How long does it take to clear a drain line?

Author: Dr. Kip Kiehn  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

Drain Cleaning Duration Thankfully, unlike a drain replacement project, you won't have to wait an entire day for drain cleaning services to be complete. Cleaning drains typically takes us a few hours, accounting for a few factors such as the size and severity of the blockage.

How long does it take to unclog a drain line?

Simple fixes like minor sink clogs can be resolved in mere minutes with quick fixes like a plunger or boiling water. A tougher clog that needs methods like a drain snake or the vinegar and baking soda trick might take anywhere from fifteen minutes to half an hour.

How long does a sewer line cleaning take?

Depending on the severity of the problem, your sewer line could take anywhere from a half hour to 5 hours to be cleaned. A professional will come and talk to you about your issue.

What is the easiest way to clear a blockage in the sewer line?

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.

How long does it take to flush a drain after Drano?

You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.

SECRET Plumber Trick: Unclog Drain in SECONDS 💥 (Extremely simple) 🤯

How long should you flush a drain?

Easy Maintenance for Drains

Don't put grease or certain types of food down the drain. Rinse with cold water as the disposal runs instead of using hot water. Allow water to run through the drain for at least 30 seconds once you shut off the disposal unit.

Can I leave Mr. Muscle overnight?

Using innovative drain unblocking technology, Mr Muscle's new biodegradable formula delivers the power to unclog bathroom drains in just 5 hours. Use it at night, let it work its magic and wake up to freely flowing drains.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

How do plumbers clear blocked drains?

In many cases, professional drain cleaning tools like a toilet auger or hydro jetting equipment will be enough to deal with a deep clogged pipe. However, if there is damage present, you may need additional repairs or pipe replacement services.

How much does it cost to clear a clogged sewer line?

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+

What chemical do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.

How many times should you snake a drain?

Snaking your shower drain can be done at least once a month to remove residue and hair, and professional cleaning of the whole draining system should be done once a year.

How long does it take to flush water lines in a house?

Begin the flushing procedure by opening the hot water taps in your bathroom(s). Open ALL hot water lavatory (sink) fixtures, hot water bath fixtures, and any other hot water fixtures, such as kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run these hot water fixtures for at least 15 minutes. Shut water off after 15 minutes.

Will Drano unclog a main sewer line?

With a clogged basement drain, pouring Drano or similar products down your sewer drain can actually damage your pipes or the glue holding them together, causing more sewer system problems in the future.

What do professionals use to unblock drains?

Drain snakes also called drain rooters or augers, use a long cable with a spiral-shaped head.

How much does hydro jetting cost?

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.

How to clear a main sewer line clog yourself?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. ...
  3. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. ...
  4. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. ...
  5. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.

What do you do if your drain won't unclog?

Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening. Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear the clog.

What happens if you put too much baking soda down the drain?

If you put too much baking soda down a drain onto a clog, it can sit on the clog and become a solid mass as it is subjected to more and more water. This will make the block worse and even harder to remove.

Does vinegar damage PVC pipes?

While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.

What is the best thing to unblock pipes with?

Mix 1/3rd of a cup of bicarbonate of soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar in a measuring cup. It will fizz immediately, and you should waste no time pouring it down the clogged drain. The fizzing action will help to remove the gunk, hair, and grime that has built up in the blocked drain pipe.

What happens if you leave Mr Muscle drain cleaner in too long?

Leaving Mr Muscle Drain Unblocker in your pipes for an extended period of time can cause damage to your plumbing system. The harsh chemicals in the solution can corrode the pipes, leading to leaks, cracks, or even complete pipe failure.

What is the best drain cleaner for standing water?

Drano's Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover works quickly too, without any elbow grease on your part. Simply pour the formula down a backed-up sink or drain and let it go to work. For minor clogs and slow-flowing drains, the gel works in 15 to 30 minutes. It can even help clear clogs in standing water.

Previous article
Why is my washing machine filter full of water after every wash?
Next article
How many vents should I have in my roof?