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A sewage smell in your crawl space is usually from a damaged or clogged pipe leaking sewer gasses or actual sewage underneath your home, but there are some other common causes. Moisture, from poor or damaged encapsulation or a malfunctioning sump pump, can harbor mold and bacteria, causing a musty smell. Pests can also get stuck in your crawl space and die, which causes a sewage-like odor.

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.

It can take anywhere from half an hour to a few hours to fix a main line clog, depending on the cause and severity of it. The job should not take more than a day to complete. Keep in mind that the main line is not the same as your home’s sewer lines (which connect to the main line and run to your house). Your city is responsible for any clogs or damage to the main line itself.

An active cleaning agent and a drain snake is the best way to clean a main sewer line. You can purchase a regular or enzyme drain cleaner or make a DIY drain cleaner with baking soda. Use your chosen solution at least once a month or as needed to keep your sewer line clear.