Mobile drain cleaning service
Clear clogged sinks, tubs and main lines at customers' homes using a van and drain machines.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service that clears blocked drains with cable machines, hand augers and drain cleaning tools, and may add camera inspections as you grow. The focus is clearing blockages, not major repairs or new installs.
Your first three steps
- Check with your state licensing board and city or county whether drain cleaning needs a plumbing license in your area
- Price a used cable machine, hand tools and a camera, and get quotes for general liability and commercial vehicle insurance
- Set up a Google Business Profile and offer landlords and property managers a fast-response rate
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers, small restaurants and shops with slow or blocked drains.
How it makes money
A flat fee per job or a service call fee plus time, with extra charges for main line clearing, camera inspections and after-hours calls.
Skills that help
- Mechanical aptitude with drain machines
- Clear, honest quoting
- Comfortable with dirty, physical work
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Some states treat drain cleaning as plumbing work and require a license, check your state board
- General liability insurance and commercial auto cover
- Risk of damaging old or fragile pipes, so set expectations in writing
- Biohazard exposure, so protective gear and hygiene matter
- Emergency calls can disrupt your evenings and weekends
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a drain cleaning business?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your van, drain machines and tools. These are estimates, so price your own equipment list before buying.
How much can a drain cleaning business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many jobs you take and what you charge. These are estimates. Emergency calls can disrupt your evenings and weekends.
Do I need a license to start a drain cleaning business?
Some states treat drain cleaning as plumbing work and require a license, so check your state board. Also check general liability and commercial auto insurance, and set expectations in writing about the risk of damaging old or fragile pipes.
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