Drain cleaning costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Small clogs cost as little as $300 to hydro jet, while large clogs can cost more than $1,000.
The total price depends on factors such as the extent of the clog, the plumbing layout, and any additional repairs.
Cast-iron pipes are common in the area and require a video inspection to assess existing damage.
Plumbers in Chicago understand local plumbing issues and can take preventive measures that save you money in the long term.
On average, hydro jetting costs $492 in Chicago, IL, with the majority of homeowners spending $363 to $622. Plumbers in Chicago work with aging infrastructure, including older plumbing with clay or cast-iron pipes that can be partially deteriorated. Pros will need to do a video inspection, set the hydro jet to a lower pressure, and possibly make repairs before clearing the line, all of which increases costs. Here’s what you can expect to spend on hydro jetting services for your Chicago home.
The freeze-thaw cycles in Chicago, IL, can be fierce and prematurely damage piping, causing corrosion or a rough interior that leads to buildup and clogs. Combine this with an older infrastructure, and you’ve got a perfect storm that may require a hydro jet to clear out clogs. The cost depends on a number of factors.
The length of your sewer line (as well as the complexity of the pipe layout) will impact how long it takes your pro to complete the hydro jetting service. The more time it takes to clear the clog, the higher your overall costs will be.
Even serious clogs are no real match against hydro jet technology. Water is blasted through your pipes at 4,000 to 35,000 PSI, clearing the toughest clogs.
That said, the more clogged your sewer line is, the longer it will take to clear. Plumbers charge by the hour, so even a few extra minutes can significantly change the price of this service. If you call a local emergency plumber, the price will go up even more.
| Extent of the Clog | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small | $300–$500 |
| Medium | $400–$650 |
| Large | $600–$1,000+ |
Cities, and large suburbs in particular, don’t mess around with sewer lines connected to main lines, as serious damage could cause problems for hundreds of people. If you live in an older neighborhood that has cast-iron or clay pipes, you’ll need to spring for a video inspection. This helps your plumber understand the extent of the clog, the condition of your pipes, and if there’s rust or scale buildup. They’ll then adjust their approach to avoid damaging more fragile pipes.
A sewer line inspection costs between $300 and $500 in Chicago. While this isn’t what most would call inexpensive, the fines you’ll pay for not calling an inspector—or if something is still wrong with your sewer line, and you don’t catch it—will be more expensive.
Sewer lines are typically located in the crawl space, basement, or garage. When they are difficult to reach, sealed off, or obstructed, hydro jetting services will cost more because it will take your pro longer to gain access. Many older Chicago homes (particularly those built in the 1940s and 1960s) lack accessible cleanouts, so expect labor costs to rise.
Most plumbers in Chicago, IL, charge $45 to $200 per hour for labor, depending on their level of experience. You’ll spend more on complex jobs, like pipes that require repairs before hydro jetting or lines that require excavation or don’t have cleanout access.
Because of the intense freeze-thaw cycles, which can shift clay soil and cause plumbing issues, some homeowners choose to have their main line inspected in early spring as a preventive measure. This can help save on the cost of an emergency plumber, which ranges between $150 and $450 per hour.
Hydro jetting won’t increase your home's value, but it can preserve it by resolving plumbing issues and preventing costly repairs.
Your plumber won’t jump to hydro jetting as the first line of defense. They’ll usually try sewer rodding or pipe descaling, depending on the root of the issue (which may, in fact, be roots, though scale is also common). If it turns out you need hydro jetting to clear the clog, you’re likely better off spending on the service than waiting for more expensive repairs later down the line.
If a clog remains unaddressed, it can cause significant damage throughout your system, including problems like a burst pipe. A plumber can help determine the most cost-effective way to clean out your sewer line and which preventive measures you should take, if any.
To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.
Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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Drain ProsPaola did a wonderful and thorough job cleaning my place!
We Care CleaningI had a stubborn drain clog that was causing water to back up in my sink, and I couldn't be happier with how it was resolved! The service was quick, professional, and effective. The technician diagnosed the problem immediately and used the right tools to clear the clog thoroughly. Now my...
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Sibe DjelovicShe cleans very thoroughly. Walls. Windows. My place is left spotless.
Luxury Home Cleaning ServiceNeptune Cleaning did an outstanding job on my carpets! Highly recommend them for anyone in need of top-notch carpet cleaning services.
Neptune Cleaning IncWonderful cleaning. Will definitely be rebooking this service.
Be Blessed CleaningI canâ t say enough good things! They arrived within one hour, were so friendly and helpful and worked diligently to clear the tub drain. They have found a customer for life! Well done, Guys!
Illinois Sewer and Drain, Inc.Prompt. Professional. Felt I paid a slight premium given the task -- a clogged drain -- but totally worth it since the previous guy rodded the drain 25 feet and still didn't unclog anything, and yet the CSE guy got it done in three feet. I am still trying to figure out the new math here. In...
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