GNY EP.156 | feat. Joey Ruffino from Sewercuse Plumbing
On this episode of Good News York, host Noah Chrysler sits down with Joey Ruffino, the founder of Sewercuse — officially known as Syracuse Drain Solutions — a one-man drain cleaning and plumbing repair powerhouse serving the Syracuse, NY area. What started as side jobs Joey was doing since the age of 15 has turned into a full-blown business and social media phenomenon, with millions of views across TikTok and Instagram.
Joey breaks down everything you never knew you needed to know about your drains: what you should never flush (yes, we’re calling out flushable wipes), why grease is silently destroying your pipes, the truth about Draino, tree roots in the city’s aging sewer lines, and the right way to dispose of bacon grease (his wife’s brilliant tinfoil trick). He also explains the difference between a true drain specialist and a general plumber — from full camera inspections to descaling with a flex shaft chain knocker — and why he goes above and beyond for every customer, including one memorable job where he helped a homeowner get her entire yard excavated for free.
Beyond the plumbing, Joey shares the story behind Sewercuse’s viral social media presence: how he started filming with Meta glasses, what he’s learned about the psychology of engagement, and why "rage bait" about common plumbing myths drives millions of views. He opens up about being an introvert who lights up on the job, what it’s like running two full-time jobs at once (drain cleaning by day, video editing by night), and where Sewercuse is headed next — including plans to hire help before his wife stages a revolt.
This one is educational, hilarious, and oddly satisfying. Don’t miss it.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Intro
0:13 – Meet Joey Ruffino & Sewercuse
1:01 – What Syracuse homeowners get wrong about drains
2:32 – How Joey found pride in the work
3:33 – Going viral: Joey’s Instagram & TikTok journey
6:02 – What separates a drain expert from a regular plumber
7:03 – How personality & brand built the business
8:52 – Hot Takes: Draino, flushable wipes, tankless water heaters & more
12:50 – What’s next for Sewercuse?
Links & Resources:
Good News York: www.goodnewsyork.com
Sewercuse / Syracuse Drain Solutions: Find Joey on Instagram & TikTok @SewercuseDrainSolutions
This episode is brought to you by Ads on the Go — helping businesses grow with smart, effective advertising solutions. Check them out at www.getadsonthego.com*
ClickStream Studios — www.ClickStreamStudios.com
