Business Details
50 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Boston Plumbing & Drain Experts Since 1976
Since 1976, John's Sewer & Drain Cleaning has been Boston's trusted partner for comprehensive drain solutions. Our family-owned business combines over 50 years of leadership experience with a team of 65+ certified technicians, each completing 400-500 training jobs before independent service. We maintain 24/7 emergency availability with a two-hour response guarantee, serving Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Northern Connecticut. Our specialized focus on drain systems since inception ensures expertise in commercial grease traps, residential sewer lines, and municipal stormwater management.With over 40 years of serving 500+ restaurants and tens of thousands of homes, we implement preventive maintenance programs tailored to property needs while maintaining strict compliance with Clean Water Act regulations. Our investment in advanced technology includes 4,000 psi water jetting equipment and video inspection systems that provide transparent diagnostics. Customer testimonials consistently highlight our technicians' professionalism, clear communication, and cost-effective solutions compared to national competitors.
Services
Drain Cleaning
Water Jetting
Stormwater Management
Video Inspection
Pipe Lining
Catch Basin Cleaning
Sewer Repair
Grease Trap Maintenance
Drain Maintenance Plans
Emergency Plumbing
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 47 years of specialized drain system expertise since 1976
- 24/7 emergency service with guaranteed two-hour response
- 65+ certified technicians with 10-15 years average experience
- Family-owned business with former Roto-Rooter executive leadership
- Transparent video diagnostics and written repair documentation
What people say
Very professional
Courteous technicians
Quick response
Outstanding service
Excellent price
Services
Drain Cleaning
Our drain cleaning service addresses both residential and commercial plumbing blockages using electric snake machines and high-pressure water jets. Technicians remove grease buildup, root intrusions, and solid obstructions from 2-inch household drains to 10-inch commercial lines. With 4,000 psi water jetting equipment and video-guided diagnostics, we clear clogs while preserving pipe integrity. Service includes post-clearance verification and maintenance recommendations.
Water Jetting
High-pressure water jetting removes stubborn blockages and pipe scale buildup in sewer lines. Our 4,000 psi equipment clears roots, grease, and mineral deposits from parking garage drains to main sewer lines. The process scours pipe walls clean while minimizing structural stress. Ideal for preventive maintenance, this service extends system lifespan and prevents emergency backups in commercial kitchens and municipal storm drains.
Stormwater Management
We maintain stormwater systems to meet Clean Water Act regulations. Services include catch basin cleaning, oil/water separator maintenance, and drainage system inspections. Our technicians use vactor trucks for sediment removal and video crawlers to assess underground infrastructure. Commercial clients receive compliance documentation and pollution prevention strategies to avoid regulatory penalties while protecting local waterways from construction site runoff.
Video Inspection
Non-invasive video inspection identifies pipe issues without excavation. A waterproof camera probe examines 2-10 inch diameter lines up to 400 feet long, detecting cracks, root damage, and blockage locations. Real-time footage with depth markers guides repair decisions. Homebuyers use this service for pre-purchase assessments while property managers schedule regular inspections to prevent costly emergencies in multi-unit complexes.
Pipe Lining
Pipe lining offers trenchless sewer repair using resin-coated liners cured in place. This method seals cracks and prevents leaks in main sewer lines without landscape disruption. The cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) creates a durable 50-year solution for damaged clay or cast iron pipes. Commercial clients benefit from minimal downtime during repairs while homeowners avoid yard destruction typically associated with traditional pipe replacement.
People
Larry Gillis
Owner
With over 50 years in the drain cleaning industry, Larry brings extensive leadership experience from his tenure as Roto-Rooter president. He established John's Sewer in 1976, growing it into New England's premier drain solutions provider while maintaining family-owned values and technical excellence.
Scott McDonald
Manager
Leading daily operations for 15 years, Scott ensures service quality across our 65+ technician team. He oversees training programs that require 3-6 months of hands-on instruction before technicians handle service calls independently, maintaining our high service standards.
Shanna Sands
Manager
With 15 years of service, Shanna focuses on customer relations and preventive maintenance programs. She develops customized drain management solutions for commercial clients including restaurants and property management companies, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Questions
How quickly can you respond to emergency plumbing issues?
We guarantee arrival within two hours of your call, operating 24/7 including holidays. Response times may extend during city-wide emergencies but we prioritize same-day service.
What drain maintenance plans do you offer?
We customize maintenance schedules based on property type - monthly for restaurants, bi-annual for residential homes, and quarterly for commercial properties. Plans include inspections and preventive cleaning to avoid emergencies.
Can you service older plumbing systems?
Yes, our technicians handle systems dating back to the 1970s. We assess pipe condition before using water jetting and offer pipe lining solutions for aging infrastructure to prevent rupture risks.
Do you provide documentation after service completion?
Every service includes written reports with video footage (when applicable), repair details, and warranty information. Commercial clients receive compliance documentation for regulatory filings.
What makes your technicians qualified?
Our 65+ technicians complete 3-6 months of hands-on training handling 400-500 jobs before independent service. They average 10-15 years field experience with annual recertification in latest drain technologies and safety protocols.
