When drain cleaning alone is not enough, we assess the condition of your pipes and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Whether it is a targeted repair or a full line replacement, we keep you informed throughout the process so there are no surprises.
Call (901) 290-1110 or contact us online for drain repair & replacement in Memphis!
WHAT MAKES US THE WISE CHOICE?
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We have over 15 years in business serving the community.
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We offer emergency appointments and are available 24/7.
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We provide upfront pricing, so you know what you will pay.
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We're locally owned and stay very involved in our community.
Top Reasons Drains Get Clogged
Clogged drains are one of the most common types of plumbing issues, though they can quickly escalate into major problems if they are not addressed promptly. From slow water drainage to corrosion, flooding, or even sewage backup, a clogged kitchen or bathroom drain can lead to a myriad of problems and costly repairs. Fortunately, many drain clogs can be prevented by recognizing their causes.
Most Common Household Drain Clogs Are Caused By:
- Hair
- Soap
- Food waste
- Tree roots
- Small objects
- Toilet paper
- Cooking grease
"I've used Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air in the past, and I've never been disappointed! I couldn't get the drain unclogged, but Smith did. I'm so happy!" - Kimberly H.
Effective Tips to Avoid Drain Blockages
Homeowners face many challenges in the upkeep of the home, and clogged drains present one of the largest nuisances. Most of us like easy and quick solutions, so it can be tempting to run to the store and purchase special drain unclogging solutions like chemical cleaners. These have been known to cause more problems for drains in the long run. They may wear out the inner surface of the pipes, and over time, lead to leaks and other wear and tear.
Follow These Tips to Keep Your Drains Clear:
- Even if you have a garbage disposal, many of us resist tossing trash such as orange peels, banana peels, eggshells, potato skins, and coffee grounds.
- Run cold water while the garbage disposal runs so that the waste has a chance to run fully through the system.
- Avoid pouring oil or grease down the drain, as this can solidify and get stuck to the pipes.
- Consider purchasing screens to catch food, hair, and other waste.
- You should never flush large amounts of paper down the toilet, particularly feminine products, as they can clog the toilet and even the entire sewer system.
- Avoid flushing non-flushable items down the toilet.
- Make it a regular habit to clear out the drains of hair and other particles that may have built up in the pipes. Regularly clean your drains with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.
- Schedule an appointment with a licensed professional to periodically clean out the drains from the root. We can snake the main line to get to the source, helping you avoid costly repairs later on.
- Run hot water down the drain regularly to help clear buildup.
By following these preventative maintenance tips, you can help keep your drains clear and reduce the likelihood of needing costly repairs.
Call (901) 290-1110 or contact us online for drain cleaning in Memphis!
How Drain Installation Works in Memphis Homes
Installing a new drain line in Memphis requires attention to local standards, home construction, and regional geography. Homes often sit on clay soil, which expands and contracts in changing weather. Choosing drain materials and installation methods that suit these conditions makes a real difference.
- Before we start, we assess your property and map out the best route for new drain lines, following all city plumbing code requirements for Memphis-area residences.
- Our plumbers select PVC, cast iron, or other materials that stand up to shifting soil and root pressure.
A professional drain installation supports consistent drainage and helps prevent premature failures, saving you from stressful repairs. We keep you informed at every step, providing the timeline and your best options so you stay in control from start to finish.
What to Know About Rooter Services & Clearing Main Lines
Rooter services go beyond simple unclogging and target tough blockages in main drain lines, often from tree roots and heavy buildup. In Memphis, where many neighborhoods feature older homes and mature trees, root invasion can become a recurring risk. We use powerful rooter equipment and, when needed, water jetting to reach deep clogs and remove intrusive roots. Clearing drains at the main line protects your plumbing system from backups and limits the risk of sewage leaks around your home. Once the blockage clears, our team provides ongoing care suggestions suited to your property's location and age.
Choosing Between Drain Repair and Replacement
When you are dealing with recurring clogs or slow drains, it can be hard to know whether a simple clearing will be enough or if it is time to invest in a more permanent solution. We help Memphis homeowners compare the costs and benefits of different options by looking at pipe age, material, and how often problems return. In many cases, targeted repairs can extend the life of existing lines, while severely damaged or outdated systems may call for a full drain replacement project.
Our team walks you through what to expect with each option, including how long the work will take, how access to areas like driveways or landscaping will be handled, and what permits may be required under local plumbing codes in Shelby County. For larger projects, we can also discuss financing so you can plan a drain service that fits your budget without putting off needed improvements. This step-by-step approach allows you to choose a solution that balances long-term reliability with short-term costs.
"We woke up to a stopped-up drain and an inch of water in our basement. Called Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air and the tech called us within 10 minutes to say that he was on his way. They were here within the hour and assessed and corrected the problem. Brandon D was knowledgeable and friendly, and felt like the prices were fair. Highly recommend!!" - Brandon C.
Why Memphis Homeowners Choose Us for Drain Cleaning
Drain problems cannot wait, so we build our service around fast, reliable help for Memphis homeowners. We are available 24/7 for drain emergencies, and our technicians arrive in fully stocked vans so most clogs, root intrusions, and main line issues are handled in a single visit. We offer upfront pricing with a $59 dispatch fee during normal hours and $89 after hours, with no hidden charges, so you know what to expect before work starts.
Every drain cleaning job is overseen by a team led by a founder who holds a Master Plumbers License in both Tennessee and Mississippi. Over more than 15 years serving Memphis, we have earned 3,000 plus five-star reviews, a BBB A+ rating, and recognition in third-party listings such as the Memphis Flyer Best Plumber Community Choice Awards. We are active members of the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Memphis Chamber, and we offer financing options for larger plumbing projects.
