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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.

If you've discovered a rather frightening buildup of brown and black gunk below your shower cover, you're not alone. The smelly sludge is often a collection of mildew and biofilm. Biofilm comes from the breakdown of soap scum, hair, skin cells, and bacteria that collects during shower time. It's quite common in a humid space and relatively easy to clean with a gentle DIY cleaning solution such as baking soda and vinegar.

If methods like hot water or a plunger don’t work on your clogged drain, you can snake your drain to dislodge the plug. This can be a messy process, taking some physical effort and additional time over the other drain-clearing options. You can purchase a drain snake at a hardware store and choose from handheld options or those attached to a drill. Just work slowly, and be ready to call a plumber if you’re unable to reach the clog from your drain or P-trap.

If the drain is frozen, the pipes connecting to the washing machine are likely frozen. If the hot water trick doesn’t also unfreeze the washing machine pipes, you can gently apply heat with a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Start at the end of the pipe closest to the faucet to prevent pressure from building in the pipes, and make sure the faucet is open to drain the water as it melts.