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Richmond drain service · open 24/7

Drain Cleaning in Richmond, BCthat clears the cause, not just the clog

Snaking, hydro-jetting and sewer camera inspection for Richmond homes, stratas and kitchens. We see the problem first, then quote a flat rate before we start.

  • 5.0 on Google, 47 reviews
  • Available 24/7
  • 1-year workmanship warranty
White PVC drain and vent lines running through floor joists

How do you clean a clogged drain in Richmond, BC?

A plumber clears the line with a drain snake (auger) for simple blockages, or a high-pressure hydro-jetter for grease, sludge and roots. In Richmond, where drains run almost flat and the water table is high, a sewer camera inspection first shows what is really in the pipe, so you pay only for the method the line actually needs.

Most Richmond drain calls start the same way: the kitchen sink is clogged again, or the toilet backs up when the washer drains. Plunging buys a week, then it comes back. Our job is to find out why the line keeps closing and clear it properly the first time.

Richmond is a tough place for drains. Lulu Island sits close to sea level, so many sewer laterals have very little slope. Water moves slowly, and grease, soap and silt settle instead of washing through. Older homes from the 1960s to the 1990s often have clay or concrete laterals where roots work into the joints. That is why we put a camera down the line before we pick a tool.

Encano Plumbing is a family-owned company based in Richmond. We handle single clogs in a condo kitchen, recurring backups in a detached house, grease lines for restaurants and small businesses, and scheduled maintenance for strata complexes. You get a free assessment in Richmond, an upfront flat-rate price agreed before any work starts, and a 1-year workmanship warranty.

Signs your Richmond drain needs a professional cleaning

  • The same drain clogs every few weeks

    A recurring clog means buildup or a defect further down the line that a plunger cannot reach.

  • Gurgling from sinks or toilets

    Air bubbling back up usually points to a partial blockage or a venting problem in the main line.

  • Water backing up in a floor drain or tub

    When fixtures on the lowest level back up first, the main sewer lateral is often the issue.

  • Slow kitchen sink after cooking

    Grease cools and hardens in the pipe. Each layer narrows the line until it closes.

  • Sewer smell inside or in the yard

    Odors can come from standing waste in a sagging or partly blocked line.

  • Wet basement walls or a busy sump pump

    A silted perimeter drain stops carrying groundwater away from the foundation.

Drain services we provide in Richmond

Every job starts with finding the cause. From there we use the right tool for the pipe, not the most expensive one.

Drain snaking and augering
For hair, soap, wipes and food clogs in sinks, tubs, showers, toilets and floor drains. Fast, low-impact and often all a simple blockage needs.
High-pressure hydro-jetting
Water at high pressure scours grease, scale, sludge and fine roots off the pipe walls, restoring the full diameter instead of punching a hole through the clog.
Sewer video camera inspection
A waterproof camera shows roots, cracks, sags, offset joints and buildup. You see the footage, and we use it to recommend the right fix.
Perimeter drain and drain tile flushing
We flush silt and debris out of the drain tile around your foundation so groundwater keeps moving away from the house.
Sump pump maintenance and testing
We check the pump, float, check valve and discharge line and clean the pit before the wet season.
Commercial grease lines and strata programs
Scheduled grease line cleaning for kitchens and small businesses, and maintenance programs for strata buildings that keep stacks and laterals flowing.

How a drain cleaning visit works

  1. 01

    Call or text

    Tell us which drain is acting up and what you have noticed. Same-day service is available, and we answer 24/7 for backups that cannot wait.

  2. 02

    Look before we clear

    We check access and cleanouts, then run a camera when the problem is in the main line or keeps coming back. You see what we see.

  3. 03

    Flat-rate price, then the work

    We explain the options and give you one upfront price. Nothing starts until you agree. Then we snake, jet or flush the line as needed.

  4. 04

    Test, clean up, explain

    We run water to confirm full flow, clean the work area, and tell you how to keep the line clear. The work carries our 1-year workmanship warranty.

What drain cleaning costs in Richmond

We do not post one price for every drain, because two clogs on the same street can need very different work. After the assessment (free in Richmond) you get a flat rate in writing. These are the factors that move it.