Struggling with a clogged drain? Call (901) 290-1110 or contact us online for expert drain cleaning in Memphis today!
Learn More About Drain Maintenance:
5-Star Service That Speaks for Itself Hear From Smitty's Fans
Smith’s has earned over 3,000 5-star reviews because we treat every home like our own.
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“It started with Brock, a proficient, patient, helpful, thorough, and courteous representative of Smith’s Plumbing who arrived at scheduled time.”- Magda F.
I am an extremely pleased customer!
"It started with Brock, a proficient, patient, helpful, thorough, and courteous representative of Smith’s Plumbing who arrived at scheduled time. With 3 bids on hand, after Brock responded to my questions on different brands of tankless, position of gas and water pipes, along with a competitive price, It was an EASY decision to have Smith’s Plumbing replacing my 2 tanks water heater with a Rinnai RSC 199 tankless! Respectful, pleasant, and skillful install crew, Cody and Eli along with roofer Scott, took great care to protect wood floor and extra careful with hauling equipment up and down the stairs. The tankless water heater was up and running prior to 5PM on the same day. Rest assured it was my first and surely not my last experience with Smith’s Plumbing as I am an extremely pleased customer!"- Magda F.![]()
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“Best customer service I have ever received!”- Lynn K.
I can highly recommend Smith’s plumbing!
"I can highly recommend Smith’s plumbing! Will Newman came and helped us uncover a leak that was coming from under our refrigerator. Will took the time to make a video report for our insurance adjuster and also made a call to a water mitigation company that showed up the next morning. Best customer service I have ever received!"- Lynn K.![]()
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“Great job! The crew was friendly and courteous, which is a plus for me, great customer service goes a long way.”- Former Client
They did everything we discussed at an affordable price!
"Great job! The crew was friendly and courteous, which is a plus for me, great customer service goes a long way. I was well informed of the process for the project. They did everything we discussed at an affordable price. I appreciate how they refilled my yard back. It will be easier to get my lawn back in shape and summer ready."- Former Client![]()
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“They made my situation priority and got me taken care of in no time.”- Raven W.
Exceptional service from the front desk to the technician!
"Exceptional service from the front desk to the technician! They made my situation priority and got me taken care of in no time. My technician was Mr. Brock and up front and honest from the jump. Very knowledgeable, clean, respectful and efficient. I would recommend Smith's Plumbing Services to anyone I know! Not to mention, affordable!"- Raven W.![]()
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“I would recommend to anyone their services, they were upfront on costs and their estimates.”- Reggie W.
Their technicians and management were very professional and helpful.
"Smith Plumbing was awesome and went beyond normal procedures to provide us the support we needed to stop a main line water leak at our home. Their technicians and management were very professional and helpful. I would recommend to anyone their services, they were upfront on costs and their estimates. My wife and I appreciate their service and won't hesitate to call again on any plumbing issue we or friend and family incur."- Reggie W.![]()
Drain Cleaning FAQs in Memphis
Why Does My Kitchen Drain Clog More During Certain Seasons?
Memphis kitchens see more drain clogs during fall and winter. Cooler temperatures cause cooking grease to solidify faster inside your pipes, and holiday meals increase the volume of fats and food scraps going down the drain. The combination creates stubborn blockages that household plungers and store-bought cleaners cannot fully clear.
Scheduling a professional drain cleaning before the holiday season helps prevent backups during the busiest cooking months. Our plumbers use drain snaking and hydro-jetting to break up grease buildup and restore full flow.
How Do Memphis' Aging Pipes Impact My Drains?
Homes in Midtown, Cooper-Young, Central Gardens, and parts of East Memphis often have original cast iron or clay drain pipes. Over decades, cast iron corrodes from the inside out, creating rough surfaces where grease, soap, and debris collect. Clay pipes develop cracks at joints, which let tree roots work their way in and cause recurring blockages.
If your home was built before the 1970s, a video camera inspection can reveal the condition of your drain lines without digging up your yard. We will show you the footage and recommend targeted repair or replacement only where it is actually needed.
Can Memphis' Heavy Rainfall Impact My Drains?
Memphis averages over 50 inches of rainfall per year, and heavy storms can overwhelm residential drainage. When the ground becomes saturated, stormwater can seep into cracked drain pipes or overload the sewer system, causing slow drains or backups inside your home. Shelby County's clay-heavy soil compounds the problem: it expands when wet and contracts when dry, shifting the ground around buried pipes and opening gaps at joints.
After major storms, watch for gurgling sounds, slow drainage in multiple fixtures, or water pooling near your foundation. These signs point to possible infiltration or pipe displacement. A post-storm drain inspection helps catch small problems before they turn into sewage backups or foundation damage.
Is Biofilm Worse in Memphis Drains and What Can It Cause?
Memphis' warm, humid climate accelerates biofilm growth inside residential drain pipes. Biofilm is a slimy layer of bacteria that clings to pipe walls, trapping hair, grease, and soap residue. It narrows the pipe opening over time, causing slow drains and unpleasant odors that surface cleaners only mask temporarily.
In our area, biofilm builds faster between April and October when indoor humidity and temperatures are highest. Regular professional drain cleaning strips biofilm from pipe walls and restores full diameter flow. For homes with persistent odor or slow-drain issues, we may recommend a hydro-jetting treatment to remove buildup that standard snaking can miss.
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