Water leaking through your basement floor is a good sign of a clogged drain, but another sign of a clogged basement floor drain can include unpleasant odors coming from the drain. Also, hearing gurgling noises when water drains from the basement or having other plumbing fixtures (like toilets or other drains) backing up is a good indicator.
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.
With a one-way cleanout, you can access your sewer line from one direction. Depending on the way it curves, a plumber can either access the side of the pipe that goes into your home or the side that goes to your yard. On the other hand, two-way cleanouts allow pros to access both sides of the sewer line, thanks to their dual-pipe design (they’re usually U-shaped).
Your sewer pro will take about an hour to complete your sewer line camera inspection. However, if your home does not have cleanout access and the pro needs to remove the toilet to access the sewer line, the time to completion will take longer. Note that this estimated time does not include the time for repair, drain cleaning, or any other services you may need.
Some experts estimate that descaling your cast iron pipes can extend their lifetime by upwards of 50 years, although there’s not a lot of research to prove it. But we do know that without proper maintenance, cast iron pipes can quickly rust—leading to more expensive issues like burst pipes or main line clogs.
The Crosby, ND homeowners’ guide to sewer cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A clogged main sewer line can lead to gas or wastewater leaks. Find out what main sewer line clog repair costs by type of service, clog severity, and more.
The best way to keep your sewer line running smoothly is with some regular maintenance. But don’t worry—it doesn’t take much effort. Read on to learn how.
