If you've got a completely blocked waste pipe, fill your sink up part way and place the cup of a sink plunger over the plug-hole. Follow that by stuffing a damp cloth into the overflow to prevent any pressure loss. Pump the plunger up and down vigorously – go on, give it some welly!
Using vinegar, baking soda, and water is an effective, eco-friendly method of unclogging your pipes. The baking soda and hot water will loosen up any build-up that's clogging your waste pipe, and the chemical reaction from the vinegar will cause the sludge to move on down the drain.
If some objects block your downpipe, using a garden hose to clear it is best. A stream of water directly from the hose can help clear blocked downpipes immediately. Consider banging it with a soft rubber mullet if the downpipe fails.
A plumber inserts the hose and nozzle into your pipes and blasts high-pressure water through it to scour out the drain pipes. Not only does this move out clogs, but it also helps to remove hard deposits and hard water minerals. This is one of the most popular and safe ways of unclogging and cleaning out drains.
Plumber Drain Snaking Costs
Simple sink, shower, or toilet clogs – $100 to $250 per drain. Kitchen sink or laundry drain cleanout – $150 to $275 average cost. Main sewer line augering – $200 to $500 per cleaning. Extensive sewervideo inspection & repairs – $400 to $1,000+
No, Drano® is not recommended to clear a clogged sewer line. Bottle unclogging solutions are designed for minor clogs and are not strong enough to break up more extensive sewer line blockages.
Start by removing any visible and solid obstructions from the drain, like hair or food particles. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Slowly pour the 2 cups of white vinegar down the drain over the baking soda. The mixture will create a fizzing reaction, which can help break down the gunk in the drain.
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.
#1: Use baking soda and vinegar
Let it sit for an hour or more (or overnight if you suspect the blockage is really bad) and then flush with hot water. In theory, the blockage should be gone but repeat the process if you experience further problems.
This technique is a classic – and one of the most popular DIY drain unclog methods. Pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain and allow it to work its magic overnight. The next morning, flush the drain with boiling water. Repeat if necessary.
Using a Toilet Plunger or Plunger
A plunger isn't just for toilets; it's great for sinks, showers, and shower drains too. It pushes clogs out by creating a vacuum. Just be sure you're using it right to get the clog moving.
Water pressure changes or changes in water flow are one of the most immediate signs of a clogged pipe. This indicates that part of the pipe is cracked or broken or, more commonly, you may have a troublesome clog that's inhibiting the flow and creating a blockage.
Hydro jetting is one of the more innovative solutions to blocked pipes. To put it simply: You use a high-pressure hose to blast through the blockage and clear it. Then, you pull out the hose slowly and carefully and voila – the clog is gone!
Simply either find a stiff piece of wire around the house, or buy a plumbing snake, and insert it into the blocked downpipe as far as it can go. To unblock a downpipe using this method you simply: Insert the wire as far as it can go down into the downpipe. Start rotating the wire and moving it around.
Simply pour some hot water down your clogged drain and follow it up with equal parts baking soda and vinegar (baking soda first), cover the drain with a plug if you have one, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with more hot water to clear the clog.
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.
Strong sewage smells are a telltale sign that your toilet vent pipe may be clogged. One of the main jobs of vent pipes is to get rid of those nasty odors and gasses, so if you smell something off, it's time to check it out. If there is a clog in the plumbing vent, those sewer gasses can't escape properly.