Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Marcus, IA

The type of clog in your sewer main determines the required cleaning method. Different types or methods of sewer main cleaning require various tools like chemicals, mechanical removal, or a combination of both. Some of the most common types of sewer main line cleaning include:

• Minor debris removal: $100–$600

• Tree root removal: $100–$1,000

• Trenchless pipe repair: $60–$250 per linear foot

• General line repairs: $1,000–$4,000

• Full pipe replacement: $3,000–$25,000

In most cases, drain cleaners will not clear a clogged sewer line, and they’re likely to damage your plumbing. Sewer lines are several inches wide, meaning any material that clogs it will need to be large. Drain cleaner can work on small clogs, but it usually won’t clear a larger one in a sewer main. Drain cleaners can also easily damage and corrode your plumbing with prolonged contact, and a clog will keep the cleaner in contact with the pipes for an extended period. Hire a professional sewer cleaner instead for a safe fix.

If you want to avoid using a snake to unclog a drain, or if you don’t have one, try vinegar and baking soda. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait for 15 minutes, and then run hot water (but not boiling water) down the drain to see if the clog is clear. Repeat multiple times as needed.

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.