Get matched with top drain cleaners in Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM

A washing machine should drain the water used during its cycle through a drainpipe and out through the house’s plumbing. This is the same plumbing that sinks and shower drains run to, and if the U-bend is installed correctly, it shouldn’t smell. The total drainage from the house is then integrated into the city sewer system or, if you’re in the country, dispersed into a septic tank.

If your washing machine drain is clogged, that isn’t a good sign. Unlike toilet drains or kitchen sink drains, there isn’t matter that is easily broken up with a plumbing snake, and more care is required. If you’re in an old house or have mineral-rich water, there could be a buildup inside the pipe. Either way, if the blockage isn’t obvious and doesn’t dislodge with a snake, you need to call a pro—otherwise, you risk damaging integral plumbing.

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.

Yes, flushing a clogged toilet can make it overflow. While flushing the toilet may push enough pressure through the system to dislodge the clog, this is unlikely. Your best bet is to use a plunger and hope the suction can break up whatever is blocking the pipe. If this doesn’t work, use a plumbing auger or call a pro to help.