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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.

Most commercial liquid drain cleaners work in 15 to 30 minutes. Consult the label on the bottle for additional instructions or time suggestions to prevent damage to your drainpipes. Alternative solutions such as baking soda, salt, white vinegar, and/or boiling water can take longer since they are less harsh than liquid drain cleaners.

You should not attempt to snake your sewer yourself. Accessing and snaking your sewer requires heavy-duty equipment, and while renting is possible, misusing it can damage your sewer main and leave you with very expensive repair costs, not to mention potential environmental issues and severe water damage. Accessing your sewer also exposes you to hazardous sewer gasses, and failing to seal the sewer properly after work can be very dangerous. It’s always best to hire a professional sewer cleaner near you to handle this type of work.

To unclog the drain pipe, remove the machine's drain hose from the pipe or sink drain, being careful to contain any water in it. Next, use a plunger for sink drains or a plumbing snake for a wall drain. Test the repair by pouring a small amount of water into the pipe before trying it with a laundry load.