Save Money by Preventing Business Shutdowns with Drain King

Today, let’s talk about proactive drain care maintenance. I know—it’s not the most glamorous topic, and you might be thinking, “I’ve run my business for years without a single drain issue. Why worry now?” If that’s the case, it’s easy to see why proactive drain maintenance might not feel like a priority.

But here’s the truth: the aftermath of a full-scale sewer backup can be devastating for a business—and it’s entirely preventable.

When a plumbing issue arises, the costs go far beyond the price of repairs. A backed-up drain or burst pipe doesn’t just damage furniture and drywall—it can seriously tarnish your reputation. Customers might wonder if your sudden closure was due to a health violation or something equally alarming. Worse, if they find out it was a sewer backup, will they trust you enough to return?

Even loyal customers don’t always come back immediately. Habits change, and your business could face weeks—or months—of slower revenue as you try to rebuild trust. Add to that the potential loss of employee morale, salaries paid for downtime, and the struggle to retain staff, and the ripple effects of a plumbing failure can feel endless.

The reality is that plumbing failures are a leading cause of business downtime, especially in industries like hospitality. Studies show that 25% of downtime in this sector is caused by plumbing issues—and these problems take the longest to repair. Without a proper maintenance plan, minor issues can escalate into emergencies that require significant time, money, and effort to resolve.

This is why proactive maintenance matters. With Drain King, you can avoid the chaos and expense of unexpected shutdowns. Our professional maintenance services are designed to keep your plumbing system in top condition, identifying and addressing potential problems before they spiral out of control.

We work on your schedule, inspecting and cleaning drains during non-business hours to minimize disruption. This proactive approach saves money, reduces repair costs, protects your reputation, and keeps your business running smoothly.

You wouldn’t drive on bald tires or ignore a flickering light in your store—so why take chances with your plumbing system? Drain King ensures your drains are clean, your systems are functioning, and your business is protected from costly interruptions.

Take the proactive step today and save money by preventing tomorrow’s emergencies. With Drain King, you’ll operate with confidence, knowing your business is safeguarded against the unexpected.

What Would Cause Sewer Smells to Come Into the House?

Overpowering and unpleasant sewer smell inside the house can be the result of numerous failures. The sewage disposal system depends on other systems like plumbing, vent and trap systems in order to function correctly.

Smelly Odor In Home
Smelly Odor in Home

Sewage waste, when degraded by bacteria (which has a vile odor of its own, as well), releases various pungent gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide. In addition to the strong offensive odor, these gases can be combustible and hazardous.

The possible causes include:

  1. Incorrect or a lack of vents in the traps - Vents on a drain let the sewer gases exit the drain system without coming into the house through plumbing fixtures while the traps form an airlock seal against sewer gases that prevent them from entering the home.
  2. A clogged drain – doesn't allow the odors to get to the vents, which will force them into your home.
  3. Improperly assembled toilet - broken seals around the toilet that allow water to leak or dry out the traps which will cause the odor. An airtight seal between the toilet and floor is absolutely vital in preventing sewer smell from coming indoors. Old, rotting or damp wood can also be blamed.
  4. Leaky, faulty pipes, especially if they are old cast iron – Gasses can collect inside the pipes and escape into the house.
  5. Low water level in the toilet – is another possible cause especially in toilets that don’t get used often.

These are just a few reasons why you may be smelling sewer inside the house. Please contact us at Drain King, where our professionals can determine the exact cause of the sewer smell and eliminate it. It is important to note that sewer smells are dangerous. You and your family should not be exposed to them for long periods of time.

Winter Preparation for Your Plumbing

Ice Dam
Ice Dam on a commercial building

No homeowner wants to deal with frozen pipes in the middle of winter. They are messy and expensive to take care of, as well as inconvenient. Water expands as it freezes, causing tremendous pressure in whatever contains it. Sometimes the pressure is so great, it causes the container to burst. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your pipes and avoid the headache of fixing leaky plumbing in freezing temperatures.

  • Drain water from garden hoses, sprinkler pipes and swimming pool supply lines, and store them indoors.
  • Check indoor pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages. When possible, insulate the pipes with UL-listed heat tape or pipe sleeves. Newspaper can also be used, although it offers less protection.
  • Have your home's exterior walls insulated. Make sure windows and doors are caulked and sealed to avoid drafts. Close attic and crawl space doors.
  • Keep warm air circulating around the pipes by leaving cabinet doors open under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms.
  • If you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time, set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
  • Make sure heat vents are open and unobstructed by furniture.
  • Change furnace filters regularly to ensure that heat will be distributed properly to all areas of your house.
  • Let a small amount of water trickle through the pipes that are in unheated spaces or outdoor walls. Running water doesn't freeze.

