Q: How much does it cost to get something out of the sewer?

• <div><p>The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-clear-a-main-sewer-line-clog.htm#">cost to snake your main sewer line</a> is around <b>$250</b> for a simple snake. Most sewer line specialists charge between <b>$45 and $200</b> per hour for main sewer line snaking, so the time involved plays a major role. The price you&rsquo;ll pay will depend on the severity of the clog, the item causing the backup, how long it takes to remove the item, and more. A more severe issue that requires unclogging a main sewer line will cost <b>$3,100 on average</b>.</p></div>

Q: How do you remove a drain without crosshairs?

• <div><p>If your drain doesn&rsquo;t have metal crosshairs or crossbars, you should use a tub drain extractor. These tools create a grip on the drain so you can turn it using a 1/2-inch ratchet drive, drain key, or wrench. Your drain may not have crosshairs if it's old and broken.</p></div>

Q: Do drain cleaning experts need to be certified or licensed?

• <div><p>In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don&rsquo;t technically need a license, as they aren&rsquo;t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They&rsquo;ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to check your plumber&rsquo;s professional licenses before hiring.</p></div>

Question 1

How much does it cost to get something out of the sewer?

Accepted Answer

•

The average cost to snake your main sewer line is around $250 for a simple snake. Most sewer line specialists charge between $45 and $200 per hour for main sewer line snaking, so the time involved plays a major role. The price you’ll pay will depend on the severity of the clog, the item causing the backup, how long it takes to remove the item, and more. A more severe issue that requires unclogging a main sewer line will cost $3,100 on average.

Question 2

How do you remove a drain without crosshairs?

Accepted Answer

•

If your drain doesn’t have metal crosshairs or crossbars, you should use a tub drain extractor. These tools create a grip on the drain so you can turn it using a 1/2-inch ratchet drive, drain key, or wrench. Your drain may not have crosshairs if it's old and broken.

Question 3

Do drain cleaning experts need to be certified or licensed?

Accepted Answer

•

In most areas, drain cleaning professionals don’t technically need a license, as they aren’t altering your plumbing system in any way. However, we recommend hiring a drain cleaning professional with a plumbing license and certification. Certified plumbers are more likely to provide professional solutions to drain clogs without damaging your system. They’ll also have the diagnostic tools and experience necessary to remove the clog entirely rather than providing a temporary solution, as a handyperson might. Use Angi’s state licensing tool to check your plumber’s professional licenses before hiring.

Question 4

How long does a sewer inspection take?

Accepted Answer

•

Your sewer pro will take about an hour to complete your sewer line camera inspection. However, if your home does not have cleanout access and the pro needs to remove the toilet to access the sewer line, the time to completion will take longer. Note that this estimated time does not include the time for repair, drain cleaning, or any other services you may need.

Question 5

What should I consider when hiring a sewer line company?

Accepted Answer

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When hiring a sewer line company, you need to consider more than just the quoted price. Make sure to check that the company or contractor is licensed, certified, and insured to protect you both. Check for positive reviews, and you can even request references for extra peace of mind.

To find the best contractor, you might also want to consider how long the company has been in business doing sewer line cleaning and if they’ve won any industry awards for their work and service. Review potential contracts closely, and look for transparent pricing.