The Plumber Will Handle the Problem Plumbers have specialized tools to help clear problem clogs, such as a hydro jetter or more industrial drain snake. If they can unblock the pipe that way, then the cost should be minimal. If the problem is a broken pipe or tree roots, then the repair will be costly.
You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.
Manual augers are especially useful in clearing simple drain or toilet clogs, dislodging debris, and passing through the sewer system. In most clogged drains, the manual plumbing snake is sufficient to clear minor blockages relatively close to the drain opening.
The city is responsible for any sewer problem starting from the main sewer line. This line carries waste from your home and surrounding homes to places like the city's treatment plant. The pipe usually sits outside your property line on public property.
Clearing a clogged sewer line can take an hour to a few hours, depending on the blockage. If your lines are severely blocked, a video inspection and more advanced techniques may be necessary to find and address the clog.
Average Flat Rate
Some plumbing jobs are billed at a flat rate. As of 2025, the average plumber rates for larger repairs are typically between $500 to $800, while smaller jobs like repairing toilets, sinks, faucets, or bathtubs typically range from $125 to $350.
Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some private or unadopted sewers.
If the part of the line that is on your property is damaged by something sudden and unexpected, it's usually covered. If there is a sewage backup or the damage is due to a chronic issue, you will likely have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace the line.
Yes, a clogged sewer line is considered a plumbing emergency. Depending on the cause and severity of a clog, the remedy may be relatively inexpensive or easy for a professional to resolve. However, more extensive damage can be costly, lead to interior water damage, and pose a health issue.
Hydro jetting costs $475 on average but range from $350 to $600. A plumber can give you a quote and get rid of your sewer clog. Having to keep your plumber on speed dial is no fun for any homeowner. If chronic sewer clogs are giving you issues, it might be time to call in the big guns.
Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Water Pressure
You also need a plunger and the drain snake depending on the nature of the clog. Mix baking soda and vinegar in the ratio of 1:2 and add the mixture in 60 gallons of water. Use the plunger or drain snake as you pour the water into the drain.
Expert Recommendations for Sewer Line Cleaning
We recommend homeowners schedule sewer line cleaning every 18 to 24 months to prevent buildup and clogs. Regular cleanings help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system.
You can tackle a clogged sewer line using other strategies if you don't have a snake on hand. First, you can run hot water down the drain for 5 to 10 minutes to see if that helps break up the clog. If it doesn't, pour equal parts of vinegar and baking soda into a bowl and then pour that mixture down the drain.
Roto-Rooter's most popular service is clearing sewer lines using an auger strong enough to cut through tree roots. This service typically costs $400 to $600. Unclogging a branch line, or plumbing within the home, costs $350 to $500 on average. The technician uses a smaller auger to snake a drain in your home.
Trenchless sewer repairs, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, are typically 30-40% less expensive than traditional excavation and less invasive. Traditional excavation, which involves digging a trench to access the damaged pipe, is usually more expensive and can cause significant damage to your yard.
Sewer line coverage varies in cost but can generally be obtained for $5 to $15 per month, depending on your property size and the area in which you live. Because sewer line incidents often cost upwards of $10,000 to repair, many homeowners consider sewer line coverage a good investment.
In some cases, tree roots can cause sewer pipes to crack or even collapse if enough pressure is on the pipe. For more extensive damage, trenchless sewer repair solutions like pipe lining and pipe bursting can essentially replace your existing sewer pipe and return your plumbing to as good as new.
As a general rule, sewer line repairs are considered to be standard home maintenance expenses, which means you are not eligible for a tax break on your personal income tax returns.
Cost Factors of Cleaning and Unclogging Drains
The overall cost of drain unclogging will depend on the blockage type, for instance, a small blockage in a toilet or sink is normally only priced at around £50 to £70. However, a more extensive blockage deep in your drains could end up costing you around £150 to £200.
Professional plumbers can use various camera styles to inspect the sewer line, such as: Remote-controlled crawler cameras. Pole or fixed zoom cameras. Push rod cameras.
If you think you have a blockage within your drains or sewer, we advise you contact a plumber. Many home insurance providers or home protection includes drainage cover, so they may also be able to help.
Across the nation, if you were going to hire a professional plumber, the average amount you can expect to spend is approximately $250. However, if your clog is minor, plumbers may charge as little as $100. Of course, if your clog is substantially more complex, this could increase your costs to upwards of $400.
It's an emergency if: The wetness is quickly accumulating or escalating but you cannot visibly see the source of the water. This could mean you have a burst pipe in the wall or under the floor.
Most handymen charge between $50 and $80 per hour, making an average of $150 to $600 per job. Rates depend on their specialty, experience, level of education, and whether the handyman is insured, requires specialized equipment, or services rural locations.