Regular use of the dishwasher causes a buildup of debris in the sink drain. Eventually, this can lead to a clog. In fact, most plumbing calls are for the minor issue of a clogged sink. But a blocked-up sink can also be an indication of a bigger problem with your plumbing. So, it must be addressed by a plumber. The average price for cleaning a clogged drain in the United States is between $150 and $275. Repairing a drain can cost anywhere from $60 to $85 (low end) and $450 to $675 (high end) when you hire a plumber. Some drainage tasks might cost even more. It depends on how big and bad the clogged drain is. Also, some plumbers may charge a fixed amount of $50 to $150 to arrive, which can also include the first hour of labor.
When fixing a clogged drain, many plumbers charge by the hour. Some businesses charge set prices for routine tasks like drain cleaning. Also, the clogged plumbing pipe’s nature and location will determine the cost. You don’t want to deal with a clogged kitchen sink or a non-flushing toilet. Before you dial the number of a nearby plumber to unclog your drain. You should get an approximate price of How much does it cost to unclog a drain? So, if you want to learn how to unclog your sink or get a price estimate for the job. Read our full guide below for all your queries! Let’s start.
How Much Does It Cost to Unclog a Drain Depending on the kind or location?
The cost of having a plumber remove your blockage will differ depending on its location. For example, Indoor pipes, like your sink, cost less to fix than outside pipes that attach to the sewer. The location of the blockage determines the final costs. Generally, the average cost to fix a minor blockage in a toilet, sink, or bathtub is $150-$275. But bigger clogs in the central sewage system can cost as much as $500-$600 to fix. The more difficult the blockage, the more tools and time the specialist will need. Here are the average prices to clear a clog by kind or location:
Price to Unclog a Toilet
Toilet paper, baby wipes, gum, and other objects can block a toilet, which you may flush carelessly. Toilet pipes are very fragile. So, you can’t use any gel you buy at the store to unclog the drain. But, the average price to hire a professional to unclog a toilet is between $175 and 275.
Price to Unclog a Kitchen Sink
Kitchen sinks might be hard to fix because the pipes are usually smaller. The good news is that you can try to fix most of these issues with a plunger, a snake, or clog disposal gel. If the clog doesn’t go away after trying DIY methods. You must hire a plumber or clog cleaner, who will charge between $150 and 225.
Cost to Clear a Garbage Disposal
Your safety might be in danger from garbage disposals. So, if a clog does arise, you shouldn’t put your hands into the affected area to remove it. The average cost to clear clogged garbage disposal is between $150 and $200. But repairing or replacing garbage disposal will cost $300–$400.
Bathtub or Shower Drain Unclogging Cost
We collect dirt and grime during the day, and it all ends up in the bathtub and shower drain. Hair and other debris frequently clog drains because they are simple to collect. Yes, even if you’re careful about keeping your shower drain clear after each use. If this drain caused the clog, you could expect to pay between $225 and $275.
Cost to Clear the Main Line
The largest pipe system in your house is your main line. So, if this one gets backed up, it usually takes a bigger snake to get it moving again. As a result, it’s generally necessary to bring in an expert to deal with it. On average, it will cost between $450 and $800 to clear out the main line.
Methods to clear a clogged drain
The method a plumber uses to unclog a drain affects the price. When it comes to drain cleaning, snaking and hydro jetting are your two primary options. Here are the national average costs for two common ways to clean drains:
- Snaking: $225 – $500
- Hydro jetting: $450 – $800
Snaking
If your drain is clogged or runs slowly, you can fix it by using a snake. It’s comparable to the Legos that your child flushed down the drain. A plumber uses a plumbing snake to clear a drain. The auger is lightweight and bendable, allowing it to be inserted into a P-trap. The most common place for clogs in your plumbing system is in the curved pipe under your sinks and toilets. Toilet jacks and rooters are other names for augers. Depending on where the clog is and how bad it is. A plumber might use either a manual or an electric snake. Snaking is usually cheaper than hydro jetting. For example, a skilled plumber costs between $225-$275 to snake a sink.
Hydro jetting
Hydro jetting, which is also called water jetting, is a different way to clean pipes than snaking. Hydro jetting costs anywhere from $450 to $800. But, the cost of extensive work can reach $1,000. The plumber uses a high-pressure pump to clear a clogged drain using this method. Also, the plumber s hooting a forceful water jet into pipes to remove oil and other gunk. It clears drains more effectively and with greater force than a plumbing snake. Because the plumber is clearing the drain with high-pressure water. Also, this is a chemical-free and environmentally-friendly option for drain cleaning. But, this high pressure may be too much for some older pipelines to withstand. Plumbers refer to a video inspection before hydro-jet old pipes to make sure they will last.
