Drain Cleaning in Vancouver & Greater Vancouver
Clogged or slow drain? Straight Up Mechanical provides expert drain cleaning in Vancouver and across Greater Vancouver, from stubborn kitchen sink clogs to backed-up main lines in apartments, parkades, and commercial buildings. Our technicians use professional snaking, camera inspections, hydro jetting and pipe descaling to clear the blockage and clean your drains properly, not just temporarily.
Fast, Professional Drain Cleaning Near You
When a drain backs up, you don’t just need a quick fix—you need the problem properly diagnosed and cleaned so it doesn’t come right back.
Straight Up Mechanical offers:
- Same-day and emergency drain cleaning (subject to availability)
- Service for homes, strata buildings, apartments and commercial properties
- Technicians equipped with professional snakes, inspection cameras, pipe descaling tools and hydro jetting equipment
- Honest recommendations and clear, written reports with photos where appropriate
Whether you’re in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Delta, Richmond, Maple Ridge, Langley, or White Rock, our team can help get your drains flowing again.
Types of Drains We Clean
We handle almost every type of residential and light-commercial drain, including:
- Kitchen sink drains – the most common drain we’re called to clear, especially in homes and apartments.
- Bathroom sinks, tubs and shower drains
- Toilets and floor drains
- Main building drains and stacks – such as apartment lines tying into the parkade.
- Perimeter or exterior drainage (where access and conditions allow)
- Commercial washroom and staff-area drains
- Strata / multi-unit drain lines
If you’re not sure what type of drain you have, tell us what’s backing up (kitchen, bathroom, laundry, outside) and we’ll diagnose from there.
Recent Drain Cleaning Projects
May 6, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Langley
Our technician cleared a clogged toilet in this Langley business’s washroom using a professional toilet auger, extending the cable up to 6 feet to safely break through and remove the blockage. The technician then tested that the toilet functions properly by flushing toilet paper several times to ensure it is no longer backing up, and also gave the toilet a thorough clean afterwards.
April 13, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Maple Ridge
Garburators can be convenient, but they often lead to more frequent drain clogs compared to homes without one. Starchy foods like potatoes and rice, along with items like egg shells, can create buildup inside your pipes over time - like this home in Maple Ridge.In this case, our technician removed heavy buildup from the P-trap and followed up with a full drain descaling to restore proper flow.
April 5, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Richmond
Hydro jetting is one of the most effective ways to clear drain lines, but sometimes stubborn buildup can still hang on. After hydro jetting this Richmond line, we ran a drain inspection camera to verify the results — and found grease still clinging to the pipe walls.To fully restore the line, we followed up with a flex shaft descaling tool to break down the remaining buildup. Combining hydro jetting with proper inspection and descaling ensures the pipe is not just cleared, but thoroughly cleaned.
April 1, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Vancouver
Another clogged drain mystery solved in Vancouver. This toilet was completely blocked, and standard methods weren’t clearing it. Our technician removed the toilet to investigate further and found a metal strainer lodged in the trap.Not your everyday blockage, but it shows how clogged drains can sometimes be caused by unexpected objects deep in the line. Once removed, the drain was cleared and proper flow was restored.If your toilet keeps backing up, there may be something more serious hidden below the surface.
March 25, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Vancouver
Clogged kitchen sink in Vancouver? This one needed more than a basic snake. We used a flex shaft descaling tool with high-speed spinning chains to scrub and remove buildup from the inside of the pipe walls.This process doesn’t just open the line — it fully cleans it, helping prevent future blockages. Grease, soap, and debris can build up over time in kitchen drains, and proper drain cleaning makes a big difference in restoring full flow.If your sink keeps backing up, it may be time to go beyond a quick fix.Book Your Service Today
February 18, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Coquitlam
"Hair salon sinks can clog quickly due to constant buildup of hair and product residue. At this Port Coquitlam salon, repeated drainage issues were caused by a clogged drain with heavy accumulation along the pipe walls.We used a flex shaft pipe descaling tool to mechanically remove built-up hair, soap residue, and debris from inside the piping system. This process thoroughly cleared the clogged drain and restored proper flow, helping prevent future backups."
February 7, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Langley
Not every plumbing issue allows easy access behind the wall. In this Langley shower, we couldn’t reach the existing faucet body from behind, so the repair required carefully cutting and removing tile to access the plumbing.Once exposed, we removed the old shower faucet body, installed a new one, and completed the repair with a clean cover plate and new finishing trim. During work like this, it’s also important to ensure surrounding drain lines remain clear and functioning properly to avoid future issues.
