The cost of drain cleaning averages about $241, but it can fall between $147 and $344, depending on the location and extent of your clog. There is nothing like a backed-up drain to derail your plans.
Average Cost of Drain Cleaning
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $400 for professional drain cleaning services. Here's a rough breakdown of costs based on the method used: Snaking/Augering: $100 to $250. Hydro Jetting: $300 to $600.
The average cost of drain jetting is around £70 to £175. Drain jetting is the preferred method for professional as it enables them to conduct a thorough clean to get rid of any problematic blockages. It will also clear out any other debris which will prevent any future drain issues.
While DIY methods may provide a temporary fix, professional drain cleaning services aim to provide long-term solutions by addressing the underlying issue that caused the clog. This can save homeowners time and money in the long run by preventing future blockages and potential damage to the pipes.
All of that hair, grime, soap scum and food debris doesn't always just flow through your line with ease, which is why it's best to get your drains cleaned by an expert annually. You shouldn't need it done any more than that – unless you're a facility or business with unusually high usage.
If you're dealing with a more stubborn or complicated blockage, you'll likely need a professional plumber. Their solutions can take a couple of hours or even a whole day to complete.
If the job is too dangerous, hire a pro to take care of it. If you decide to hire a licensed plumber near you to handle the fix, you can expect to pay between $150 and $200 for this service, although it could be more depending on the severity of the problem.
One of the main reasons plumbers dislike liquid drain cleaners is that they can actually cause more harm than good. These products contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes and cause damage over time.
For simple unclogging work, you can expect a professional plumber to clean your drains using a motorized drain auger (sometimes called a drain snake), which can take care of almost any size of obstruction within a drainpipe. Often, drain cleaning will start with a drain auger to remove basic drain trouble.
Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.
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.
Your plumbing needs will dictate the price, but the average cost for a Roto-Rooter contractor or independently owned business is $160 to $450. This includes drive time for a technician or plumber to come to your home. Unlike many plumbing services, Roto-Rooter charges a flat rate instead of by the hour.
The Short Answer Is: Drano and similar chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to home drain pipes as they contain corrosive chemicals that may deteriorate pipes over time, especially if used frequently.
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.
To clear the drain herself would cost the surgeon 6*$30=$180 in lost wages since she needs six minutes to clear it. The best plumber can clear the drain in an hour for a cost of $50. Thus, she would gain $180-$50=$130 by hiring a plumber to clear the drain.
According to data collected by homewyse.com, the average drain cleaning job—including the cost of any supplies and labor—will run a homeowner between $100-$300. The reason for the variability in price comes down to the type of clog and how much time is required to fully clear it.
There are some licenses you can earn based on the position you are interested in, such as the Unrestricted Drain Cleaners License; however, most states do not require a plumbing license to clean drains.
Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid)
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.
Cleaning drains typically takes us a few hours, accounting for a few factors such as the size and severity of the blockage. Within those few hours, our team will have set up all the equipment, installed water hoses that go into the drain pipes, and pumped high-pressure water, clearing all the debris and waste.
Total Square Footage of Vents
The cost of cleaning ductwork is $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot. So, to clean vents in a typical 1,500-square-foot house, expect to pay between $180 and $360.
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.