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Drain Repair in Des Moines, IA

Camera diagnosis and permanent repair for broken, cracked, and collapsed drain lines in Des Moines. Spot repairs, section replacement, and full lateral work.

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OVERVIEW

Drain Repair in Des Moines

Drain repair starts where drain cleaning stops. When a line keeps blocking no matter how often it is cleared, the pipe itself is the problem, and clearing it again rents a solution rather than buying one. We camera the line in Des Moines first, identify exactly what has failed and where it sits, then repair that and nothing more.

The city belongs to the regional wastewater authority and is also its contracted operator, but none of that covers the private lateral between your building and the city main. That pipe belongs to the property owner, and in 1960s housing it is usually the oldest thing on the lot.

All work is performed in compliance with the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the State of Iowa.

Clog Busters plumber repairing kitchen faucet

WHEN A LINE NEEDS REPAIR

Signs a Des Moines Drain Line Needs Repair

Cleaning fixes blockages. These symptoms say the pipe itself has failed.

A Clog That Always Comes Back

A line cleared three times in a year is not a blockage problem. Something structural is catching debris, and cleaning it again will not change that.

Water Standing Inside the Pipe

A belly, meaning a low section holding water, shows clearly on camera. Waste settles there instead of flowing, and it will keep doing so.

Soggy Ground or Bright Grass Over the Line

A leaking lateral feeds the lawn above it. A green stripe across an otherwise ordinary yard is worth investigating properly.

Movement in a Slab or Foundation

A line leaking under a slab washes out the material supporting it. That becomes a structural problem long before anyone calls a plumber.

A Line Nobody Has Ever Inspected

Plenty of houses here are still on original 1960s laterals that have never had a camera in them. Age by itself is a reason to look.

Odor From Older Venting

Shared and atmospheric venting is common in this housing stock, and a vent fault shows up as smell or sluggish drainage rather than a visible leak.

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DRAIN REPAIR SERVICES

Drain Repairs We Handle in Des Moines

From a single failed section to a full lateral replacement.

  1. 01

    Camera Diagnosis and Locating

    Every repair starts here. We find the fault and mark its position and depth from the surface before anyone picks up a shovel.

  2. 02

    Spot Repairs

    Where one section has failed and the rest of the run is sound, we replace that section rather than the whole line.

  3. 03

    Root Intrusion Repair

    Cutting roots restores flow but leaves the opening. Repairing the joint they came through is what stops them returning next season.

  4. 04

    Belly and Grade Correction

    A low section holding water has to be re-laid to proper fall. Cleaning it only empties it until the next time water runs.

  5. 05

    Full Lateral Replacement

    When the camera shows failure along the length of the pipe rather than at one point, replacing the run is the honest recommendation.

  6. 06

    Cleanout Installation

    Many older lines have no accessible cleanout. Adding one makes every future service call faster and less invasive.

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WHY CLOG BUSTERS

Why Des Moines Property Owners Trust Our Repairs

  • We Diagnose Before We Dig Excavating on a guess is expensive. We locate the fault precisely and mark it, so the hole goes exactly where the problem is.
  • Spot Repair Where That Works We are not hunting for the biggest possible job. If one section has failed, that is what we quote.
  • Camera Footage Both Ways Before, to prove the fault. After, to prove the repair. You see both rather than taking our word.
  • Licensed Iowa Plumbers Licensed through the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board and working to the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code the state has adopted.
  • We Pull the Permit Permits run through the city Permit and Development Center, and filing one is part of the job rather than something you chase afterward.
  • Drains Are the Whole Job We are a drain and sewer company first. This is not a sideline bolted onto furnace work.
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How We Repair a Drain Line in Des Moines

Find the fault precisely, repair only what has failed, and verify it afterward.

  1. Camera and Locate

    We put a camera through the line and mark the fault from the surface, so any excavation sits over the actual problem rather than a guess.

  2. Identify the Failure

    Crack, offset joint, belly, root intrusion, or collapse. Each has a different repair and a different cost, and you are told which before anything starts.

  3. Permit and Code

    Des Moines issues plumbing permits through its Permit and Development Center, and the work is done to the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code Iowa has adopted.

  4. Repair or Replace the Section

    A spot repair where one section has failed, a longer replacement where the pipe is failing along its length. We do not default to the larger job.

  5. Camera Again and Restore

    A second camera pass confirms grade and flow before anything is closed up, then the site is backfilled and put back.

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REVIEWS

Hear From Some Of Our Customers

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

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4.9 4.9-star Google rating

“Max did a great job with our plumbing issue. He came same day and was very helpful an communicated every step of the way. Cleaned everything up when he was done. Will definitely call them for future issues.”

Lisa Morales

“I had my furnace inspected for fall maintenance today, and the tech mentioned my drain was backing up - not exactly the news I wanted to hear! I called Clog Busters and they had someone out within the hour, which already impressed me. Max was the technician, and he was absolutely splendid. He took the time to explain everything thoroughly without being condescending about it, which I really appreciated. He was clean and respectful of my home and belongings the entire time he was here.”

Sheree Clark

“Jordan Rambo was amazing he spent the extra time cleaning up area and taught me what I should and shouldn’t do for drains he was professional, extremely knowledgeable and polite. I would recommend him any time !”

Thomas Downin

“I live in an area with a lot of tree roots and need to get my sewer drain augered regularly. when jordan came to issue me a quote he also gave me so much information other businesses hadn’t. after he was finished completing the service he cleaned up after himself and gave me a thorough synopsis.”

Doña Andrade

“Rambo, was outstanding! If I could give 10 stars I would! Did everything he could to help and explain everything where I could understand!”

Elly Hawk

“Nick did an amazing job at our house today 8-29-2026. He was very informative, professional and answered all our questions. Couldn't ask for anything better.”

Bruce Cordes

“Rambo did a great job. Took care of us and gave tips on how to unclog myself next time. Fast service.”

Amy Debassige

“Caleb and Noah were a lifesaver. Needed the kitchen drain cleaned after guests ran potato peels down the disposal on Christmas Day. They take emergency calls and made sure I didn't have to wash Christmas dishes in the bathtub.”

Paul Vincent

“Max showed up and cleared a clog from our kitchen sink drain. He was professional, prompt and honest with pricing. He found a larger issue that he provided quotes for, and was able to complete that work the same day. Thank you Max”

Michael Podzimek

“Efficient, professional and knowledgeable service. Jordan and Evan did a fantastic job for us. Highly recommend!”

Nick DeRocher

FAQ

Drain Repair FAQs for Des Moines

Still stuck? Call the Des Moines shop at (515) 259-1991.

A camera answers it in one visit. If the line is sound and simply blocked, cleaning is the fix. If the footage shows a crack, an offset joint, a belly, or missing pipe, cleaning only buys time.

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Des Moines metro homeowners rely on Clog Busters for clear, honest drain repairs. Licensed in Iowa and backed by nearly 2,800 five-star reviews, with recommendations focused on what makes the most sense for your home.

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