Plumbing problems always seem to happen at the worst time – holidays, middle of the night right before a big day, when out of town guests are staying over; we’ve all been through it.
A clogged tub or overflowing toilet, a blocked sewer line, or a root intrusion can turn a normal day into a disaster. ‘Professional Drain Service’ Plumbers, led by owner Juan Perez, is a familiar name in the region’s plumbing and sewer trade. His team works throughout Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, La Cañada, and El Sereno, taking on projects that range from expert property inspections to professional mainline repairs.
I first met him at my own property in South Pasadena, when roots had invaded the sewer line. He arrived with his easygoing ‘We Got This’ attitude, walked me through the problem with clear explanations, and got to work making sure the repair was done right. That combination of technical skill and genuine connection to the property is why The South Pasadenan decided to get the word out about this family-owned plumbing business.
Maintenance Matters
When asked what he wants property owners to know about sewer lines, Juan didn’t hesitate:
“One important thing to realize about your sewer line is a little bit of maintenance can go a long way. It can help you save an extremely costly repair if sewer lines are just maintained correctly. Here at Professional Drain Service we are family owned and operated. We believe homeowners should always have an option for repairs instead of being bullied into a costly fix by the big corporate nationwide companies.”
Local Knowledge, Local Advantage
The owner and chief plumber says part of what sets PDS apart is not just the tools or the training, but the local connections.
“We don’t just work in your area—we also live, shop, and spend our own money locally in our community. Knowing through experience how the various departments function and who to go to directly, like planning, permitting, etc., saves a lot of time and trouble. Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra—all have their own details on how they like things done. Some of the inspectors know us by name, and know our work—in a good way.”
That kind of familiarity can mean the difference between a delayed project and a smooth repair.
The Tough Jobs
Not every job is neat and tidy. Juan remembers one project for the City of Pasadena that still makes him shudder:
“One of our worst jobs ever was when we got our machine stuck in a manhole. Having to crawl down into a sewer line with roaches, rats, fleas—it still haunts me and one of my guys. Ugh!”
It’s the kind of work most people wouldn’t want to imagine—but it’s also the reason customers are so grateful to have the professionals on scene to handle it.
From Construction to Cutting-Edge Equipment
Juan didn’t set out to become a sewer line expert—it started 25 years ago with a favor for a friend.
“A good friend asked me to help him run a basic hand snake at his part-time plumbing job. I realized I was good at it, then slowly but surely learned the trade. Twenty-five years of experience later, I own some of the most top cutting-edge equipment on the market so that we don’t waste our customers’ time or money.”
Today, PDS offers services like camera inspections, hydrojetting, pipe lining, and 24/7 emergency response, all backed by state-of-the-art technology and decades of know-how.
Roots in Tradition—And in the Pipes
If you’ve seen PDS’s logo, you’ve noticed the crossed monkey wrenches. They’re more than just a graphic.
“We believe in tradition and a hard, honest day’s work—that’s how I learned from the old timers who gave me a chance. The old-school monkey wrenches are an homage to them. They taught me how to earn a living not just with my hands, but with my mind—diagnosing sewer problems the right way.”
Roots are also what the plumbing crew encounters most often in the field.
“Pasadena & South Pasadena are uniquely preserved cities with entire neighborhoods made of beautiful well-established homes, some going back to the late 1800’s, that unfortunately have old sewer lines. If I were to run a camera down 10 houses on any random block, I’d probably find about eight of those houses have a root problem they’re living with that could fail at any time. We know these particular properties well, and treat them and their owners right” Says owner Juan Perez.
Plumbing Issues? “I Know a Guy” – ‘Professional Drain Service’ is The Neighbor You Call in an Emergency
Juan’s family-owned plumbing service of 25 years has become part of what keeps Pasadena area communities running. With his approachable style, competitive pricing, and 24/7 options, he’s more than just a plumber—he’s the guy you want on speed dial when your sewer line decides to ruin your night.
To schedule an inspection or emergency service, call (818) 421-9543.
Professional Drain Service: Fast, Reliable, Competitive Rates—24/7.
