Get matched with top drain cleaners in Rutherfordton, NC

No, you should avoid using liquid drain cleaners. These chemicals, often packed with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, can wreak havoc on your pipes, causing erosion and potential leaks. They’re also dangerous to your health. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, manual removal or a professional plumber is your best bet. Chemical drain cleaners can often make things worse, especially if the clog stays put and the chemicals linger in your pipes.

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.

If you've discovered a rather frightening buildup of brown and black gunk below your shower cover, you're not alone. The smelly sludge is often a collection of mildew and biofilm. Biofilm comes from the breakdown of soap scum, hair, skin cells, and bacteria that collects during shower time. It's quite common in a humid space and relatively easy to clean with a gentle DIY cleaning solution such as baking soda and vinegar.

The P-trap (or S-trap in older homes) under your shower is designed to prevent sewer gas from coming back up, so you shouldn’t normally experience foul odors coming from your shower drain. If you do, the vent stack that introduces air into your plumbing system may be clogged, or you may have a more severe sewer main blockage. In either case, hire a plumber to fix the issue for you.