Get matched with top drain cleaners in Fennimore, WI

It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish a clog from a frozen drainpipe since ice technically causes a clog. If the temperature doesn’t tip you off, there are a few additional signs that your pipe is frozen. Look for condensation and frost around the pipes. Ice in pipes can cause a banging or clanking noise as opposed to a clog from a softer material.

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.

There are a few reasons your snake won’t go down the floor drain. One common reason is a large obstruction in the drain that is causing a blockage. You can remove any debris you see in the drain before trying to snake it. In addition, the snake might not be long enough to reach the clog, or it might be the wrong diameter. 

Using less toilet paper is the easiest way to prevent future clogs. Also, avoid flushing sanitary products, thick paper towels, or hair down the toilet. If you’ve been using a brick in the tank to reduce the water used to flush the toilet, take it out immediately. Bricks will eventually fall apart and clog your toilet drain. Keeping your toilet lid closed also helps avoid future clogs.