Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Cambridge, VT

Your home has a few telltale signs of a sewer line problem. If you notice multiple plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, or shower drains) appear to be clogged, call a plumber ASAP. Also, if water appears in the tub or shower when you flush the toilet, you likely have a sewer line issue. A sulfur (rotten eggs) smell and bubbling or gurgling noises at the drain also warrant a check. And keep your eyes peeled for changes to the yard, such as a new indentation or mysteriously soggy grass.

It is safe to flush small amounts of bleach down the toilet. Don’t flush more than ¼ cup of bleach. Instead, consider diluting it and pouring it down the sink drain.

Outdoor plumbing issues are no less serious or urgent to fix than interior plumbing problems. These problems may require excavation and lawn repair due to the plumbing often being buried underground. The most common outside plumbing problems include:

• Clogged landscape drainage: $200–$1,000

• Clogged sewer lines: $60–$250 per linear foot

• Corroded or rusted pipes: $1,500–$15,000+

• Leaking drain lines: $200–$1,000

• Leaking water mains: $300–$4,000+

• Septic system failure: $600–$3,000+

• Tree roots in pipes: $200–$1,000

• Well pump failure: $350–$1,500

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.