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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.

In the majority of cases, homeowners insurance will not cover a main sewer line root clog. The reason is that most insurance companies consider tree root damage to sewer lines as common wear and tear, which is also preventable. However, you may be able to buy optional add-on coverage, such as "service line coverage" or "sewer line endorsements," that would protect against root damage to your sewer line.

It’s possible to snake minor drain clogs yourself, provided they sit within a foot or two of the drain itself, but it’s usually best to hire a professional plumber regardless. Even experienced DIYers have a high chance of accidentally pushing the clog further into the drain using a drain snake or another tool, so hiring a plumber is the ideal course of action. A professional plumber can use camera equipment to locate and identify the clog, and remove the entire blockage to fix your issue permanently.

Anything from debris, rust, ice, and even poor installation can cause clogs in your plumbing vents. Some signs of a clog include slow drains, gurgling sounds in drains and toilets, and bad odors. The bad odors are the most concerning, as these can include methane and hydrogen sulfide. Contact a plumber to come take a look if you notice any of these signs.