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Drain Cleaner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked truck * Collaborate with teammates and continue ... Drain Specialists * 60% conversion rate on new Home Care Club memberships * Minimal callbacks on ...

Whether your experience is in residential plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer diagnostics, or a combination of both, we provide the training, technology, and support to help you build a long-term career.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site * Communicate professionally with homeowners and teammates What We're Looking For * 2+ years of residential drain and sewer installation experience

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site * Communicate professionally with homeowners and teammates What We're Looking For * 2+ years of residential drain and sewer installation experience

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site * Communicate professionally with homeowners and teammates What We're Looking For * 2+ years of residential drain and sewer installation experience

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site * Communicate professionally with homeowners and teammates What We're Looking For * 2+ years of residential drain and sewer installation experience

Be Seen First

We do plenty of driving so a clean driving record is important. Company Description We are a small hydro jetting, drain cleaning and pipelining specific plumbing company. We get along very well and ...

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site * Communicate professionally with homeowners and teammates What We're Looking For * 2+ years of residential drain and sewer installation experience

Plumber/Sewer Cleaning Technician

MI ยท On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

We're looking for experienced Drain Cleaning Technicians, as well as motivated candidates who are ready to learn the trade. If you're dependable, mechanically inclined, comfortable working with ...

Plumber/Sewer Cleaning Technician

MI ยท On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

We're looking for experienced Drain Cleaning Technicians, as well as motivated candidates who are ready to learn the trade. If you're dependable, mechanically inclined, comfortable working with ...

Plumber/Sewer Cleaning Technician

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

We're looking for experienced Drain Cleaning Technicians, as well as motivated candidates who are ready to learn the trade. If you're dependable, mechanically inclined, comfortable working with ...

Plumber/Sewer Cleaning Technician

MI ยท On-site

$65K - $150K/yr

We're looking for experienced Drain Cleaning Technicians, as well as motivated candidates who are ready to learn the trade. If you're dependable, mechanically inclined, comfortable working with ...

Showing results 41-60

Drain Cleaner information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$22

$36

How much do drain cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for drain cleaner in Michigan is $22.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drain cleaner do?

A drain cleaner is a professional who specializes in clearing clogs and blockages from plumbing systems, such as sinks, toilets, and main sewer lines. They use specialized tools and techniques, like drain snakes, augers, and sometimes hydro-jetting equipment, to remove debris and restore proper water flow. Drain cleaners also inspect pipes for damage or recurring issues and may offer advice on preventing future blockages. Their work ensures that residential and commercial plumbing systems function efficiently and safely.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a drain cleaner?

As a drain cleaner, you clear clogs from various types of drains and pipes such as floor drains, sinks, tubs, toilets, and urinals. You typically use equipment like electric snakes, high-velocity water jets, and sewer cameras for inspecting drain lines. More advanced positions have responsibilities involving technical service, such as repairing underground sewers and drains using excavation methods. Other duties include fixing frozen lines and steam thawing. You must maintain a safe work environment by following company rules and any state or local policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drain cleaner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drain Cleaner, you need a good understanding of plumbing systems, manual dexterity, and problem-solving abilities, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with drain cleaning machines, augers, pipe inspection cameras, and sometimes relevant safety certifications is typically required. Strong customer service skills, reliability, and attention to detail help set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, safety, and customer satisfaction when resolving plumbing issues.

What are some common challenges that drain cleaners face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Drain Cleaners often encounter challenges such as working in confined or awkward spaces, exposure to unpleasant odors, and dealing with tough blockages that require specialized tools. Staying up-to-date with the latest equipment and safety protocols helps address these challenges. Additionally, effective communication with clients and team members ensures the job is completed safely and efficiently, while wearing proper protective gear minimizes health risks.

What is the difference between Drain Cleaner vs Plumber?

AspectDrain CleanerPlumber
Credentials/CertificationsTypically no formal certification required, but some may have training or licensesRequires plumbing license and certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily performs cleaning and unclogging tasks, often in residential or commercial settingsPerforms installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems in various settings
Industry UsageUsed mainly for drain cleaning and minor repairsInvolved in comprehensive plumbing services including repairs, installations, and inspections

Drain cleaners focus on clearing clogs and cleaning drains, often with specialized tools or chemicals. Plumbers have broader responsibilities, including installing and repairing plumbing systems, and typically hold certifications. While drain cleaners may work independently or for cleaning services, plumbers are licensed professionals providing a wide range of plumbing solutions.

Do you have to be licensed to be a drain cleaner?

In many areas, drain cleaners do not need a specific license to perform basic cleaning tasks, but some jurisdictions require licensing or certification for specialized or plumbing-related work. It is important to check local regulations, as licensing requirements can vary by location and the scope of work involved.

How much do drain cleaners make per hour?

Drain cleaners typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for a company or independently. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially in commercial or industrial settings.

How much does a drain cleaner get paid?

Drain cleaners typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $15 to $25, with experienced workers or those in specialized environments earning higher pay. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and whether they work for a company or independently, and many positions require knowledge of plumbing tools and safety procedures.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Drain Cleaner jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Drain Cleaner job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Drain Cleaner jobs in MI?

For Drain Cleaner jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drain Cleaner job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,809 per year, or $23 per hour.

Drain Technician

Thornton & Grooms

Farmington Hills, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Dran Technician
Drain Technician

Do you enjoy solving problems, working with your hands, and helping homeowners? Join Thornton amp; Grooms as a Drain Maintenance Technician Apprentice and provide 5-star service restoring the flow of clogged drains while building a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

What You'll Do
  • Run preventative maintenance and residential drain service calls (4โ€“6 per day)
  • Clear clogs in sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, floor drains, stacks, and roof vents
  • Work from home using ServiceTitan on an iPad and a company vehicle
  • Perform drain-clearing tasks, including pulling and resetting toilets, and assisting with roof vent clearing
  • Refer customers to Drain Specialists when additional work is needed
  • Offer Home Care Club memberships to customers
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked truck
  • Collaborate with teammates and continue developing your plumbing trade knowledge
  • Participate in a rotating on-call and weekend schedule
Key Performance Indicators
  • 60% conversion rate on referrals to Drain Specialists
  • 60% conversion rate on new Home Care Club memberships
  • Minimal callbacks on completed work
  • Maintain a customer NPS score of 9.3 or higher
What you bring
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Valid driver's license
  • Registered Plumbing Apprentice (or willingness to become one)
  • Ability to lift and carry 100 lbs repeatedly throughout the day
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn through hands-on training
Benefits
  • No overnight on-call โ€” your personal time is protected
  • Truck with gas card
  • Limited Saturday commitments โ€” we respect work-life balance
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • 401k with company match (Up to 4%)
  • On-Site Medical Clinic โ€” real healthcare access without the hassle
  • Ongoing training and a clear path for career advancement
  • A company that has been trusted by Metro Detroit homeowners since 1937
Employment Requirements

Must successfully pass:

  • 9-panel drug screening
  • Background check
  • Clean motor vehicle record for the past three years
Our Mission

To be ever building the professionalism, integrity, and honor of the trades.

Our Core Values
  • Love
  • Team
  • Professionalism
  • Today

If you're looking for a careerโ€”not just a jobโ€”and want to grow with an award-winning team that values people, professionalism, and excellence, we'd love to hear from you.