"We called him and he came right over that evening, started the next morning. Was a big job but they completed, and cleaned up so you hardly knew they were there. Everyone working on this job was able to answer all my questions."
The cost to clean a sewer line is about $370, ranging from about $190 to $550 on average. The specific cleaning method and the problem's severity will impact the project's overall cost.
Some of the most common sewer line cleaning methods include:
Snaking or rodding: $100–$250
Hydrojetting: $350–$600
Chemical treatments: $600–$1,000
Repair or replacement: $1,000–$7,500
This depends on the location of the blockage. If the blockage is in your home’s system, anywhere in the system, it is your responsibility as a homeowner. Blockages seldom happen because of items or buildup coming from the city, which means it originates in the home. It becomes the city’s responsibility at the exact point your home’s line distributes waste into the city’s system. The exception is if the problem in your home damages the city lines.
There are several common signs that your main sewer line may be clogged. Key indicators include multiple fixtures in your home draining slowly, gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets, and water backing up into showers, sinks, or toilets. You might also notice water backing up from the plumbing system's drain cleanout, water in your basement drain, or unexplained wet patches on your lawn. Foul odors, such as the smell of raw sewage or rotten eggs, are another common symptom. The most reliable way to confirm a main sewer line clog is to hire a professional plumber to perform a camera inspection.
If methods like hot water or a plunger don’t work on your clogged drain, you can snake your drain to dislodge the plug. This can be a messy process, taking some physical effort and additional time over the other drain-clearing options. You can purchase a drain snake at a hardware store and choose from handheld options or those attached to a drill. Just work slowly, and be ready to call a plumber if you’re unable to reach the clog from your drain or P-trap.
That pungent rotten egg smell coming from your drain is likely the buildup of biofilm—hair, skin, and soap scum that turns into a black sticky mess. In this case, pouring down near-boiling water, baking soda, and white vinegar will remove the smell. Keep in mind that a rotten egg smell is occasionally a sign of larger sewage line clogs and other related issues.
The Edgeley, 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.