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Pouring drain cleaner down a vent pipe isn’t recommended. First of all, unlike a clog in a sink or bath caused by such material as soap scum build-up, toothpaste, and hair, clogs in a vent pipe are likely the result of debris from trees or even an animal stuck in the pipe. Drain cleaners won’t be able to eat through this kind of material. The cleaner will only become clogged in the vent with the debris, causing even more problems.

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.

It is okay to use a drain auger on a toilet, just make sure you are using the correct tip size. The auger is a plumbing snake with a protective sleeve to protect the porcelain toilet bowl from getting scratched. Using too large of an auger can cause the snake to loop back and damage the inside of the drain and plumbing.

If you leave liquid drain cleaner for too long, it will start breaking down your drainpipes. The chemicals in these cleaners can cause cracks, corrosion, and leaks in your pipes. They can also damage plumbing fixtures and even cause environmental damage if left too long without rinsing away.