Drain Away
Company Overview
At Drain Away, we offer plumbing solutions, drain cleaning, excavation for sewer and water lines, repair or replacement, and video assessments of drainage systems.
Hello, my name is Rex LaBotte. I founded this company in the city of Longmont in September 2000 with a used van and plenty of drive. In just thirty days, I gained the Boulder County account and a couple of property management firms. After six months, I expanded my client base, local government facilities, and various plumbing firms; I became known as the ""pro's choice"" and focused solely on other local businesses. At the close of my first year, my standing spread through referrals to homeowners and property agents, and I was overwhelmed with more work than I could manage.
This comes from someone who really just wanted to work three days a week and continue my education.
Now, eleven years later, I run three service vehicles, a skilled excavation team, a capable office manager, and a to-do list that’s a mile long. That’s the journey I’ve taken... and I wouldn’t trade it for anything - I love what I do. Talk to you soon.
I hail from southern Illinois, I relocated to San Francisco in 1970, working in the shipyards and corporate moving industries from the late 70s through the early 80s. I then completed my journeyman-ship with a prominent plumbing firm starting in the year 1986, and I worked there for eight years. After that, I went back to working in the shipyards for a time, but in 1991 when I encountered my best friend and my soulmate, and we settled in Longmont, Colorado. I took a job with the Boulder County Sheriff's Department and the City of Longmont before I founded Drain Away. The rest is history.
Business Services
- Drain repair
- Hot water recirculation pump installation
- Hot water recirculation pump repair
- Plumbing inspection
- Plumbing installation or replacement
- Plumbing repair
- Water heater installation
- Water heater repair
- Water pipe repair
Business Location & Hours
Mon: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Tue: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Wed: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Thu: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Fri: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Sat: | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Sun: | Closed |
Recommended Customer Reviews

Wow. I couldn't be more happy about this company DrainAway if I tried. We had a drain issue that was affecting some parts of the plumbing system and not others. One plumber wasn't available for 10 days. Another said they didn't do drain clearing - especially where septic tanks are involved. Not DrainAway. Not only do they advertise SAME DAY in most instances, they were courteous on the phone, understood my issue, explored it a bit. Then, checked the schedule and had a person who could come up later in the day. That person called ahead to tell me about when they'd be here (within the window I was quoted), listened to me walk through the situation, diagnosed the situation, and fixed the issue. All within 45 minutes. The cherry on top was the price -- very reasonable! So, high value, great customer service, responsiveness, effectiveness. Hard to beat that.

We'd used Drain Away twice, in 2012 and 2019, so when both of our bathroom sinks began to drain slowly, we called them up again as we were very pleased with their service and cost.
To our surprise, they were able to fit us in the same day. The dispatcher gave us a two-hour window when the plumber would arrive. Sure enough, Brian called us at the top of that time period to say he was on his way. He took the time to chat with us to make sure he understood the problem, then he got all the proper tools from his truck and went to work. In about an hour, he had both drains unclogged and cleaned to our satisfaction.
Brian was extremely personable and professional, and it was refreshing to encounter someone with such a positive attitude who takes pride in workmanship. That level of customer care is something we haven't see as much of these days. We are longtime customers of Drain Away and would recommend them highly.

Called for an appointment because my associate had called earlier in the week and when I called a week later, Rex had no idea what I was talking about. He was rude over the phone but I just went ahead and made the appointment anyway. He said that he would call me the night before the appointment to confirm again, but I never got a call. Too bad Rex doesn't know anything about customer service or phone etiquette because I'm guessing that the real technicians are probably pretty good but I'll never know as he never called back and I am moving on.

They know their stuff! They are quick and can tell you exactly what is wrong with your pluming!!! Niwot Real Estate

Just called to make an appointment and discuss our needs. The guy that answers the phone may be the rudest person I've ever talked to while trying to give him business. Just horrible.

The owner is rude and doesn't know how to run a business. Unless he thinks hanging up on people is appropriate. Don't use them.

I had a line blockage which I knew was most likely caused by tree roots. After having another company tell me my blockage was most likely caused by the ""old style"" plumbing in my 100+ year old house and that they would need to repipe the entire house for $$$, I called Rex at Drain Away. Rex was able to send James out to my house the next day. James confirmed that I did, in fact, have tree roots growing into my sewer line causing a blockage. He was able to clear the blockage for a VERY manageable price and service was prompt, to the point, and well executed. I am very happy with Rex, James, and Drain Away's service.

Caution! They will price gouge you in your time of need. I was taken advantage of and paid nearly 50% more than the other quotes I received. The price kept going up and up!

I used Drain Away yesterday and was very pleased with the promptness and competence of the service. James was knowledgeable and very thorough. The price was reasonable. I would use them again.

The guy at ""dispatch"" who i believe is Rex, was is extremely rude. I asked if it would be the same technician as it was the time before to which he told me he had no way to tell me who came last time.
My appt was I set up for James to come this morning at 9am, which I was told was the first appt. setting it for the first appointment was to assure that we would be first and on time. When they hadn't arrived at 9:20, I called. Again the same gentlemen answered. He acted as if he had no record of my call from yesterday. Said he would have to call me right back. When he called back he said the technician was held up at his job earlier and would be late. This was the exact reason for setting the appointment for what I was made to belief to be the first appt. when I told the gentlemen this, he began to raise his voice to me saying that I was rude to him yesterday and that he is not my therapist. Not really sure where telling him I've had plumbing problems makes him my ""therapist"".