How much does Roto-Rooter charge to snake a main line?

Author: Breanne Cassin  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

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.

How much does a Roto-Rooter charge to snake a line?

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.

How much does it cost to snake a main line?

How much does it cost to have a main sewer line snaked? Due to extended labor and equipment needs, clearing obstructions from main sewer branch lines averages $200 to $500 though costs run higher for extensive tree root removal or follow-up repairs.

What is Roto-Rooter's hourly rate?

Average Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup hourly pay ranges from approximately $14.54 per hour for Maintenance Technician to $28.39 per hour for Manager.

What is the lawsuit against Roto-Rooter?

Three Minneapolis consumers slapped the plumbing service company with a class action lawsuit Monday. Plaintiffs Dawn Mills and LuAnn and Michael Cosgrove claim Roto-Rooter violated state “truth-in-repair” laws and pressured them into overpaying for repairs.

Roto-Rooter Unclogs any Drain or Sewer - Fast!

Does insurance cover Roto-Rooter?

Most insurance companies will cover unexpected water damage. However, damage caused by an ongoing issue or structural problem may not be covered. Roto-Rooter makes the water damage insurance process as easy as possible by working directly with your insurance company.

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 do you pay Roto-Rooter?

How can I pay my Roto-Rooter bill? You can pay them on doxo with credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or bank account.

Why do plumbers charge so much per hour?

The complexity of the job is one of the main drivers for hourly rates. A more complicated project will require more time and expertise from a plumbing contractor, which can lead to higher rates. The experience level of the plumber is also important.

How much does it cost to move a waterline?

In January 2025 the estimated cost to Move a Water Line starts at $855 - $1,041 per piping run. Use our Cost Calculator for cost estimate examples customized to the location, size and options of your project.

Can I snake my own main line?

In many cases, snaking the main drain line can be a relatively simple and cost-effective solution to these issues. However, it's important to approach this task with caution, as mishandling the snake or failing to diagnose the root cause of the clog can lead to further damage.

What is the cheapest way to replace a sewer line?

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.

How long does it take to snake a main sewer line?

The good news is it takes about 1 to 3 hours to unclog a sewer line using video inspection, augers and/or a high-pressure power flushing system.

How much should it cost to snake a main sewer line?

The average cost of snaking the main sewer line is around $150 – $500, with the national average price hovering at $300 in most places throughout the U.S. For more complex clogs, expect the price to rise with difficulty, and add an additional $100-$150 to remove and reseal the toilet if necessary.

How to unclog main sewer line?

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.

Does Roto-Rooter use hydro jetting?

Roto-Rooter's hydro jetting service is the most effective solution for unclogging and cleaning commercial, industrial, and municipal sewers and drainpipes containing grease, sludge, sediment, or mud. Conventional mechanical drain cleaning machines can only poke holes through these...

How much should I pay a plumber per hour?

Anticipating Plumbing Costs per Hour: What to Expect

In 2025, homeowners in the U.S. can expect to pay an average of $90 per hour for plumbing services, though rates generally span from $45 to $200 based on service type and complexity.

What is the average markup for plumbers?

The average profit margin for a plumbing company is between 20 – 35%. Your ideal profit margin will depend on your individual costs and financial goals.

What is Roto-Rooter hourly rate?

As of Jan 31, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Roto Rooter in the United States is $14.90 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $15.62 and as low as $5.29, the majority of Roto Rooter wages currently range between $14.42 (25th percentile) to $15.38 (75th percentile) across the United States.

Does Roto-Rooter do good work?

Over the years I've found Roto-Rooter to offer very effective plumbing services above the competition. I highly recommend Roto-Rooter to everyone.

How much does a Roto-Rooter charge to a snake?

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 can I tell if my main sewer line is clogged?

Watch Out for These Four Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line?
  1. All Your Drains Reek. It's not uncommon to have a single drain that emits a foul odor. ...
  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.

What's the difference between Mr Rooter and Roto-Rooter?

Verdict: Both Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter offer a standard lineup of plumbing services, including emergency response. However, Mr. Rooter has an edge with more comprehensive water line, well pump, and sewer repair and replacement services.

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