Get matched with top sewer cleaners in Warren, VT

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.

Sewer gas in any location can cause eye and respiratory irritation if you’re exposed at low levels, or more severe symptoms if you’re exposed at high levels—but fortunately, the fresh air outside means it’s less likely to affect your physical health. However, sewer smells outside can still indicate significant plumbing problems that will need to be dealt with, such as a potentially damaged sewer line or roof vent pipe.

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.

Most commercial liquid drain cleaners work in 15 to 30 minutes. Consult the label on the bottle for additional instructions or time suggestions to prevent damage to your drainpipes. Alternative solutions such as baking soda, salt, white vinegar, and/or boiling water can take longer since they are less harsh than liquid drain cleaners.