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Drain Cleaner Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Mr. Rooter

Drain Cleaner

Warwick, RI · On-site

As a Drain Cleaning service professional, you'll be doing something that matters! At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you don't need prior plumbing experience or licenses to join our team. (But if you have some ...

Superior Comfort

Drain Technician

Bristol, RI · On-site

Drain Cleaning & Clearing - Perform residential drain cleaning using cable machines, high-pressure jetting equipment, and other tools to clear blockages in sinks, tubs, toilets, main lines, and sewer ...

Superior Comfort

Drain Technician

Bristol, RI · On-site

Drain Cleaning & Clearing - Perform residential drain cleaning using cable machines, highpressure jetting equipment, and other tools to clear blockages in sinks, tubs, toilets, main lines, and sewer ...

Superior Comfort

Drain Technician

Bristol, RI

Drain Cleaning & Clearing - Perform residential drain cleaning using cable machines, highpressure jetting equipment, and other tools to clear blockages in sinks, tubs, toilets, main lines, and sewer ...

J&O Plumbing LLC

Journeyman Plumber

Warwick, RI

Skilled tradesman with experience in rough plumbing, service , drain cleaning !! Pride and Integrity in work. Company Description Family company No on-call No weekends If you want overtime, this is ...

Care New England Health System

HVAC Assistant

Warwick, RI · On-site

$36K - $37K/yr

System Maintenance: Assist with cleaning coils, clearing drain lines, and replacing air filters: Load and unload HVAC units, tools, and supplies. Prepare the worksite by laying down tarps and ...

Care New England Health System

HVAC Assistant

Warwick, RI · On-site

$36K - $37K/yr

System Maintenance: Assist with cleaning coils, clearing drain lines, and replacing air filters: Load and unload HVAC units, tools, and supplies. Prepare the worksite by laying down tarps and ...

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All JobsDrain Cleaner JobsDrain Cleaner Jobs in Rhode Island

Drain Cleaner information

See Rhode Island salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do drain cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for drain cleaner in Rhode Island is $25.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $32.26 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.
More about Drain Cleaner jobs

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

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

What job categories do people searching Drain Cleaner jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Drain Cleaner jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Drain Cleaner jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Drain Cleaner job openings:

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

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

Drain Cleaner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drain Cleaner job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,717 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Drain Cleaner

Mr. Rooter Plumbing Of Rhode Island

Warwick, RI • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

If you are looking for a new career where you can get coaching and training for a job that’s in demand, we are looking for you!

Apply today to join the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are looking for the best people to join our team.

You may have never thought about plumbing and drainage as a career, but it’s a job that pays extremely well! Plumbing is a very important service work that’s always needed, even in times of economic uncertainty. As a Drain Cleaning service professional, you’ll be doing something that matters!

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, you don’t need prior plumbing experience or licenses to join our team. (But if you have some, that’s a plus!)

We’ll teach you everything you need to know to get started in a career in this industry. Within as soon as 90 days, you will be a trained service professional in the plumbing and drainage industry, running your own service calls.

Plus, you’ll be on a career path for more advanced plumbing skills and credentials that will give you future job security and an opportunity to grow your income. That’s why this is the best general labor job on the planet!


How to Know if You Are a Good Fit for this Service Professional Position

This drain cleaner job isn’t for everyone. It can be hard work, long days, indoors and out, and you’ll work in various conditions. If you like what you see below, keep reading:

· You like interacting with people. You’ll be the face of our company and will communicate with homeowners daily, solving their troublesome problems and saving the day. Plus, you’ll be part of the team here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

· You like the autonomy of working alone. After your initial training, you’ll be in your own company-provided van. You’ll make your own calls, helping homeowners determine the best solution for their plumbing problems.

· You are patient and persistent. You like figuring things out and don’t get frustrated easily. You’re willing to take the time to explain things and help people and see something through.

· You like working with tools and technology. You’ll need to be comfortable using a variety of different hand tools and power tools. You’ll also work with digital technology such as iPads and software applications. We’ll teach you the best way to use every tool required to perform the work.

· You aren’t afraid to get dirty. You like working with your hands, and don’t mind dealing with the job’s more challenging and physical aspects. Occasionally, you’ll be dealing with gross discoveries and bad smells, but you’ll work to help homeowners restore safe and functional homes.

· And afterward, you like to clean up. You take pride in your appearance and bring professionalism to your game. You’ll wear the Mr. Rooter uniform, which identifies you to our customers as one of the best in the industry.

You appreciate a great coach. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we give our employees the training and coaching they need every day. We’ll show you multiple ways and different options for opportunities to grow your career in the plumbing industry.


Here’s What You’ll Be Responsible For

Initially, you’ll team up with a more experienced tech to train on the knowledge and skills you’ll need to perform. Once you are up to speed, you’ll be the face of the company and critical in providing an excellent experience for our customers.

You’ll provide crucial services for our customers’ homes and families. Here are the things you’ll be responsible for:

· Communicating with the Customer – You’ll meet customers who contact us to help solve problems in their homes with their drainage and plumbing systems.

· Diagnosing the Issue – Once you thoroughly investigate and diagnose the issue, you’ll offer the homeowner options to solve the problem.

· Completing Whole Home Plumbing Inspections – You’ll offer and conduct whole home plumbing inspections, discovering other or potential issues. No one likes needing to call a plumber, so our customers appreciate our proactive suggestions to solve major problems before they happen.

· Providing Repair and Maintenance Services – You’ll do things like clearing drains of clogs and other tasks. You’ll tag-team with licensed plumbers on our team who will perform the work only a licensed professional is authorized to do.

· Following Our Mr. Rooter Plumbing Process – You’ll follow our proven process, from greeting the customer to collecting payment.


How We Measure Success at Mr. Rooter Plumbing

The team is collaborative and competitive here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing and we keep our eyes on the numbers to ensure everyone wins. There’s even a physical scoreboard at the office so that we can celebrate the victories.


Here are some of the things we measure:

Offering and Delivering Solutions – We educate our customers thoroughly and give them the best options to solve their current issues, plus to prevent more problems in the future. Then, we follow through to take care of their plumbing needs.

Quality Workmanship – We make sure we get it done right, the first time.

Operating Efficiently – We stay productive with our time and carefully use materials to avoid waste.

High Customer Satisfaction – We collect customer feedback through surveys and Google reviews that we tie back to each service call. We are proud to maintain high scores for our brand and our location.


Job Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements to be considered for this General Labor position:

· Must be able to lift at least 45 lbs., bend, stoop, and crawl into confined spaces.

· Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable – you’ll be driving our company vehicle

Must pass a drug test and complete D.O.T. exam


How We Take Care of Our Team Members

· Paid Training – We make sure that you have the knowledge and skills to grow in your career.

· Branded Company-Provided Vehicle – After you are on your own, you’ll be driving your own van.

· iPad and Software - We use state-of-the-art technology and software to make onsite customer interactions faster and easier.

· Paid Time Off

· Benefits Package

The pay range for this position is based on your level of experience doing similar work.

After the initial training period, you will earn generous commissions based on your overall performance, additional work performed, and job profitability.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we value helping our team members build long-lasting careers in the plumbing industry, starting from general labor positions all the way to team leaders or licensed plumbers.

If you’re ready to join our talented & enthusiastic team that shows up ready to crush goals, it is time to take the next step! APPLY TODAY!


Apply