Know where the master shutoff valve is. It is almost always located near an outdoor water meter or indoor appliance (furnace, washing machine, water heater, etc.). Paint it a bright color so it is easily identifiable, and show each member of your family where it is and how to turn it off. Sometimes, no matter how many precautions are taken, the pipes still freeze. If a water line is broken, you may not notice a leak until the ice melts. That leak may manifest as a trickle or a gush, but it's best to know how to stop the flow of water before it turns into a flood.

Sewer and Drain Cleaning Experts Video

Drain King Incorporated your 24/7 sewer cleaning and drain cleaning expert for the Minneapolis and St. Paul. From septic pumping to drain excavation, clogged sewer drains, and clogged storm drains. Whether it's residential or commercial call the King! Drain King! 763-786-3000

Commercial and residential sewer line televising and locating services, water jetting services, hot water jetting services, grease trap pumping services, grease trap repair, sump pump installation. Your satisfaction guaranteed!

Emergency Drain Cleaning Video

When a drain emergency strikes, time is of the essence. Waiting for unreliable companies can make the situation even worse, leading to additional damage and frustration. At Drain King, we understand the urgency of drain emergencies, and we’re committed to providing fast, reliable, 24-hour service across Minneapolis. Whether it’s a clogged sink or a frozen roof drain, we’re ready to take your call anytime – day or night.

Why Choose Drain King for Your Emergency Drain Cleaning Needs?

When you’re dealing with a drain emergency, selecting the right service provider is crucial. Here’s why Drain King has become a trusted choice in Minneapolis for emergency drain cleaning:

  1. Immediate Availability: We’re here 24/7, every single day of the year.
  2. Skilled Technicians: Our team is highly trained, experienced, and well-equipped to handle a wide range of drain issues with accuracy and care.
  3. Fully Prepared: We bring all the necessary tools and expertise directly to your door, so you don’t have to worry about gathering supplies or making extra trips to the store.
  4. Trusted by Clients: Our website features testimonials and references from satisfied clients who have experienced the difference of choosing Drain King in their time of need.
  5. Comprehensive Service Across the Minneapolis Metro Area: We proudly service the entire Minneapolis metro area, ensuring that our expertise is available to all, no matter where the emergency occurs.

When to Call Drain King: Emergency Situations We Handle

Drain issues can strike when you least expect them and knowing when to call in an expert can save you both time and stress. Here are some of the most common drain emergencies we handle:

  • Clogged Drains: Whether it’s your kitchen sink, bathtub, or shower, a clog can disrupt your daily routine and quickly become a nuisance. Our team can clear it fast, using effective methods to get your drains back in working order.
  • Burst or Frozen Pipes: Minnesota winters can be brutal, often resulting in frozen pipes that can crack or burst, causing water damage. Our team is equipped to address these issues quickly, minimizing potential damage to your property.
  • Frozen Roof Drains: Roof drains are essential for protecting your property from water accumulation, especially during winter. A frozen roof drain can lead to severe water pooling and ice dams. We can clear these drains to ensure proper water flow and prevent roof damage.
  • Backed-Up Toilets and Sinks: Few things are as disruptive as a backed-up toilet or sink. These situations often require urgent attention, and our team is ready to address them effectively.
  • Blocked Parking Lot Drains: For commercial properties, a blocked parking lot drain can lead to flooding, creating hazards for vehicles and pedestrians. We handle both residential and commercial drain emergencies with equal dedication, ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

No matter the issue, our team has the skills, tools, and dedication to resolve it swiftly. Call 763-786-3000 for immediate assistance or use our online 24/7 Quick Service Request Form to reach us at any hour.

Experience the Drain King Difference: Commitment, Care, and Quality Service

Emergencies can be stressful and chaotic, but with Drain King, you have a team that understands how to handle high-pressure situations with expertise and precision. When you call us, you’re choosing a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction, thorough work, and timely solutions. We’re committed to addressing your drain issue quickly and effectively, so you can go back to enjoying your home or running your business smoothly.

Our goal is to provide a high standard of care and quality, treating each drain emergency with the attention it deserves. With Drain King, you can trust that we’ll not only fix the issue at hand but also take steps to help prevent future problems.