What you pay forHow it is priced
Fixture drain snaking (sink, tub, toilet)Depends on how easy the drain is to reach and how far the clog sits from the opening.Quoted upfront after the assessment
Main line clearingAn accessible cleanout keeps it simpler. No cleanout, or access through a toilet or roof vent, adds time.Quoted upfront after the assessment
Hydro-jettingPriced on line length, pipe size and how heavy the grease, scale or root buildup is.Quoted upfront after the assessment
Sewer camera inspectionOften done with the cleaning so you know whether the line also needs repair.Quoted upfront after the assessment
Perimeter drain flushingDepends on the number of access points, the length of drain tile and how much silt has built up.Quoted upfront after the assessment

Your exact price is quoted upfront, in writing, before any work starts. If the camera shows a broken or collapsed pipe, we show you the footage and quote the repair separately.

The assessment is free in Richmond. Outside Richmond, travel time is charged, and we quote it before we come out. If you go ahead with the work, you get a discount on that travel time. You always know the price before we go.

Why Richmond drains clog the way they do

Richmond is built on the Fraser River delta, behind dikes and close to sea level. Builders have little room for fall, so many sewer laterals and perimeter drains run nearly flat. Flat pipes drain slowly, and slow water drops whatever it carries. Over time that becomes a layer of grease and sediment that narrows the line from the bottom up.

The housing mix matters too. Detached homes in Broadmoor, Seafair, Shellmont and Blundell from the 1960s to the 1990s often have older clay or concrete laterals with joints that roots can find. Townhouse and strata complexes share long runs where one unit’s grease affects the neighbors. High-rise condos in City Centre and Brighouse have stacks that need regular jetting, and restaurant kitchens in Steveston and City Centre depend on clear grease lines.

Neighborhoods we work in

  • Steveston
  • Terra Nova
  • Broadmoor
  • Seafair
  • Thompson
  • Blundell
  • Garden City
  • Shellmont
  • Ironwood
  • Hamilton
  • East Richmond
  • City Centre
  • Bridgeport
  • Brighouse
  • Westwind
  • Riverdale

Get perimeter drains and sumps ready for the rainy season

From roughly October to March, Richmond gets steady rain on ground that is already wet. With a high water table, perimeter drains and sump pumps work hardest in these months. A silted drain tile or an untested sump is usually found the hard way: water on the basement floor.

Early fall is the best time to flush perimeter drains, test the sump pump and camera the main line. Damp walls or a sump that runs nonstop? Book a visit before the next big storm.

Encano Plumbing is licensed and insured. Every drain cleaning job carries our 1-year workmanship warranty.

Ask us anything

47 reviews on our Google profile, copied word for word.

