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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.

The best practice is to clean the sewer drain lines in your home once a year or every two years. Older homes could require more frequent maintenance. Keeping up on cleaning your sewer lines can prevent severe clogs, help ensure your system is working properly, and prevent expensive repairs.

A clogged sewer line is not typically covered by homeowner’s insurance, though some sewer line issues are covered. For instance, damage related to a fallen tree is usually covered. Though sewer line replacement is not covered in a standard insurance policy, some companies offer add-ons for this purpose. Read the fine print before spending your own money.