Earl's Plumbing
Fixed Right, Right Now!

Drain & Sewer Cleaning in Northern California

Standing water, slow drains, sewage smell — Earl's Plumbing clears the problem completely and tells you why it happened.

Earl's Plumbing provides professional drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and sewer line clearing throughout Northern California, with offices in Chico, Redding, and Yuba City. We use drain cameras to find the real problem, clear it completely, and back every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee — if you're not happy, we come back at no charge. No service call fee. Family-owned since 1998. CSLB #772565.
  • Drain camera diagnosis — we find the real problemNo guessing. We see exactly what's going on before we start.
  • Snaking and hydro jetting — the right tool for the jobStandard clogs or heavy buildup — we have the equipment for both.
  • Same-day service when availableBacked up drains don't wait — neither do we.
  • We tell you what we found — even when it's not what you want to hearNo service call fee. Free quote before we touch anything.
4.8 ★ — 4,638 Chico Reviews
4.8 ★ — 2,449 Redding Reviews
4.8 ★ — 942 Yuba City Reviews
Family-owned since 1998
No service call fee
Licensed & insured
100% satisfaction guarantee
Sewage backing up into the house? Call now — don't schedule online for emergencies.
Earl's Plumbing service van — serving Chico, Redding, and Yuba City

How we handle it

1
We diagnose before we dig
Camera inspection tells us exactly what's causing the problem — roots, grease, collapsed pipe, or simple buildup.
2
We clear it the right way
Drain snake for typical clogs. Hydro jetting for grease, scale, or heavy buildup. We explain the difference and which you need.
3
We tell you what we found
If there's an underlying issue — cracked pipe, root intrusion, improper slope — we show you the camera footage and talk through options.
4
100% satisfaction guaranteed
If you're not satisfied with the job, we'll come back and re-do it at no charge. That's our promise.

Northern California Drain Problems Are a Little Different

I'll be honest — Northern California pipes have it rough. Valley oaks and cottonwoods are everywhere out here, and their roots follow water straight to your sewer line like they've got a map. Add cast iron that's been in the ground since the Eisenhower administration and hard well water that scales up everything it touches, and you've got conditions that create recurring clogs year after year. We've been pulling these same problems out of the ground across Chico, Redding, and Yuba City since 1998 — and I still see something new every month. (Which, honestly, is part of why I still love this work.) If your pipes are beyond clearing, we also handle full house repiping.

Earl's Plumbing technician performing drain cleaning service in Northern California
27+
Years serving
Northern CA
3
Local offices
ready to respond
$0
Service
call fee

Drain & Sewer Services We Provide

From a slow kitchen drain to a completely blocked main sewer line — we have the tools and experience to handle it.

🔧

Drain Snaking & Augering

Our go-to for most household clogs — kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, tub drains, and toilets. Fast, effective, and usually done in a single visit. For stubborn or recurring clogs, we may recommend hydro jetting.

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Hydro Jetting

High-pressure water scours the full interior of the pipe — grease, scale, soap buildup, and soft roots. The best option for recurring clogs and commercial kitchen lines. Often paired with a sewer video inspection for a complete diagnosis.

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Drain Camera Inspection

We put a camera in the line so you can see exactly what's happening — root intrusion, cracks, bellied pipe, or heavy buildup. No guessing, no unnecessary work. We also offer underground line location when needed.

🌳

Root Intrusion Clearing

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of sewer line blockages in Northern California. We clear the roots and advise on whether the pipe needs repair or lining.

🏠

Main Sewer Line Clearing

When multiple drains back up at once, the problem is in the main line. We locate, diagnose, and clear main sewer blockages — including emergencies.

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Fixture Drain Cleaning

Slow tub, shower, bathroom sink, or floor drain? We clear fixture-level clogs quickly and check the downstream line to make sure the problem is fully resolved.

Signs You Need a Professional Drain Cleaning

Your plumbing is trying to tell you something. Here's what to watch for.

⚠️

Water draining slowly in one or more fixtures

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Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets when other fixtures run

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Sewage or rotten egg smell coming from drains

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Water backing up into a tub or shower when you flush

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The same drain clogging repeatedly despite clearing it

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Multiple drains backing up at the same time — main line sign

Multiple drains backing up at once is a plumbing emergency. Call Earl's directly — don't wait.
★★★★★

"Paul and Trent were the most professional contractors to EVER step onto my properties and/or job sites. The bid was fair. Clean uniforms, not torn or ripped. Their names were placed correctly on the left breast above the pocket. They spoke English. They were US Citizens. Well groomed and well mannered. Did not spit on, smoke or disrespect my property. They started the job when they said they would and finished the job the way they said they would — CLEAN. Very well organized with a correct tool layout. Getting down and dirty in that sewer ditch did not bother them the least, they were happier than two pigs with lipstick. I highly recommend this business for your plumbing needs."

Paul E. — Earl's Plumbing technician, Chico
— Bizzy, Chico | Technician: Paul E.
Sewage backing up? That's an emergency.
Don't schedule online — call us directly. We'll prioritize you and get someone there fast.
Call (530) 343-0330

Schedule Drain Service Online

For non-emergency drain cleaning, use the scheduler below. For sewage backups or emergencies, please call.

Emergency? Call (530) 343-0330 — Chico | (530) 244-3275 — Redding | (530) 674-0330 — Yuba City

Drain Cleaning FAQ

Straight answers to the questions we hear most.

What causes slow drains?
Slow drains are most commonly caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, or food particles inside the pipe. In older homes, tree root intrusion or mineral deposits can also restrict flow significantly. A professional drain cleaning clears the full obstruction rather than just masking it. If the issue is isolated to a toilet, see our toilet repair service.
Should I use Drano or chemical drain cleaners?
Chemical drain cleaners like Drano can dissolve minor clogs but often damage older pipes and rarely clear the full blockage. They also leave caustic residue that puts our technicians at risk. A professional drain cleaning with a snake or hydro jetting is safer, more effective, and prevents the problem from coming right back.
What is hydro jetting and when is it needed?
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of pipes, removing grease, scale, and debris that a standard drain snake can't fully clear. It's the preferred method for recurring clogs, grease buildup in kitchen lines, and older sewer lines with heavy accumulation. Earl's Plumbing will recommend it only when it's genuinely the right tool for your situation.
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
Most plumbers recommend cleaning household drains every 1–2 years as preventive maintenance. Kitchen drains benefit from more frequent attention due to grease buildup. Homes with mature trees nearby or older cast-iron pipes — common throughout Northern California — may need more regular service to stay ahead of root intrusion.
How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?
Signs of a main sewer line clog include multiple drains backing up at the same time, gurgling sounds from toilets when other fixtures are used, sewage odors inside the home, and water backing up into a tub or shower when you flush. This is a plumbing emergency — call Earl's Plumbing at your nearest office rather than scheduling online.
Can tree roots really grow into my drain pipes?
Yes — tree roots are one of the most common causes of recurring sewer line blockages in Northern California. Roots seek out moisture and can infiltrate even small pipe joints or cracks over time. Left untreated, they cause complete blockages and can crack pipes from the inside. Earl's Plumbing uses drain cameras to identify root intrusion accurately before recommending the right clearing method.
Does Earl's Plumbing charge a service call fee?
Straight answer: no service call fee, ever. I've never liked that practice — you shouldn't have to pay just to find out what something costs. We provide a free quote before any work begins, and you decide from there. Earl's has been family-owned in Northern California since 1998, with offices in Chico, Redding, and Yuba City. Financing is also available for larger jobs. CSLB #772565.