The location and severity of the clog and the type of drain are major cost factors for drain cleaning.
Different types of drains require different cleaning methods, and sewer
main line repairs are the most costly.
DIY drain cleaning is possible with tools like plungers and drain snakes, but call a licensed pro for complex issues.
Multiple clogged fixtures, gurgling noises, and standing water above the pipe can indicate a sewer line clog.
The cost of drain cleaning averages about $242, but it can fall between $147 and $345, depending on the location and extent of your clog. There is nothing like a backed-up drain to derail your plans. Luckily, there are different solutions that will have you—and your pipes—back on the move in no time.
How Much Does It Cost to Snake a Drain?
Some companies charge a flat fee for drain snaking, and others charge by the hour. Find a local plumber who will come in with a heavy-duty snake and pull the clog right out. Here's a rundown of average prices for drain cleaning, depending on the location of the clog:
How Much Does It Cost to Clean Different Types of Drains?
Most plumbers will charge for time and materials. Drain cleaning is a relatively quick job for a pro with heavy-duty tools. So unless there are complications, assume an hour or two for labor.
The plumber will first assess your garbage disposal to make sure that it’s working. If the garbage disposal needs replacing, expect to pay $60 to $300 for parts plus at least two hours of labor.
Bathtub or Shower Drain
Shower and tub drains tend to get backed up, especially if errant hair gets past your drain screen and soap scum builds up. Calling a pro out to remove the clog costs about $225.
For the most inexpensive fix, try the plunger method and drain snake cleaning tips detailed below.
Toilet
Expect to pay a pro the hourly rate to unclog a toilet. For about $110 to $275, you should be back in business.
Kids and their love of finding out what would happen if they tossed something in are often the reason why random objects end up in the toilet. Accidents happen, but try and teach little ones that only toilet paper gets flushed.
Sewer Main Line
There are a few tells that the clog is somewhere bigger than the drain you’re peering down into. By that, we mean the real culprit is in the sewer main line that takes dirty water to the treatment plant.
Multiple plumbing fixtures appear to be clogged
Weird things happen, like water appears in the shower when you flush the toilet
A sulfur (rotten eggs) smell
Bubbling or gurgling noises at the drain
Changes to the yard, such as a new indentation or soggy grass when it hasn’t rained
If you notice any of these, your best bet is to call a professional for an assessment. If it’s a simple sewer main clog, you can expect to pay $200 to $300 to get it cleaned. Unfortunately, the price of sewer line repairs doesn’t get better from there.
Why You Should Hire a Drain Cleaning Pro
It’s possible to clear minor drain clogs yourself, and you’ll save an average of over $100 DIYing. However, you never know what the underlying problem is, so it’s best to hire a drain cleaning company near you to get the work done. A professional can use cameras and experience to determine what’s causing the blockage, and then they’ll use special equipment to clear the clog without damaging your pipes or plumbing fixtures.
Here’s Why It’s Ideal to Hire a Drain Cleaning Pro
There are a few important reasons why hiring a pro for drain cleaning is ideal:
Professionals can perform camera inspections to see if there’s something they need to extract or dissolve to clear the drain.
Pros will be able to tell if there’s a bigger issue at hand, like a main line clog contributing to smaller backups, or a full septic tank.
Experts have tools to clear clogs that don’t damage your pipes, as drain cleaners and some DIY-ready plumbing snakes might.
Plumbers may be able to identify other issues during the drain cleaning that could contribute to future clogs, like hard water deposits or improper drainpipe design.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 30,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The first rule of plumbing is nothing but water, toilet paper, number one, and number two go down the drain.
To prevent clogs, get yourself:
A compast pail where you can clean plates, drain grease, and toss scraps and paper towels.
Drain screens for the shower, tub, and bathroom sink to stop hair, jewelry, toys, etc. from going down the drain.
Trash cans for everything that shouldn’t go down the drain, like dental floss, hygiene products, and cat litter.
Liquid drain cleaners are harsh chemicals that can erode your pipes. To treat a slow drain or for preventative maintenance, pour hot water down the drain to break up gunk and help move it along. Make sure the water isn’t boiling hot (keep it under 140 degrees Fahrenheit) if you have plastic pipes. However, you’ll need to pull the clog out for bigger backups.
Snaking a drain can take as little as a few minutes for small, simple clogs, up to two hours or more for tough clogs located further down the drain line. For tougher clogs, a professional drain cleaner can likely get the job done much more quickly because they have the necessary tools and expertise. However, your drain cleaning pro might not be able to give you a firm time estimate until inspecting the clog and its surrounding plumbing.
Dan is a writer and property manager and can be found sharing his home improvement tips on sites like EcoWatch and Today’s Homeowner. He loves sharing his years of hands-on experience and love of DIY to help homeowners bring their visions to life.
The homeowners guide to drain cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Clogged drains are a pain and can be persistent if you don’t deal with the blockage. Use this guide on how to snake a drain to save money and DIY a solution.
Tub drain sizes are standardized, but they can vary in certain circumstances. This guide will discuss the most common sizes and how to measure your tub.
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