February 6, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Burnaby
This public washroom in Burnaby experienced a backup after wet and cleaning wipes were flushed into the drainage system. These materials don’t break down like toilet paper and can quickly form tough clogs further down the line.Our technician used a large drain snake to clear the blockage, then ran a drain inspection camera to confirm the pipe was fully cleared and flowing properly. Proper drain cleaning and verification help prevent repeat backups and costly downtime.
February 4, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Maple Ridge
When running a kitchen sink causes water to back up through a washing machine drain below, it’s a clear sign of a blockage further down the line. That’s what was happening at this Maple Ridge property.Our technician located the clog and used pipe resurfacing equipment to fully clear the blockage and clean the inside walls of the drain pipe. This restored proper drainage and helped prevent future buildup from forming in the line.
January 14, 2026
Drain Cleaning in Surrey
Knowing exactly where drain lines run makes all the difference during renovations. For this Surrey project, our drain inspection camera’s sonde signal allowed us to trace underground piping and determine its depth using a pipe locator — even beneath a concrete slab.By accurately locating the existing drainage lines, we can plan clean tie-ins for new sinks and appliances without unnecessary cutting or guesswork. Proper drain inspection and cleaning help ensure long-term performance before new fixtures are installed.
December 31, 2025
Drain Cleaning in Abbotsford
A slow or backed-up bathtub drain can quickly make a bathroom unusable. In this Abbotsford home, we unclogged the drain using a small powered drain snake to remove a heavy buildup of hair that was restricting water flow.Once the blockage was cleared, we tested the line to ensure proper drainage and restored normal use of the tub. Regular drain cleaning helps prevent hair and soap residue from causing repeat clogs.
December 27, 2025
Drain Cleaning in Coquitlam
A slow-draining kitchen sink doesn’t always mean a major blockage — sometimes it’s what you don’t expect. In this Coquitlam home, we removed the P-trap and found foreign objects lodged in the drain: a chopstick and a straw that were restricting water flow.Once those items were removed, we ensured the drain line was fully clear and tested the sink to confirm proper drainage was restored. Even small objects can cause big drainage issues if they get caught in the wrong spot.
December 15, 2025
Drain Cleaning in New Westminster
This New Westminster kitchen sink wasn’t draining properly — and the photo shows why. The drain line was packed with hardened grease buildup that had never been cleaned, leaving only a tiny opening for water to pass through.We cleared the blockage and restored full flow, but regular maintenance is key with kitchen drains. Grease solidifies over time and can completely close off a line if left untreated.
December 11, 2025
Drain Cleaning in Coquitlam
When a toilet keeps clogging, there’s usually more going on than meets the eye. In this Coquitlam home, our auger hit something solid—so we pulled the toilet and used a camera to inspect the line. The culprit? A cleaning sponge wedged deep in the drain.Once located and removed, the toilet was reinstalled and flow fully restored. A quick camera inspection can make all the difference when a blockage doesn’t behave like a typical clog.
Our Process
We follow a step-by-step process so you get a proper fix, not guesswork
1. Initial Assessment
When you call about a clogged or slow drain, we ask:
- Where is the problem (kitchen, bathroom, basement, parkade)?
- Is it just one fixture or multiple fixtures backing up?
- How long has it been happening?
- Have you tried plungers or drain cleaners?
This helps us determine whether it’s likely a local clog or a main line issue.
2. Snaking the Drain
In most cases, we start with a professional drain snake to:
- Break through the blockage
- Get standing water flowing again
- Make it possible to see what’s actually going on if we use a camera
This is especially important on grease-clogged kitchen lines—you can’t see much with a camera until the water level comes down and the worst of the clog is cleared.
3. Camera Inspection (As Needed)
If the drain keeps backing up or we suspect a bigger issue, we follow up with a camera inspection to:
- See what’s on the pipe walls (grease, scale, roots, foreign objects)
- Measure how far down the line the problem is
Pinpoint the location from above using a locator, so you don’t have to dig up the entire yard or slab if a pipe is broken
4. Advanced Cleaning: Hydro Jetting & Pipe Descaling
Based on what we find, we may recommend:
- Hydro jetting – using high-pressure water to scrub and flush the inside of the line, ideal for:
- Long runs of grease buildup
- Heavy debris in main lines
- Commercial / multi-unit buildings
- Long runs of grease buildup
- Pipe descaling tools – mechanical tools that physically remove hardened buildup on pipe walls, very effective on kitchen drains with years of grease.
- Root removal – where tree roots have infiltrated your drain or sewer lines.
