Know Who to Call for a Clogged Drain

Who you gonna call? Start with a plumber

Man washing his hands in the bathroom sink
Photo: AzmanJaka / E+ / Getty Images
Man washing his hands in the bathroom sink
Photo: AzmanJaka / E+ / Getty Images
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If you’re continually reaching for the plunger or your sink is draining slower than it normally does, knowing who to call for a clogged drain is the first step toward fixing it. Hiring a plumber who performs drain cleaning services can ensure your drains are cleaned properly and restored to working order. Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state, but they normally must complete an approved training course or apprenticeship, have a certain number of years of experience, and pass a licensing exam.

Guide to Fixing Drain Clogs

Benefits of Hiring a Drain Cleaning Service for a Clogged Drain

While homeowners can handle certain clogs, like an S-trap, other clogs happen deep in the drain or pipes and require professional help. Plumbers often offer drain cleaning as one of their services, which provides a number of benefits. While the drains in your home are visible, the pipes they connect to are not. Plumbers are well-versed in tracking down clogs and cleaning them out. Hiring a local drain cleaning service can ensure that the clog is gone.

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Clean a Clogged Drain?

If the handyperson holds the proper license, they can offer drain cleaning services. You may be able to find a local handyperson who’s knowledgeable and has the necessary tools to clear a clogged drain

How Do Drain Cleaning Services Clean a Clogged Drain?

 Plumbers using flexible cameras to reveal drain clog
Photo: aquaArts studio / E+ / Getty Images

Plumbers and drain cleaning specialists employ a number of strategies to clean a clogged drain. Some plumbers use flexible cameras that can twist and turn through the pipes and reveal any clogs, build up, roots, or other issues. Depending on what the problems are, plumbers can then treat the issue with products that kill roots or remove clogs. They may also choose to use a drain snake to physically break up clogs and then flush them through the system.

How Much Does Drain Cleaning Cost?

Drain cleaning costs $250 on average, although actual costs depend on where the clog is. Toilets, kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and showers cost $110 to $275 on average, but cleaning a sewer main line can cost anywhere between $100 and $800. The main signs that point to a clog in your sewer main line are clogs in different areas of your home at the same time or gurgling sounds in your drain.

Pro Tip

Clogs are pretty common, but if you can't get rid of one with a plunger or snake, you need a plumber. Camera inspections are used in more extreme cases, like when water keeps coming back up from multiple drains or if multiple drains are slow.

President of Joe Cole Plumbing

 — Davie, FL

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

To an extent, most homeowners can clear a clogged drain. If a toilet clogs, you can use a plunger to break up the clog and get the water flowing again. You may also be able to learn how to remove a sink drain or how drain cleaner works to tackle certain clogs or buildup. For more stubborn clogs, you can use a plumbing snake to break up debris deeper in the drain. However, if you’ve tried clearing the clog to no avail, hiring a plumber will likely be your best bet.

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