Roto-Rooter charges $ πππ to $ πππ on average to unclog a main sewer line. Basic branch line (indoor) snaking typically runs $ πππ to $ πππ. Because Roto-Rooter uses flat-rate pricing, the final quote depends on a few factors:
The easiest, most reliable DIY method to clear a main sewer blockage is using a sewer bladder (drain flush bag). It attaches to your garden hose, expands inside the pipe, and uses high-pressure water to blast the clog downstream.
Hard-to-reach Drains
Drains in hard-to-reach areas, such as underground pipes or sewer lines, require additional effort and equipment. Unblocking these drains can cost between Β£250 and Β£500 or more, depending on the complexity of the task.
It depends on the job. Rooter services like drain cleaning are often less expensive than major plumbing work. However, advanced rooter services like hydro jetting can cost more.
How to unclog a drain
Are tree roots in a sewer line covered by insurance? Not usually. While insurance may help cover damage to your property caused by tree roots, it generally won't cover costs associated specifically with the sewer lines.
To unclog a main sewer line, locate your outdoor sewer cleanout pipe, open it carefully to let backed-up water drain, and clear the blockage using a rented motorized drain auger or a high-pressure sewer jetter/bladder.
Hydro jetting a residential sewer line typically takes 1 to 2 hours. However, the exact timeframe depends on several key variables:
Home insurance can help with damage caused by a blocked drain, like water damage to your home's structure (buildings insurance) or your belongings (contents insurance). It won't cover the cost of fixing the blockage itself.
Pouring salt down your drain at night is a popular DIY plumbing trick used for routine maintenance. The goal is to take advantage of the salt's coarse texture and natural moisture-absorbing properties.
A straightforward yet effective approach to addressing a clogged drain pipe involves simply using hot water mixed with dish soap. This method, ideal for tackling minor blockages, leverages the degreasing power of dish soap combined with the force of hot water to dislodge and dissolve clog-causing residue.
To clear a main sewer line clog, use an industrial-strength chemical main line opener (like Green Gobbler Main Line Opener or Instant Power Main Line Cleaner), or physically clear the blockage using a motorized drain auger (sewer snake). For severe blockages or tree roots, an auger is the most effective solution.
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. Then, they'll likely first try to resolve the problem with a drain clearing "auger" (a motorized snake-like tool that breaks apart clogs).
Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog (with PHOTOS)
As the fall rains intensify and the seasons shift, one surprising tip is getting renewed attention: pouring vinegar down your drains to help prevent clogs.
Yes, hydro jetting can damage pipes, but usually only if the pipes are already old, brittle, or structurally compromised. While safe for modern materials like PVC or copper, high-pressure water can crack weakened pipes or collapse obsolete materials like Orangeburg.
Sewage contains germs like bacteria and viruses as well as parasites and worms that can cause stomach and intestine or liver illness. Germs and parasites may cause diarrhea, fever, cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness or loss of appetite.
If you want more earth-friendly home remedies for a clogged sewer line, combine one part baking soda with one part lemon juice or vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for at least an hour before running hot tap water down the sewer line. Plumbing auger.
Yes, pouring boiling water down a drain can help, but only for minor clogs (like light soap scum or fat) and only if you have metal pipes. For PVC or plastic plumbing, boiling water can soften, warp, or melt the pipes and their glued joints.
The strongest chemical unblockers are professional-grade sulfuric or lye-based acids (e.g., Zep Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener), reserved for extreme emergencies. For everyday household clogs, commercial-strength gels like Drano Max Gel Commercial Line are highly effective and safer for pipes.
Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. Speculating can lead to inaccuracies in the adjuster's report, potentially affecting your claim.
Common Sewer Line Problems