Get matched with top drain cleaners in Murrells Inlet, SC

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.  

You can unclog an AC drain line for free if you already have these household ingredients: water, vinegar, and rags. Alternatively, if you’d rather not deal with the mess, you can hire a pro to clear your drain line. If you go that route, an HVAC service call costs between $100 and $250.

Boiling water helps unclog a drain, but usually only with a harder abrasive such as baking soda or vinegar. On its own, it isn’t the most effective tool. In addition, you shouldn’t use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as it can soften or melt them. Use a plunger or enlist the help of a pro if you have plastic pipes.

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.