We typically “start low and go high”—beginning with the least aggressive method (snaking), then escalating to camera, descaling and jetting as needed.
5. Verification & Report
After cleaning, we can:
- Re-camera the line (where appropriate) to confirm it’s clear
- Provide before and after photos or video snippets
Give you a written record with any recommendations for repairs or future maintenance
Residential
For homeowners in Vancouver and Greater Vancouver, we offer packages that go beyond just punching a hole through the clog.
One popular option for kitchen sinks:
- Step 1: Snake the line to drain the water and clear the immediate blockage
- Step 2: Pipe descaling on the same line to clean the pipe walls and help prevent another clog in a few weeks
This “combo” approach is ideal for kitchens where years of grease, food particles and soap scum have narrowed the pipe, similar to plaque in human arteries.
Commercial & Strata
We regularly help strata councils, property managers and businesses across Greater Vancouver with:
- Backed-up apartment stacks and parkade drains
- Commercial washrooms with multiple fixtures backing up at once
- Perimeter drains and larger lines where access allows
Typical commercial process:
- Camera the line to locate the blockage and depth
- Snake or jet to clear the blockage
- Camera again to confirm the line is properly cleaned and flowing
There are often multiple steps, but that’s how we avoid repeat emergencies and surprise shutdowns.
Why Drains Keep Clogging (Even After You Clear Them)
If you’re constantly reaching for a plunger or store-bought drain cleaner, there’s usually an underlying reason:
- Wrong things going down the drain
- “Flushable” wipes (they’re not really flushable)
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Large amounts of grease and food scraps
- “Flushable” wipes (they’re not really flushable)
- Grease and scale on pipe walls
Over time, grease sticks to the sides of the pipe and builds up layer by layer—just like cholesterol in arteries—until even small bits of food or hair cause a complete clog. - Poorly graded piping
If the pipe slope is wrong, wastewater doesn’t flow properly and solids settle, causing recurring blockages. - Tree roots or damaged pipes
Roots seek out water and can invade older drain and sewer lines, or the line may have cracked or collapsed.
Our camera inspections and locators help uncover these issues so you’re not stuck in a cycle of temporary fixes.
How Long Does Drain Cleaning Take?
The honest answer: it depends on the type of drain and the severity of the problem, but we can give ballparks based on real-world experience:
- Typical clog clearing (residential drain):
- Usually 1–4 hours on site
- If it takes longer than that, it’s often a bigger underlying problem
- Usually 1–4 hours on site
- Hydro jetting / full-system cleaning:
- For larger systems (e.g., perimeter drainage or bigger properties), hydro jetting can take most or all of the day
- For larger systems (e.g., perimeter drainage or bigger properties), hydro jetting can take most or all of the day
When you call, we’ll ask a few questions and give you an expectation based on your specific situation.
Drain Cleaning Service Area – Greater Vancouver
We provide drain cleaning in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland / Greater Vancouver area, including:
- Drain Cleaning Vancouver
- Drain Cleaning Coquitlam
- Drain Cleaning Surrey
- View all Drain Cleaning locations
- Nearby surrounding neighbourhoods and communities
If you’re just outside this list, ask us—we may still be able to help or recommend a trusted partner.
Why Choose Straight Up Mechanical for Drain Cleaning?
- Experienced local team that understands how Vancouver’s older homes, mixed plumbing materials, and wet climate affect drains.
- Process-driven approach: snake, camera, descaling or jetting as needed, with verification—not just “poke and hope”.
- Combo packages that actually clean pipe walls, not only punch through clogs.
- Transparent communication: we explain what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and what we find.
- Documentation: before/after visuals and written recommendations for future repairs and maintenance.
If your drain problem is something we can’t consistently win for you (for example, a niche service you don’t want to focus on), we won’t push it—we’ll focus on the services and solutions that give you the best results.
Drain Cleaning FAQs
Do I really need a plumber, or can I just use store-bought drain cleaner?
Chemical drain cleaners can sometimes punch a small hole through a clog, but they:
- Don’t clean the pipe walls
- Can damage older pipes
- Often lead to the clog returning quickly
Professional snaking, camera inspection and proper cleaning treat both the symptom and the cause.
Why does my drain keep clogging even after I clear it?
Most often:
- The same problematic items keep going down the drain (wipes, paper towels, grease, hygiene products)
- There’s significant buildup on the pipe walls
- The pipe slope or grading is wrong
- There’s a break in the line or tree roots have intruded
A camera inspection is usually the fastest way to get to the real answer.
What’s the difference between “drain cleaning” and “sewer cleaning”?
