Business Details
50 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Drain & Sewer Solutions in Minneapolis
John's Sewer & Drain Cleaning has been a trusted name in drain solutions since 1976, serving Minneapolis and surrounding areas with unwavering commitment to quality and customer care. Founded on decades of industry expertise, our family-owned business is led by Larry Gillis, a seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience in drain management. Our team of more than 35 trained technicians provides 24/7 emergency services, leveraging advanced technology like high-pressure water jetting and video inspection to resolve complex drainage issues. We specialize in residential, commercial, and industrial drain cleaning, offering tailored maintenance programs to prevent costly backups and ensure long-term system reliability.With a focus on community values and technical excellence, we have completed thousands of jobs annually, earning the trust of homeowners, property managers, and restaurant operators across the Twin Cities. Our promise of rapid response within two hours and transparent communication underscores our dedication to being more than just a service providerwe are your neighbor in need.
Services
Drain Cleaning
Water Jetting
Stormwater Management
Video Inspection
Emergency Drain Cleaning
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency drain cleaning services with a two-hour response guarantee.
- Our technicians undergo 3-6 months of training and average 10-15 years of experience.
- We utilize advanced technology including 4,000 psi water jetting and video inspection systems.
- Family-owned business with 50+ years of leadership experience in drain management.
- Proven track record serving over 500 restaurants and tens of thousands of homes annually.
What people say
Courteous and professional
Showed up in under an hour
Explained the service and charges
Totally efficient and reassuring
Recommended without reservation
Services
Drain Cleaning
Our drain cleaning services utilize commercial-grade electric snakes and high-pressure water jets to remove blockages caused by grease, debris, and tree roots. Technicians diagnose clogs using video inspection before applying targeted solutions. This service prevents costly backups in residential, commercial, and industrial settings while maintaining system longevity through preventive maintenance programs.
Water Jetting
High-pressure water jetting employs 4,000 psi streams to thoroughly clean sewer and drain lines by removing scale, grease, and root intrusions. This method is ideal for commercial kitchens, parking garages, and storm drain systems where buildup accumulates rapidly. Water jetting provides a non-invasive solution that restores optimal flow capacity without damaging pipes.
Stormwater Management
We maintain stormwater drainage systems including catch basins, area drains, and water quality units to prevent flooding and environmental contamination. Our technicians clean debris traps, inspect piping integrity, and ensure compliance with municipal regulations. Regular maintenance prevents property damage during heavy rainfall events and extends infrastructure lifespan.
Video Inspection
Using specialized cameras, we perform real-time video inspections of drain and sewer lines to identify cracks, blockages, and root infiltration. The system records footage for customer review and precise problem localization. This technology enables accurate diagnosis without destructive excavation, reducing repair costs and downtime.
Emergency Drain Cleaning
Our emergency response team operates 24 hours daily, arriving within two hours of service calls to address urgent drain backups. Equipped with portable jetting units and diagnostic tools, technicians resolve critical issues in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This service minimizes property damage and operational disruptions through rapid intervention.
People
Larry Gillis
Owner
With over 50 years of experience in drain management, Larry Gillis leads John's Sewer & Drain Cleaning as founder and president. His prior leadership at Roto-Rooter franchises informs our technical standards and customer service philosophy.
Scott McDonald
Manager
Scott McDonald oversees daily operations with 15 years of experience managing drain cleaning services. His expertise ensures consistent service quality across residential and commercial projects while maintaining technician training standards.
Shanna Sands
Manager
Shanna Sands contributes 15 years of field experience to customer service operations. She focuses on client communication and service coordination, ensuring prompt resolution of drainage issues while maintaining community partnerships.
Questions
How quickly can you respond to emergency drain issues?
We aim to arrive within two hours of your call, 24/7, though severe weather may occasionally delay response times.
Do you offer warranties for drain cleaning services?
Yes, we provide 1-3 month warranties depending on the service performed. Ask for details when scheduling your appointment.
What equipment do your technicians use?
We use electric snakes, 4,000 psi water jets, and video inspection cameras to diagnose and resolve drain issues efficiently.
How do you train your drain cleaning technicians?
New technicians train 3-6 months under experienced mentors, completing 400-500 jobs before independent service calls.
Why is preventive drain maintenance important?
Regular maintenance prevents costly backups, extends system lifespan, and avoids property damage from unexpected clogs in homes and businesses.