5.047 Google reviews(opens our Google profile in a new tab)
  • Philipe Bolzan Google profile photoPhilipe BolzanGoogle review · a month agoGoogle review
    Awesome service. Reliable and experienced technician. Solved the problem with my toilet in 15 minutes hassle-free
  • Sabrynna Ca Google profile photoSabrynna CaGoogle review · 2 months agoGoogle review
    excellent 🤩 …
  • Onilton Maciel Google profile photoOnilton MacielLocal Guide · 3 months agoGoogle review
    Eddie is amazing. He is professional and quick in resolving the issues. He has very fair prices. Highly recommend!
  • Pam Andrews Google profile photoPam AndrewsLocal Guide · 3 months agoGoogle review
    Great service. Eddie is knowledgeable and informative. Arrived very quickly and did an excellent job.
  • Vivian Wong Google profile photoVivian WongGoogle review · 5 months agoGoogle review
    We had a kitchen sink emergency Sunday night and Eddy saved the day. Showed up Monday morning as promised, stayed patient through a tricky clog, and clearly knew exactly what he was doing. Price was more than fair. Highly recommend Eddy if you need a plumber you can trust. Thank you very much Eddy!
  • BY K Google profile photoBY KGoogle review · 5 months agoGoogle review
    Really thankful to Ed for replacing our kitchen sink and garbage disposal. The service was fast,very professional and the quality of work was excellent. Highly recommend!
  • John Mondani Google profile photoJohn MondaniGoogle review · 6 months agoGoogle review
    Ed is great, timely, professional, friendly everything you want. Would recommend to anyone. Fair pricing and only recommends what is needed.
  • Luiz Portella Google profile photoLuiz PortellaGoogle review · 7 months agoGoogle review
    Eddie is amazing! Great customer service and attention to details. He helped me with a leaky shower that needed a cartridge replacement and a couple of other minor repairs. 5 stars hands down. I recommend!
  • Eliane Miranda Google profile photoEliane MirandaGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Excellent service! Ed quickly found an efficient solution to our problem without overcomplicating things. We truly appreciate his support, thank you!
  • Ingrid Monteiro Google profile photoIngrid MonteiroLocal Guide · a year agoGoogle review
    Amazing company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • The MadaFak Google profile photoThe MadaFakLocal Guide · a year agoGoogle review
    Amazing company!
  • alex de sales Google profile photoalex de salesGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Ed is professional, honest, and my go to plumber now.
  • marmotage Google profile photomarmotageGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Ed was fantastic! He showed up on time, quickly identified the problem, and fixed it with no hassle. Very professional, friendly, and reasonably priced.
  • rafael franco Google profile photorafael francoGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    I had a really good experience with this plumbing service. The team showed up on time, were friendly and professional, and paid attention to the details. They found and fixed the problem quickly, cleaned up everything after, and explained what they did in a simple way. The result was great and made me feel relaxed. I totally recommend them and would call them again if I need help!
  • Leonardo Sbardelotto Google profile photoLeonardo SbardelottoLocal Guide · a year agoGoogle review
    Called Ed late at night, he didn’t hesitate. Fixed the busted pipe fast and stopped a disaster. Can’t thank him enough!
  • Stanley Lau Google profile photoStanley LauGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Ed is the best plumber ever ! Best service and company ever !
  • CD Sinc Google profile photoCD SincGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Excellent service. Ed found a way around a complicated problem, fixed it and explained what he was doing to me. He was friendly, courteous and professional. Thank you so much!!
  • rachel lemos Google profile photorachel lemosGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Ed is very experienced and very responsive, I highly recommend this company
  • Hirtonio Andrade Google profile photoHirtonio AndradeLocal Guide · a year agoGoogle review
    Amazing service! Encano Plumbing & Drainage Ltd was super fast, professional, and paid great attention to detail. From the first call to the end of the job, they were friendly, clear, and easy to deal with. They showed up on time, gave a fair quote, and the work was done really well. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a plumber they can trust. One of the best service experiences I’ve had here in Canada!
  • Antonio mussi Google profile photoAntonio mussiGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Ed provides exceptional plumbing services! He combines expertise with a consistently friendly and transparent approach. Every time I’ve needed assistance, Ed has delivered prompt, reliable solutions, often going above and beyond by offering clear, practical advice to help prevent future issues. His dedication to customer satisfaction and proactive communication truly sets him apart. Highly recommended without hesitation!
  • Ivan Leung Google profile photoIvan LeungGoogle review · 2 months agoGoogle review
    Great work. Used for commercial and personal property. Met quotes and was available to bring in other trades when necessary to complete jobs efficiently.
  • gustavo de almeida frança Google profile photogustavo de almeida françaGoogle review · 2 months agoGoogle review
    Eddie is super friendly, helpful, and transparent! Always making sure his clients understand what needs to be done and how much it will cost ahead of time.
  • Cris Reis Google profile photoCris ReisLocal Guide · 3 months agoGoogle review
    Mr. Eddie, as always when we need him, performs the work quickly, accurately, and with great competence. The best one!
  • Flavio Truzzi Google profile photoFlavio TruzziLocal Guide · 4 months agoGoogle review
    I can't recommend Encano Plumbing & Drain enough! They came to replace my dishwasher and immediately ran into a problem left behind by the previous installers, a metal piece that had been incorrectly fitted and was completely blocking access to remove the old unit. Rather than giving up or charging me extra to come back another day, Ed handled it on the spot, cutting through the obstruction efficiently and professionally. What really stood out was how thorough and tidy he was throughout the whole job. He kept the work area clean, and didn't leave me with a mess to deal with, which honestly isn't always a given. On top of that, he went out of his way to help me get rid of the old dishwasher, which saved me a huge headache. This is exactly the kind of tradesperson you want: calm under pressure, resourceful when things don't go to plan, and genuinely helpful beyond just the bare minimum.
  • Makoto Taniguchi Google profile photoMakoto TaniguchiGoogle review · 5 months agoGoogle review
    Eddie was friendly, gave me a good quote, came in early and explained the tasks prior to starting and did an excellent job. Highly recommended.
  • Larissa Rodrigues Google profile photoLarissa RodriguesGoogle review · 6 months agoGoogle review
    Eddie is very responsible! Best plumber in Vancouver area. I called him due to an emergency and he stopped by at the same day. I highly recommend him. 10/10
  • Talitha Nobrega Google profile photoTalitha NobregaGoogle review · 6 months agoGoogle review
    Second time using Encano Company, and Ed was amazing once again! He’s reliable, professional, and gets the job done quickly. Really appreciate the great service highly recommend!
  • Celine Yin Google profile photoCeline YinGoogle review · 9 months agoGoogle review
    Very responsive, on-time and excellent service. Ed is very professional and knowledgeable. He helped us with installation of new hot water tank, garburator, dishwasher, washers/dryers, toilets and removal of the old ones. He also handled any other plumbing concerns we’ve got. He can do them all. Would highly recommend!
  • Nelson Jr Google profile photoNelson JrGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    The best , better than I expected.
  • Karri Lam Google profile photoKarri LamGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    This is a good company 👍👍nice staff, good service, recommend! …
  • Robson Maciel Google profile photoRobson MacielGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Excellent professionals, they resolved everything perfectly, clean, fast and hassle-free work!
  • Celine Yin Google profile photoCeline YinLocal Guide · a year agoGoogle review
    Excellent workmanship, quick response time and reasonable pricing! Would highly recommend.
  • Ana Cecilia Google profile photoAna CeciliaGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Super reliable and professional, I wouldn’t hesitate to call Ed again.
  • Leonardo Sbardelotto Google profile photoLeonardo SbardelottoLocal Guide · a year agoGoogle review
    Always reliable.
  • Ming Lau Google profile photoMing LauGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Amazing company to work with and Eddie is Great . If you want great a Plumbing company , choose them !!!
  • Dezza Google profile photoDezzaGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Dedicated service. 10/10 recommend.
  • Lucas J. Santos Google profile photoLucas J. SantosGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Eddie is an excellent professional, always committed to delivering the best service. Thank you for meeting him!
  • Frederico Lemos Google profile photoFrederico LemosGoogle review · a year agoGoogle review
    Ed is a professional who updates himself in his work area and skillfly manages the service and its challenges.
  • Jay Tee Google profile photoJay TeeLocal Guide · a year agoGoogle review
    Great service! Eddie provided great customer service.
  • Trendfashions VT Google profile photoTrendfashions VTGoogle review · 5 years agoGoogle review
    Eddie had to re-pipe my entire house due to faulty piping. It was a major job. He advised me to install many safety features too, as well as a new shower tower. I would highly recommend him, not only is he knowledgable but pleasant and professional. You are in good hands with canada place plumbing.

