Best sewer cleaners near Williamston, NC

It is generally safe to stay in a house that smells like sewage for a short time, but you should get the problem fixed as soon as possible. While the level of sewer gas is usually low enough to only cause minor symptoms, prolonged inhalation can lead to headaches, nausea, or respiratory irritation. High levels of gas exposure can be more dangerous, and high concentrations of methane—a component of sewer gas—can pose an explosion risk in enclosed spaces. If you smell sewer gas in your home, ventilate the area and call a professional to locate, assess, and fix the problem, as it will not go away on its own.

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.

Knowing the signs can alert you to a clogged drain line. Clogs cause slow drainage or cause no drainage (if there’s a complete blockage). You may also notice foul odors, gurgling noises, water backing up in other appliances on the same line, or a poorly flushing toilet. If you experience any of these issues and think your line might be clogged, call a plumber.

Main sewer lines can clog for several reasons. For example, if you regularly dump oil or grease down your drain, it could eventually block your line. Sometimes, tree roots can penetrate and grow inside old sewer pipes, creating a major blockage. Flushing bulky items (like paper towels, diapers, or baby wipes) can also clog your plumbing system.