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If you’re not using a septic system, problems with your home’s plumbing won’t cause this—it’s a city problem. A large blockage in the municipal sewage lines may cause those lines to back up into your home. This is extremely unpleasant and can be a serious health risk due to bacteria and other contaminants. If this occurs, call a pro (or your city) immediately.

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.

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.

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.