Best sewer cleaners near Derby, VT

First, find the cleanout pipe in your yard. Unscrew the cap—you may need a wrench to do so. Then, get a drain snake. You can use a non-motorized one, but a motorized snake will make the job a little easier. Feed the snake through the pipe until it reaches the clog. Spin the snake continuously, but don’t try to feed it through the pipe anymore. Keep spinning until you feel it break the clog apart.

If you’ll be digging up your floor to get access to your pipes when putting in a sewer backflow preventer, this would also be a good time to take care of any other plumbing issues or renovations. For example, you could install additional pipes for a basement bathroom. Since the floor will be sealed over with concrete when you’re done, now’s a good time to take care of those bigger tasks.

An active cleaning agent and a drain snake is the best way to clean a main sewer line. You can purchase a regular or enzyme drain cleaner or make a DIY drain cleaner with baking soda. Use your chosen solution at least once a month or as needed to keep your sewer line clear. 

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.