The average cost to unclog a drain is around $250 on average
A clogged drain can lead to frustration, especially a stubborn one that no amount of plunging can fix. Thankfully, even when a plunger fails, there’s still an opportunity to DIY this project. If the drain still won’t come unclogged after that, then it’s time to hire a plumber, which will cost anywhere from $150 to $350, with an average of $250.
How Much Does a Plumber Cost to Unclog a Drain?
Most clogged drains are considered an easier job and don’t require too much work. The only exception would be in the instance that there’s a major line blockage from something entering the drains that shouldn’t, like a toy or jewelry.
Hiring a plumber to tackle a clogged drain will cost around $100 per hour on average, though plumbers will have varying labor rates and fees. Some may just charge a flat fee in the event that the job takes under an hour.
How Much Does a Drain Cleaning Service Cost to Unclog a Drain?
A local drain cleaning service is another option to help clear up your drains. Ideally, hiring this service once or twice a year will help prevent sediment, waste, and debris from clogging your drains.
Small clogs in toilets, sinks, and tubs will cost around $200, while larger clogs in the main sewage line may cost upwards of $500.
How Much Does It Cost to Unclog a Drain by Type?
Where the clog originated contributes to the final costs. The harder to reach the clog is, the more tools and work the professional you hire is going to need.
Here’s a look at how much it’ll cost to hire a plumber to unclog a drain:
Cost to Unclog a Toilet
You (or your kids) can easily clog a toilet by flushing things like paper towels, baby wipes, floss, dog toys, and more. The piping in toilets is often delicate, so you can’t use an over-the-counter drain clog remover gel in most cases. The cost to have a pro come out to unclog a toilet is around $200 on average.
Cost to Unclog a Sink
Sinks can get complicated as the piping tends to be smaller than that of tub drains or toilets. The bright side is, you can attempt to use a plunger, snake, or clog removal gel to tackle most of these problems. If the clog persists after DIY methods, you need to call in a plumber or drain cleaner, which will cost around $150 on average.
Cost to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can pose a risk to your safety, so if a clog forms, you should only attempt unclogging it without putting your hands into it. Garbage disposal unclogging will cost around $150 as well. But if the garbage disposal breaks or needs repairs, you’re going to be looking at closer to $300.
Cost to Unclog Bathtub or Shower Drain
The tub and shower drain is the place where all the grime and filth we pick up throughout the day goes. It’s easy for hair and debris to clog the drain and is almost inevitable, even if you’re diligent about cleaning your shower drain. If this drain is the culprit of the clog, expect to pay around $225.
Cost to Unclog the Main Line
Your main line is one of the largest piping systems in the entire home. So if this one backs up, it typically takes a larger snake to clear it out, which means you almost always need to call someone in to handle it. Expect to pay around $450 on average to unclog the main line.
How Much Does It Cost to Unclog a Drain Near You?
Plumbers are spread out around the country working for major chains, running a small business, or even simply contracting themselves out when need be. Because of this, costs will vary throughout the United States based on the cost of living.
Common prices to have a plumber unclog a drain in these areas include:
| City | Cost |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $210 |
| Houston | $220 |
| Boston | $200 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $200 |
| Atlanta | $290 |
| Denver | $180 |
| New York | $250 |
| Minneapolis | $160 |
How Much Does It Cost to Unclog a Drain Yourself?
Tackling a clog is something you can easily do yourself, but you do need to take a few precautions first and buy the right tools to get the job done. For example, you can unclog a bathtub drain yourself for about $25 to $50 for tools and supplies.
The typical items needed to handle most clogs include:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Auger/snake | $25 |
| Toilet plunger | $5 |
| Drain plunger | $5 |
| Clog removing gel | $7 |
| Nitrile gloves | $15 |
One thing you need to be wary of when using an auger is not to scratch the porcelain of a toilet. If all else fails, it’s time to bring in the professionals. The longer a clog goes without being addressed, the harder it’s going to be to dislodge and free up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clogged drains typically happen because something that’s not supposed to be in your pipes has found a way there. This can be garbage, sediment, or things like toys.
Certain items shouldn’t go down garbage disposals, like coffee grounds and bones, and you shouldn’t flush items like baby wipes and floss down a toilet.
You should try out the DIY methods of unclogging your drain first on the day you notice the clog. If it persists after you’ve tried everything, call a plumber the next day.
Leaving a clog alone can cause more issues to arise. Backed-up pipes lead to piping bursts and can back up sewage into faucets, toilets, and other drains.
