How long does it take to unclog a sewer line?

Author: Monte Stamm  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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.

How much does it cost to unclog a main sewer line?

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.

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 a plumber to fix a clogged drain?

A straightforward drain cleaning job, such as unclogging a sink or toilet, typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. However, if the blockage is severe or located deep within the plumbing system, it could take several hours or even a full day to resolve.

How do plumbers unclog main sewer line?

With the main sewer line clogged, you need a professional plumber to snake or hydro-jet the pipe that connects drains in your home to the municipal sewer line. Hydro jetting is a complex process that entails using high-pressure jets through the drain pipes to break up blockages and get rid of all debris.

EASIEST Way To Clear A Sewer Blockage -- This Should Be In Your Toolbox

How long does it take to clear a clogged sewer line?

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.

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.

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.

How much does a roto rooter charge to unclog a drain?

You'll likely pay between $300 and $450 to unclog your toilet with Roto-Rooter. However, the price could change depending on if the clog has caused a lot of damage, which your plumbing pro will want to inspect during your service appointment. Keep in mind that you won't get a quote from Roto-Rooter over the phone.

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.

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?

When the sewer line that carries waste away from the house is blocked, you'll notice the four signs that follow.
  1. All Your Drains Reek. ...
  2. Your Drains Are Blocked or Slow-Moving. ...
  3. You Hear Loud Gurgling Sounds Coming From Your Pipes Throughout Your Home. ...
  4. You Have an Unnaturally Lush Landscape or a Smelly, Sunken Lawn.

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.

When I flush the toilet, water comes up in the sink.?

A mild blockage refers to a clog in the toilet, which is often the first reason you experience drained water returning through the other outlets. When an obstruction is in the toilet, the water you flush down the outlet will find other outlets to use, eventually leading the water to come out of the sink or tub.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer lines?

In most cases, home insurance will cover sewer line damage from specific events. This includes extreme weather (excluding earthquakes and floods), vandalism, fire, and damage from vehicles or falling objects.

Who is responsible for blocked sewers?

Repairs to sewers

Sewers and lateral drains connected to the public network used to be the responsibility of the property owner. However, most are now maintained by local water companies. If you have any problems with your sewer or lateral drain, for example if it's blocked, contact your local water company.

Is a clogged main sewer line an emergency?

Once there is a blockage, you might quickly smell the foul odor or see water leaking. You certainly will know there is a problem. A sewer line clog is a very serious problem that can be considered a plumbing emergency.

Is Roto-Rooter cheaper than a plumber?

Roto-Rooter costs $100 to $600 on average for minor fixture repairs or clogged plumbing. Roto-Rooter rates for fixing a toilet or sink are less than for unclogging drains and sewer lines. Plumbing services for emergencies like burst pipes cost $1,000 to $3,500.

What happens if Roto-Rooter doesn't work?

If the Roto-Rooter machine can't get through the pipe, your service technician can request a video camera inspection of the sewer pipeline to ascertain where the blockage is and its cause. A trained eye will then be able to recommend repair options to the homeowner.

How much does it cost to clean out the main sewer line?

Clearing a clogged sewer line costs $250 to $800, depending on where the clog is located, what causes it, and the necessary cleaning. A clogged sewer line is typically an indication of a much larger problem.

Can you clear a main sewer line clog yourself?

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.

How much does it cost to have a roto rooter snake a drain?

Roto-Rooter sewer main line unclog service prices in 2024 may range from $400 to $600. A sewer main line is a large pipe that leads from your house to the larger municipal sewer line outside of your property line, usually buried under the street, and accessed by a drain cleanout.

How long does it take a plumber to unclog a main sewer line?

Depending on the severity of the problem, your sewer line could take anywhere from a half hour to 5 hours to be cleaned.

Why is hydrojet so expensive?

Why is hydro jetting so expensive? Hydro jetting is usually pricier than other options, including snaking and chemical drain cleaners. This is because there is expensive technology, plus a very advanced level of skill required.

Is hydro jetting better than snaking?

Typically, professional plumbers will start with a snake, since most clogs are relatively minor. But hydro jetting may be the best option for clogs in multiple drains or severe clogs that continue to recur.

Is sewer jetting worth it?

Regular sewer jetting can eliminate clogs before they become full on blockages. We also recommend that you jet the sewers when you move into a new home, as you never know what condition the sewer line was left in by the previous owner.

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