What is the Average Drain Cleaning Cost? (2024)

April 16, 2024
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Written By
Robert Estrada
What is the Average Drain Cleaning Cost? (2024)

Drain cleaning or drain clearing is the process of removing blockages and debris from drains to make them work.

What is Drain Cleaning and Why is it Necessary?

Drain cleaning is the process of removing blockages and debris from drains to make them work. Over time grease, hair, soap scum and food particles can build up in your pipes and clog your drains. This can cause slow draining and bad odors to full blown backups and overflows. Regular drain cleaning is necessary to prevent these problems and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. By fixing clogs early you can avoid damaging your pipes and fixtures and save yourself time and money in the long run.

What is the National Average Drain Cleaning Cost?

On average homeowners can expect to pay between $300 to $500. But how much does it cost to get your drains professionally cleaned? For more complex issues like main sewer line clogs the cost can be $700 or more. When it comes to maintaining your home’s plumbing system making sure your drains are clean is key. But how much does professional drain cleaning cost near you or national average? Prices can vary greatly depending on the severity of the clog, where the blockage is and regional labor rates.

What Affects Drain Cleaning Cost

Several things can affect the cost of drain cleaning so it’s good to know what might impact your bill. The location of the clog plays a big role; main sewer line clogs are more expensive to fix than secondary line clogs. The severity of the clog matters; tougher clogs require more powerful tools and more labor which can add to the cost. The condition of your pipes is another factor; older or damaged pipes can make the cleaning process more complicated. Ease of access to the clog is another factor; clogs that are harder to reach like those in crawl spaces or behind walls will be more expensive to clear. Any additional labor required like removing fixtures or performing other plumbing work can also add to the total cost.

Drain Cleaning Costs

The cost of drain cleaning can vary greatly but here are some estimates to give you an idea of what to expect. For minor clogs like kitchen sink or bathroom sink you might pay between $100 to $300. Moderate clogs that require more work can cost between $300 to $500. Severe clogs especially main sewer line clogs can cost $500 to $1,000 or more if hydro jetting equipment is involved. These estimates can help you plan for drain cleaning services and know what to expect.

Should I Call A Plumber For Clogged Drain Cleaning?

Yes especially if the clog persists after you’ve tried the basic home remedies. If you suspect a main sewer line clog it’s especially important to call a plumber as this can cause multiple fixtures to back up at the same time. Plumbers have the tools and knowledge to diagnose and fix the problem fast and efficiently and prevent pipe damage.

What’s The Cheapest Way To Unclog A Drain?

The cheapest way is usually using household items you already have. While these methods can work for minor clogs laundry drains are more complex and may require professional intervention. For example a mixture of hot water, baking soda and vinegar can work for minor clogs. This natural method is safe for your pipes and the environment.

DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Plumber

While DIY drain cleaning can be cost effective for minor clogs it’s not always the best option for severe blockages. Professional drain cleaning services have several advantages that’s worth the investment. Professional plumbers have the training and high quality drain snakes or hydro jetting machines to remove even the toughest clogs and make sure your drains are thoroughly cleaned. They can also identify and fix the underlying issue that’s causing the clog so you won’t have future problems. They can also do the job safely and reduce the risk of pipe or fixture damage. While DIY methods can work for minor clogs hiring a professional is usually the best option for complex issues.

How Do Plumbers Clean Drain Pipes?

Plumbers use several professional tools and methods depending on the type of clog:

  • For secondary lines like shower drain plumbers might use a hand auger or plumber’s snake.
  • Hand augers or plumber’s snakes to physically remove clogs.
  • Motorized drain augers for tough clogs deep in the sewer line.
  • Hydro jetting which uses high pressure water to remove debris and build up on drain pipe walls.

How To Unclog A Drain Like A Plumber?

To unclog a drain like a plumber start with a plunger. If that doesn’t work try using a plumber’s snake to reach deeper into the pipes. Make sure you’re using the right size and type of snake for your specific drain to avoid damaging your pipes.

What Liquid Do Plumbers Use To Unclog Drains?

While professional plumbers sometimes use chemical drain cleaners many opt for more environmentally friendly solutions like enzymatic cleaners. These break down organic matter without the harshness of chemicals that can corrode pipes over time. Read our complete article about Drano vs Liquid-Plumr here.

How Do I Know If My Sewer Line Is Clogged?

Signs of a clogged sewer line are:

  • Multiple drains backing up at the same time.
  • Water pooling around floor drains.
  • Gurgling noises from toilet flushes.
  • Raw sewage smell from your drains.

If you notice any of these symptoms call a professional plumber right away to prevent further damage to your home’s plumbing system.

Need help with your drains and sewer line in Houston, Pearland, Friendswood and surrounding areas? Call us today or schedule online now and request your free estimate.

Prevention and Maintenance By Red One Plumbing

Preventing clogs and maintaining your drains will reduce the need for frequent drain cleaning and save you money in the long run. Here are some tips to keep your drains clear and running properly. Be mindful of what you put down your drains; don’t dispose of grease, hair and other debris that can cause clogs. Install a drain screen to catch hair and other particles before they go down the drain. Run hot water through your drains regularly to clear out any buildup and prevent clogs. Consider scheduling regular drain maintenance with a professional plumber. Regular maintenance will help identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems so your plumbing system will stay in good condition. By following these tips you’ll keep your drains clear and avoid the hassle and expense of clogged drains.

Need help with your drains and sewer line in Houston, Pearland, Friendswood and surrounding areas? Call Red One Plumbing (832) 281-4022 today or schedule online now.

Resources:

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Roberto was fantastic! Not only was his customer service on point, he literally showed up less than 30 minutes after I called. He was polite, thorough and spent time explaining what he was doing. I would highly recommend this company to anyone needing plumbing service!

Google G letterFive stars

John did the pipe replacement for our backed-up sink. Super polite, did great work, and got the job done super quickly!

Google G letterFive stars

Red One responded quickly. David was very friendly, honest and communicated everything clearly to us.  He also had faucets we could purchase saving me a trip to the store.  I would recommend them to anyone.

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Arrived when he said he would and even gave an en route eta! Roberto helped us and he is very friendly and respectful of your time and home. Excellent work and fixed our issues no problem!

Google G letterFive stars

Excellent customer service and overall experience with Roberto. It was a custom job installing a toilet in an RV with small access. Honest and efficient in the estimate, execution, and communication. Would recommend him to anyone with their plumbing needs.

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Roberto did an absolutely phenomenal job! He was friendly, considerate, knowledgable, and explained everything he was doing in a way that was easy to understand. Would highly recommend to anyone with plumbing issues.

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Roberto with Red One plumbing was fantastic! He was very personable and professional. You can tell he really knew his job well and he takes great pride in the quality of his work. He hooked up our standby generator and was very informative on the whole process. He made sure we knew what to expect and what each step entailed. If I need a plumber again in the future, he will be my go to guy. Highly recommended.

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Robert runs an amazing business. He is truly one of a kind. Red One Plumbing was there for my family during the freeze with a frozen pipe. They has serviced and replaced several of our appliances. He goes above and beyond for his customers.

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Red One Plumbing and Roberto are the best! I needed immediate service on faucet installation/drain cleaning and Roberto showed up quickly and was very professional. I will continue using them for all my plumbing needs. Very reliable and affordable.

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