Get matched with top drain cleaners in Superior, MI

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.

There are several signs that can indicate your leach lines are broken, failing, or in need of repair, including puddles of water or a marshy consistency to the ground above or around the pipes, slow drainage or plumbing backups inside your home, and noticeable odors or gurgling sounds coming from your leach field. Keeping your septic system properly maintained, including having your septic tank pumped at regular intervals, can help ensure your leach lines stay in good working order for a long time.

Even if the shower drain doesn’t seem clogged or dirty, plan to clean it out about once per month—or more frequently if you or your family shed a lot of hair. It’s a good practice to remove any hair from the drain on a daily basis, as hair can accumulate fast and cause clogs in no time. You may also want to have a plumber thoroughly clean the drains in your home once every six months.

Anything you drop down your sink runs the risk of damaging and clogging your pipes. Hair, bits of food, and other debris can catch on the item and build up over time, causing a clog. Even if it’s not valuable, it’s definitely worth trying to retrieve the item, or at the very least, asking a pro for specific advice.