Drain Cleaning questions

Straight answers. If yours is not here, text it to us.

It depends on the clog. A snake is ideal for a single blockage like hair, wipes or a food clog close to the fixture. Hydro-jetting is better for grease, scale, sludge and fine roots coated along the pipe walls, because it cleans the full diameter instead of opening a small channel. We often run a camera first, then recommend whichever method the line actually needs.
Not for every clog. A camera is worth it when a drain keeps backing up, when several fixtures are slow at once, when you smell sewer gas, or when you are buying an older Richmond home. It shows roots, cracks, sags and buildup, so you know whether cleaning will solve the problem or whether part of the line needs repair. You see the footage yourself.
Usually grease. Cooking fat, oil and food scraps go down warm, cool in the pipe and harden into layers. Each clog you clear with a plunger leaves most of that layer behind, so the next one comes faster. Snaking opens the line, but jetting the kitchen branch removes the buildup itself. Wiping greasy pans before washing helps it stay clear.
Yes, especially in older Richmond homes with clay or concrete laterals. Roots find the moisture at loose or cracked joints and grow inside the pipe, catching paper and waste until the line closes. Jetting can cut roots out and restore flow, and a camera shows how much damage the joints have. If the pipe is badly broken, we will show you and quote the repair separately.
There is no single schedule, because it depends on soil, landscaping and how the drain tile was installed. In Richmond, with its high water table and silty ground, many homeowners have them checked every few years, and sooner if the sump runs a lot or basement walls feel damp. A camera look at the drain tile tells us whether it needs flushing now.
We suggest skipping them. Harsh chemical cleaners rarely dissolve a real blockage, can be hard on older pipes, and leave caustic water in the line that is unsafe for anyone who opens it afterward. If boiling water and a plunger do not clear a simple sink clog, the next step is a mechanical cleaning that removes the blockage instead of burning a hole in it.
Yes. We work with strata councils and property managers on scheduled maintenance for stacks, main lines and perimeter drains, and with restaurants and small businesses on regular grease line cleaning. Planned cleaning causes far less disruption than an emergency backup in a shared building or a kitchen during service. We quote each program upfront based on the building and how often the lines need attention.

Open now · 24 hours, 7 days

Pipe burst at 2 a.m.? Call or text. We pick up.

Shut the main water valve if you can, then call or text. The Encano team answers 24/7 and tells you what happens next, including the price, before anyone touches a tool.

Call or text (604) 764-2031

Get your drain cleaning price

Tell us what is going on. We reply with next steps and a time, and the price is agreed before any work starts.

Request an estimate

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