How Often Should I Clean My Sewer Drain Lines?

Time to give a little thought to your hardworking sewer drain

Sink with water running into it
Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial / Moment / Getty Images
Sink with water running into it
Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial / Moment / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Your sewer line is a critical component of your home and requires upkeep.

  • You should clean your sewer line at least every two years.

  • Getting a sewer line inspection for older homes or those with more trees is a good idea.

  • Basic sewer line clogs and debris can be tackled with a $5 drain snake.

  • More stubborn clogs may require professional cleaning, which costs an average of $325.

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Cost to Have Your Sewer Line Cleaned

The average drain cleaning cost is $220 and may be charged hourly or as a flat fee, depending on the pro. 

If you suspect your sewer drain has passed the point of cleaning and needs a clog cleared, don’t worry. Most professional plumbers can come to your home and clear the sewer line for an average cost of $100 to $400, but your all-in cost depends on the severity of the issue and what tools are required.

For simpler issues where a drain snake is all that’s needed, the cost typically falls between $100 and $250—or about the cost of a service call. Fixing mainline clogs with the drain snake can run twice as much. 

High-pressure water jetting costs between $350 and $600. It clears more debris than a snake, but if work gets complicated, the price tag could reach $1,000 or more as other costs start adding up, like repairing landscaping or digging a trench. 

While cleaning or clearing clogs may seem expensive, it’s important to remember that sewer line replacement costs are much higher—around $3,070. So it’s important to keep it clean and clear before issues become more costly.

Becca Stokes contributed to this piece.

Cost to Have Your Sewer Line Cleaned

The average drain cleaning cost is $220 and may be charged hourly or as a flat fee, depending on the pro. 

If you suspect your sewer drain has passed the point of cleaning and needs a clog cleared, don’t worry. Most professional plumbers can come to your home and clear the sewer line for an average cost of $100 to $400, but your all-in cost depends on the severity of the issue and what tools are required.

For simpler issues where a drain snake is all that’s needed, the cost typically falls between $100 and $250—or about the cost of a service call. Fixing mainline clogs with the drain snake can run twice as much. 

High-pressure water jetting costs between $350 and $600. It clears more debris than a snake, but if work gets complicated, the price tag could reach $1,000 or more as other costs start adding up, like repairing landscaping or digging a trench. 

While cleaning or clearing clogs may seem expensive, it’s important to remember that sewer line replacement costs are much higher—around $3,070. So it’s important to keep it clean and clear before issues become more costly.

Becca Stokes contributed to this piece.

Plumber checks sewer drain outside of house
Photo: nicolamargaret / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Cost to Have Your Sewer Line Cleaned

The average drain cleaning cost is $220 and may be charged hourly or as a flat fee, depending on the pro. 

If you suspect your sewer drain has passed the point of cleaning and needs a clog cleared, don’t worry. Most professional plumbers can come to your home and clear the sewer line for an average cost of $100 to $400, but your all-in cost depends on the severity of the issue and what tools are required.

For simpler issues where a drain snake is all that’s needed, the cost typically falls between $100 and $250—or about the cost of a service call. Fixing mainline clogs with the drain snake can run twice as much. 

High-pressure water jetting costs between $350 and $600. It clears more debris than a snake, but if work gets complicated, the price tag could reach $1,000 or more as other costs start adding up, like repairing landscaping or digging a trench. 

While cleaning or clearing clogs may seem expensive, it’s important to remember that sewer line replacement costs are much higher—around $3,070. So it’s important to keep it clean and clear before issues become more costly.

Becca Stokes contributed to this piece.

Cost to Have Your Sewer Line Cleaned

The average drain cleaning cost is $220 and may be charged hourly or as a flat fee, depending on the pro. 

If you suspect your sewer drain has passed the point of cleaning and needs a clog cleared, don’t worry. Most professional plumbers can come to your home and clear the sewer line for an average cost of $100 to $400, but your all-in cost depends on the severity of the issue and what tools are required.

For simpler issues where a drain snake is all that’s needed, the cost typically falls between $100 and $250—or about the cost of a service call. Fixing mainline clogs with the drain snake can run twice as much. 

High-pressure water jetting costs between $350 and $600. It clears more debris than a snake, but if work gets complicated, the price tag could reach $1,000 or more as other costs start adding up, like repairing landscaping or digging a trench. 

While cleaning or clearing clogs may seem expensive, it’s important to remember that sewer line replacement costs are much higher—around $3,070. So it’s important to keep it clean and clear before issues become more costly.

Becca Stokes contributed to this piece.

Cost to Have Your Sewer Line Cleaned

The average drain cleaning cost is $220 and may be charged hourly or as a flat fee, depending on the pro. 

If you suspect your sewer drain has passed the point of cleaning and needs a clog cleared, don’t worry. Most professional plumbers can come to your home and clear the sewer line for an average cost of $100 to $400, but your all-in cost depends on the severity of the issue and what tools are required.

For simpler issues where a drain snake is all that’s needed, the cost typically falls between $100 and $250—or about the cost of a service call. Fixing mainline clogs with the drain snake can run twice as much. 

High-pressure water jetting costs between $350 and $600. It clears more debris than a snake, but if work gets complicated, the price tag could reach $1,000 or more as other costs start adding up, like repairing landscaping or digging a trench. 

While cleaning or clearing clogs may seem expensive, it’s important to remember that sewer line replacement costs are much higher—around $3,070. So it’s important to keep it clean and clear before issues become more costly.

Becca Stokes contributed to this piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

An active cleaning agent and a drain snake is the best way to clean a main sewer line. You can purchase a regular or enzyme drain cleaner or make a DIY drain cleaner with baking soda. Use your chosen solution at least once a month or as needed to keep your sewer line clear. 

Your sewer line can get grimy quickly. To prevent sludge buildup in your sewer line, pour a mixture of 1/3 cup of vinegar and 1/3 cup of baking soda down each drain in your home once a month. After about 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.

Some plumbers recommend 3/4 cup of bleach instead to clean any germs and bacteria that may build up in your sewer line. But this won’t break down any active clogs, and it cannot be combined with vinegar, as the mixture will create a toxic, hazardous gas.

It’ll take 20 to 30 minutes to unclog a sewer line using a drain snake or drain cleaner. If you hire a professional, you should expect them to be on-site for three hours or less. In addition to clearing the clog, they’ll do other routine inspections, which adds to the overall time (and cost) required.

Unlike regular cleanings, snaking your sewer line should be done as needed. There’s no reason to snake your sewer line if you don’t have any noticeable issues, like slow drainage or plugged drains. You can add it to your regular sewer cleaning checklist as a prevention method (on the same 18- to 22-month schedule), but it’s not always necessary. 

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The homeowners guide to sewer cleaning services

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