Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Jackson, GA

There are many things that could cause your basement floor drain to back up. One significant cause of a drainage backup is flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes, paper towels, and facial tissue. Other causes of a backed-up basement floor drain include tree roots impeding the drain pipe or an accumulation of hair, oil, and grease. 

The best drain cleaners are biodegradable ones or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Strong, caustic chemicals may seem appealing with promises of unclogging your drain quickly, but liquid drain cleaners can cause damage to your pipes over time. Consider making your own drain cleaner with baking soda and vinegar.

The cost to unclog a drain varies based on the location and severity of the clog. For simple clogs within your home, such as in a sink, toilet, or shower, hiring a plumber typically costs between $110 and $350, with an average of around $200. Snaking a toilet or sink usually costs between $110 and $275, while a bathtub or shower clog costs about $225.

For a more serious clog in the main sewer line, the cost is higher. Clearing a main line clog generally costs between $200 and $600, with an average of about $380. However, prices can range from as low as $100 for snaking a minor clog to over $1,600, particularly if advanced methods like video inspection and hydrojetting are needed for a large or hard-to-reach blockage. Some severe main line clogs can cost upwards of $1,000 to clear depending on factors like the cause of the clog, its distance from an accessible cleanout, and whether the pipe is located beneath an occupied space (e.g., in an apartment building). You may be able to save money on minor clogs by using a drain snake or bladder yourself.

You should not attempt to snake your sewer yourself. Accessing and snaking your sewer requires heavy-duty equipment, and while renting is possible, misusing it can damage your sewer main and leave you with very expensive repair costs, not to mention potential environmental issues and severe water damage. Accessing your sewer also exposes you to hazardous sewer gasses, and failing to seal the sewer properly after work can be very dangerous. It’s always best to hire a professional sewer cleaner near you to handle this type of work.