In day-to-day use, the terms are often used interchangeably. In many cases:
- Drain cleaning refers to clearing and cleaning branch lines from fixtures (sinks, tubs, floor drains).
- Sewer cleaning often refers to the main building sewer line that everything ties into.
From a service perspective, the tools and methods are very similar; we focus on where the problem is rather than just the label.
How do you decide between snaking, hydro jetting and pipe descaling?
We generally:
- Start with snaking to restore flow.
- Use a camera if the problem is persistent or severe.
- Decide if:
- A jetter is needed (long runs, big deposits).
- A descaling tool is better (heavy, stubborn buildup in smaller lines).
- A jetter is needed (long runs, big deposits).
- For severe root intrusion or broken pipes, we’ll recommend the appropriate repair.
How do I schedule drain cleaning in Vancouver?
Call Straight Up Mechanical or fill out the form on this page. Tell us:
- Where you’re located (Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, etc.)
- What’s happening (slow drain, complete backup, multiple fixtures)
- How long it’s been going on
We’ll recommend the best next step, give you an estimate, and schedule a time to get your drains flowing again.
Why does my kitchen sink keep clogging?
The most common culprits are grease and oil, food scraps, and starchy foods like rice and pasta. If you have a garburator, it tends to increase the frequency of clogs — items like eggshells and starchy food that go through the garburator can accumulate quickly. It’s also worth checking the pipes under the sink: if the slip joints have loosened over time, the pipe can sag and lose its proper slope, causing buildup even when nothing problematic is going down the drain. A simple basket strainer to catch food scraps before they enter the drain goes a long way in preventing recurring clogs.
Why does my bathroom drain keep clogging?
Bathroom drain clogs are almost always caused by hair and soap buildup. In bathroom sinks, the pop-up stopper assembly is usually where it collects first — that can often be pulled out and cleaned yourself. In showers and bathtubs, hair gets caught in the P-trap or further along the pipe and gradually builds up over time. A hair catcher over the drain is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce how often this happens.
Are chemical drain cleaners like Drano safe and effective?
In our experience, most off-the-shelf chemical drain cleaners don’t perform as well as advertised. Rather than fully dissolving blockages, they tend to partially break down material and leave a soft mass sitting in the pipe — which can make things worse. There are also concerns that some chemical cleaners can be hard on certain types of plastic pipe over time. Before reaching for chemicals, a plunger is often more effective than people expect — just make sure you have one dedicated to the toilet and a separate one for sinks and tubs. If you do want a chemical option, professional-grade drain treatment products available through plumbing suppliers are significantly more effective than what you’ll find at a hardware store, particularly for hair-based clogs. If a clog keeps coming back, it’s worth having a plumber take a look rather than continuing to treat the symptom.
What is hydro jetting and how does it work?
Hydro jetting is a professional drain cleaning method that uses highly pressurized water to clean the inside of pipes. A specialized hose with a rotating nozzle is fed into the drain, and the nozzle sprays water forward and backward simultaneously, scouring the pipe walls and flushing debris downstream. Think of it as a pressure washer for your pipes — it can leave them looking like new. It’s more thorough than a standard drain snake and is particularly effective for grease buildup in commercial and strata kitchen lines.
When is hydro jetting necessary, and is it always enough?
Hydro jetting is typically what we use during scheduled drain maintenance — whether that’s annually, every six months, or quarterly depending on your property and usage. For most situations it’s sufficient on its own. However, if buildup is severe, we may use a pipe descaling tool first — a spinning chain tool that breaks up heavy deposits — and then follow up with the hydro jet to flush everything out. After either process, we’ll often send a camera down the line to confirm the pipe is clean and in good condition.
Do you clean perimeter and storm drains, and how often should they be done?
Yes — we inspect perimeter and storm drains using a camera and clean them with hydro jetting. For most residential properties, once a year is a reasonable starting point, though some properties can go every couple of years if buildup is minimal. Leaves and debris from downspouts are the main cause of buildup in perimeter drains. If left too long, a blocked perimeter drain can lead to hydrostatic pressure building up outside your foundation, which can eventually force water into a basement. If you’re not sure what size or condition your perimeter drain is in, a camera inspection is the best way to find out.
Contact Straight Up Mechanical today for your plumbing needs
Surrey • Burnaby • Pitt Meadows • Maple Ridge • Delta • Richmond • Mission • Langley • Abbotsford • Vancouver • Port Coquitlam • Coquitlam • New Westminster
Straight Up Mechanical Ltd
309 – 19950 88th East Avenue
Langley, BC
V1M 0A5
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