Prior to any digging or repair project
Prior to any digging or repair project to confirm exactly where the line runs and how deep it is
OUR SERVICES
Professional Drain Locating Services in Iowa, Michigan & Missouri
Know exactly where your drain and sewer lines run before digging, repairing, or remodeling. Precision electronic locating for homeowners and contractors across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri.
- 4.9-star Google rating
- Same day & emergency service
- Licensed in Iowa, Michigan & Missouri
- Fully stocked local trucks
OVERVIEW
Fast, Reliable Drain Locating
Across Iowa, Michigan & Missouri
Digging without knowing where a pipe runs is a gamble - and often an expensive one. Excavating in the wrong place can mean unnecessary damage to landscaping, flooring, or hardscaping, along with added labor and repair costs. Professional drain locating removes that uncertainty by identifying the exact path and depth of your drain or sewer line before any work begins.
Clog Busters provides specialized drain locating services across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri using professional-grade electronic equipment. Owner Jarod Smith leads an independently operated business focused on accurate diagnostics, whether for homeowners planning a remodel, contractors preparing for excavation, or buyers evaluating a property. Locating is often performed alongside repair or inspection work, ensuring every decision is based on precise information. Service is available from our local branches in Des Moines, North Liberty, and Oskaloosa, Iowa; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
All work is performed to the plumbing codes adopted in each state and community we serve.
WHEN YOU NEED LOCATING
When Homeowners and Contractors Need Drain Locating
Across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri, these are the most common signs it’s time to bring in a drain professional.
Before installing landscaping features
Before installing landscaping features like patios, fences, or irrigation systems that could intersect with underground plumbing
Ahead of remodeling work
Ahead of remodeling work where existing drain lines need to be identified before cutting into floors or walls
When a cleanout has been buried or covered
When a cleanout has been buried or covered and needs to be found without unnecessary excavation
To verify the route of the sewer lateral
To verify the route of the sewer lateral from the home to the street before purchasing or planning major repairs
After a camera inspection has identified a problem
After a camera inspection has identified a problem, so the exact repair location can be marked above ground
THE COMPLETE PICTURE
Drain Locating and Camera Inspection: The Complete Picture
Camera inspection reveals what’s happening inside the pipe - blockages, damage, or wear - while drain locating shows exactly where those issues are positioned underground. Used together, these services give a complete understanding of both the problem and its location. This allows repairs to be planned with precision, avoiding unnecessary digging and reducing project scope. Clog Busters can perform both services during the same visit when needed, giving homeowners and contractors a clear, actionable plan.
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01
Prevents Backups
Clearing buildup reduces the risk of wastewater backing up into your home.
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02
Maintains Flow
Removing debris keeps water moving freely through the entire system.
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03
Reduces Recurring Clogs
Fixing the root cause stops the same clog from coming back.
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04
Extends System Life
Clear lines reduce stress and wear on pipes and fixtures.
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05
Catches Issues Early
Small problems get found before they become serious repairs.
WHY CLOG BUSTERS
Why Homeowners and Contractors Choose Clog Busters
Drain locating is performed using dedicated electronic equipment designed for accuracy - not guesswork. Clog Busters is licensed and insured, independently owned by Jarod Smith, and trusted across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri with a 4.9-star rating from nearly 2,800 Google reviews. When needed, locating can be paired with camera inspection in a single visit, giving a complete diagnostic view before any work begins.
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Focused Expertise Drain, sewer, and plumbing specialists. This is all we do.
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Licensed & Insured Fully licensed and insured plumbing professionals.
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Locally Owned & Operated Owned and operated by Jarod Smith, with local branches in Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri.
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4.9★ · 3,000+ Reviews A proven local reputation across Google reviews.
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HomeAdvisor Approved Screened & Approved for your peace of mind.
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Pro-Grade Equipment Professional drain cleaning and camera inspection tools.
How Clog Busters Locates Drain and Sewer Lines Across Iowa, Michigan & Missouri
A clear, proven process, from the first inspection to a verified fix.
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The Equipment
Drain locating relies on a transmitter and receiver system designed to trace underground lines. A signal is sent through the pipe - either directly or via a camera cable - and a surface receiver tracks that signal from above ground. This allows the technician to follow the pipe’s exact route, including turns and connection points that can’t be seen from the surface.
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What Gets Located and Mapped
The process identifies the full path of the drain line across the property, along with depth measurements at key points. Cleanouts, bends, and junctions are located and marked above ground so excavation or repair can be planned with accuracy. This information can also be documented for future reference.
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Pipe Material Considerations
Locating works most effectively when a transmitter can travel through the line. In cases where non-metallic pipes like PVC are present, a camera may first be inserted to carry the signal through the system. The approach is adjusted based on the pipe type and access points available.
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Depth and Accuracy
Professional locating equipment provides reliable positioning and depth readings in most residential settings. However, factors like nearby utilities, soil conditions, and signal interference can influence results. An experienced technician accounts for these variables and provides a professional assessment that is highly accurate for planning work, though not intended as a formal survey.
4.9
4.9-star Google rating
FAQ
FAQs
Still stuck? Call the local crew at (888) 231-7553.
Modern locating equipment provides dependable depth and position readings in most situations. While underground conditions can influence results slightly, experienced technicians account for these factors to deliver highly reliable guidance for excavation and repair.
Yes. Access can often be gained through a fixture or by using a camera cable to introduce the locating signal into the line.
Most residential drain locating jobs are completed within 30 to 90 minutes, depending on property size and the complexity of the system.
Yes. The path and depth of the line are marked above ground so any future work can proceed accurately.
Yes. The company is fully licensed and insured to perform drain locating services across Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri
Serving Iowa, Michigan & Missouri.
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout the entire Des Moines, Iowa, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, metro area, providing reliable and dedicated service tailored to meet the unique needs of our community.
- Des Moines Headquarters
- Clive
- Johnston
- West Des Moines Including Valley Junction
- Waukee
- Pleasant Hill
- Ankeny
- Altoona
- Urbandale
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- Grand Rapids Branch office
- Wyoming
- Kentwood
- Walker
- Grandville
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Rockford
- Holland
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- Lake Ozark Branch office
- Osage Beach
- Camdenton
- Eldon
- Kaiser
- Linn Creek
- Sunrise Beach
- Village of Four Seasons
- Laurie
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