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You can try several easy methods to unclog a drain, one of the easiest and most effective of which is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This will help dislodge and dissolve the clog to move it down the drain pipes. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Dump several cups of boiling water (or hot water if you have PVC pipes) into the drain and let sit for up to one hour. Run hot water to clear the drain.

Besides opting for a professional inspection, there are some other telltale signs that a pipe in your home is ready to go. Keep an eye out for signs of leaks and spot-check exposed areas of piping. Musty smells, spots on your walls, and dripping sounds are signs an unseen pipe has a leak, for example. You can also check the tubing for stains, flaking, and discoloration, all of which are signs of corrosion.

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 water supply lines run underneath the bathtub. These two pipes deliver cold and hot water to the bathtub—the cold water comes from the main water supply, and the hot water comes from the water heater. The pipes are made from copper, cream-colored plastic CPVC, or red and blue PEX tubing.