Video camera inspection
The plumber may conduct a video inspection of a pipe if they are unsure of what is clogging your drain. This is done by sending a high-definition video camera down your sewage pipe to find the drain issue. The camera is held in place by a bendy metal rod. So, the plumber forces his way into the pipes and streams live footage. So they can figure out exactly what’s wrong. Plumbers can observe the below pipelines with a video inspection. Price ranges from $395 to $450 for video inspections on a national level. But the price can be anywhere from $300 to $650. Drain cleanup and plumbing repairs will each cost you a different amount. Also, some plumbers offer free video inspections with drain cleaning.
Main sewer line clogs and plumbing problems
If there is a clog in more than one sink, toilet, or bathtub. It’s possible that the clog is in the house’s primary sewage line. Broken pipes or tree roots pushing into a pipe can also result in sewer line blockages. It also happened because things like toilet paper got stuck inside the pipes. It takes snaking to clear a main line blockage (also called rodding). Hydro jetting the pipe via an outside drain vent or sewage cleanout is also important. Prices range between $200 to $600. It depends on how bad the clog is and what tools are used to clean the sewer line.
The least expensive way to clean a sewer line is to snake it, which costs $150 to $250, while hydro-jetting costs $350 to $600. The cost of labor alone to fix a damaged sewer line ranges from $2,500 to $4,200. If you want sewer line replacement—remove old pipes and replace them. It costs between $50 and $450 per linear foot, materials included. The average total cost across the country is $3,900.
More plumbing repairs
When a drain is clogged, it can be a sign of a bigger problem, like broken pipes. If a plumber needs to take out old pipes and install new ones. The price can range from $200 to several hundred dollars. The average rate for replacing aging pipes is between $2 and $5 per linear foot. It depends on what kind of pipe you have and where it is.
Common causes drain gets clogged.
There are many things that can cause clogs in your pipes, but some of the most common ones are:
- Toilet paper
- Grease
- Tree roots
- Foreign things
- Poor installation
- Cracked, broken, or damaged pipes
Toilet paper
This might be one of the most typical reasons. Because kids flush too much toilet paper down the drain. Luckily, this is a small issue that you can resolve with little effort.
Grease
The buildup of fat and gum causes grease clogs over time. The catchment area or the drain itself can also become solidified. Again, it’s not a difficult or pricey task. But, this might lead to large fines from local councils for professional chefs and cafes.
Tree roots
Tree roots are a major cause of clogs. When tree roots try to find water, they literally destroy everything in their way. As they expand, they frequently topple retaining walls and burst underground pipes. Again, a camera can look inside the line and give you the correct advice. They offer proper cleansing and protection advice.
Foreign things
Plumbers have seen everything at work. You wouldn’t believe what they pulled out of clogged drains. Beer cans, kid’s toys, stockings, and silicone tubes are a few examples. Moreover, gadgets, air fresheners, tampons, and even underwear. When it comes to clearing blockages from foreign objects. It’s usually done by first using a drain inspection camera to find the clog. Then they will have to figure out the best way to get rid of it.
Poor installation
Blockages can also happen if the drains’ slope or “fall” is not steep enough. High Standards require a 20mm fall within 1m of piping. It helps make sure that trash gets to where it’s supposed to go. Blockages can occur in piping without enough fall. There is no option but to re-lay the drains if they were originally installed incorrectly. This can be expensive, especially if trenching and drilling are needed.
Cracked, busted, or broken pipes
Pipes can crack or break as they age, owing to material weakness. Also, due to ground movement, tree roots, and of course, damage from construction. Most of the time, replacing broken or cracked pipes is better than fixing them. Most plumbers actually suggest replacing old clay pipes with newer PVC pipes.
What should you look for in a drain cleaning professional?
We hope our guide on how much it costs to unclog a drain will help you get an estimate. Also, when looking for a plumber in your area to unclog a sink, consider these factors. Our advice is to get a plumber who is not only licensed but also has years of experience. Many homeowners have to deal with clogged sinks over and over again. The cost of your project will go up if you hire an expert plumber. Even more so if they charge extra for service calls on top of their regular rate. But they are more likely to fix the problem for good than help for a short time.
It can be hard to tell how bad a clogged drain is before the work starts. But, a professional plumber usually has a set price rather than an hourly one. If the blockage is challenging to clear, a flat rate will keep your plumbing repair costs low. Also, a plumber that guarantees their job is the best choice. We hope you find our article helpful and informative. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section.
