When it comes to protecting your home, most people think about the roof, windows, or insulation. But as Levi Stearns, general contractor and host of The Restoration Report, points out in Episode 18, one of the most overlooked elements is what’s happening underground—your drainage and septic systems.
In this episode, Levi sat down with Bob and Shawn from The Drain Doctors, a family-owned plumbing and drainage company in Snohomish County, to talk about what makes proper water management such a crucial part of construction, restoration, and homeownership.
A Family Business Built on Service
The Drain Doctors started as a small family plumbing company—literally run out of the family driveway. From a young age, Bob was learning tools, customer service, and the importance of treating people right. That culture of integrity has carried forward as the company grew into a trusted contractor for plumbing, septic, and exterior drainage.
Unlike many plumbing companies that stick to either new construction or small service calls, The Drain Doctors cover a broad spectrum: residential and commercial plumbing repair, septic installation and service, and comprehensive drainage solutions. Their philosophy is simple: if it involves water in, around, or under your property, they can handle it.
Why Drainage Is the First Line of Defense
One of the most eye-opening parts of the conversation is just how misunderstood drainage systems are. Bob explained that when a pipe leaks or a yard stays soggy, homeowners often shrug it off as a minor inconvenience. In reality, these systems are the first line of defense protecting your home’s foundation.
Poor drainage can lead to:
- Foundation movement and cracks
- Basement leaks and water intrusion
- Long-term structural damage that costs far more than preventative work
As Bob put it, “You don’t build a house from the roof down. You start with the foundation up.” Addressing drainage issues early is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make.
Culture and Customer Care
What sets The Drain Doctors apart isn’t just technical expertise—it’s culture. Shawn, who transitioned from sales in other industries to drainage design, shared how different it feels to work in an environment where leadership emphasizes empathy and empowerment over high-pressure sales.
Instead of cutting corners, the team focuses on A-to-Z project management, helping clients navigate permits, financing, and even grants for costly sewer conversions. Their goal: make sure the only hard part for the homeowner is writing the check.
This aligns closely with the values Core Contractors emphasize in restoration projects: doing the hard work upfront so that clients feel supported throughout the process.
What Homeowners Should Look For
The biggest misconception, Bob explained, is that all plumbers handle drainage, septic, and sewer systems. In reality, these are highly specialized fields. Homeowners searching for help often end up frustrated when a dozen plumbers say, “We don’t do that.”
When hiring a contractor for drainage or restoration work, look for:
- Full-spectrum service (plumbing, drainage, septic)
- Commitment to quality and code compliance
- A contractor who prioritizes cleanup, restoration, and respect for your property
- A company that educates, not pressures, you into decisions
As Bob emphasized, little things—boot covers, cleanup, grading your yard after excavation—are the details clients remember and talk about.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with a backed-up drain, planning a remodel, or navigating an insurance restoration claim, the lesson from this episode is clear: pay attention to your home’s unseen systems. Drainage, septic, and plumbing issues ignored today become costly restoration projects tomorrow.
If you’re ready to protect your investment and want a trusted team that values quality, culture, and client care, reach out to Core Contractors. Our general contractors specialize in home remodeling, insurance restoration, and full-scale project management—helping you safeguard your home from foundation to finish.
Contact Core Contractors today to schedule a consultation and keep your home safe, dry, and built to last.
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple | Listen on YouTube | Listen on iHeart Radio
Ready to restore your home with confidence? Reach out to Core Contractors for a consultation today! Let us guide you through every step of the restoration process with care and expertise.
