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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.

Applying drain cleaner is a common DIY solution to clogged drains, but it can be extremely harmful to your pipes and lead to corrosion and leaks. It is almost always better to try snaking a clog than using a drain cleaner, but the best solution is to hire a professional plumber. They can locate the clog and gauge the severity using a camera system and then decide if using a plumber’s snake, auger, or drain cleaner is the best option to remove the clog and limit damage to your plumbing system.

On average, a plumber will take 30 minutes to two hours to clear a clogged drain. If the clog is located close to the drain or an access point and isn’t severe, the project will take about half an hour. If the clog is deep within your plumbing system or is a severe blockage, it can take two or more hours to remove the clog. For this reason, main line clogs tend to take longer, usually between two and three hours.

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.