Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Cortez, CO

Yes, hiring a drain cleaner is worth it, especially when compared to the cost of not being able to use a sink, shower, toilet, or bathtub and the potential damage that flooding can cause in your home. You might try a temporary drain cleaning liquid or snaking it yourself, but if the clog is out of reach or these methods do not work, then hiring a professional drain cleaner is the way to go.

If you’re wondering whether rats can come up the toilet, the unfortunate answer is yes, it’s possible, though it’s extremely rare. These rodents are excellent swimmers and can travel through sewer pipes in search of food, and they may follow plumbing lines leading to your home if they’re drawn by the scent of scraps and waste. The toilet’s U-bend holds a small pocket of air, which can help a rat catch its breath before making its final push into your bathroom. While more common in cities with larger rat populations, this can happen anywhere with connected sewer systems; sealing entry points and keeping drains clean can help reduce the risk.

Ideally, you might find that you only need to clean the sewer line or remove a clog from the main line. That costs $200 to $300. However, “sewer main clogs can cost upwards of $1,000 to clear, depending on what is causing the clog, distance from accessible cleanouts to the clog, and whether there is occupied space below the clogged line (apartment buildings, condos, etc.),” says Botelho.

In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don’t technically need a license, as they aren’t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They’ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your plumber’s professional licenses before hiring.