You should consider calling a plumber when you notice slow drainage, clogs or foul odors from your drains. These issues could indicate a buildup of debris and dirt that block the flow of water. Addressing problems with home methods provides some relief, but professionals are more reliable.
This could be a matter of opinion when you're the one with a backed-up sink flooding your kitchen. For the most part, a clogged drain is considered a minor problem and can usually be resolved easily. However, there are times when it can become an emergency requiring a professional drain cleaning service.
Across the nation, if you were going to hire a professional plumber, the average amount you can expect to spend is approximately $250. However, if your clog is minor, plumbers may charge as little as $100. Of course, if your clog is substantially more complex, this could increase your costs to upwards of $400.
Cost Factors of Cleaning and Unclogging Drains
The overall cost of drain unclogging will depend on the blockage type, for instance, a small blockage in a toilet or sink is normally only priced at around £50 to £70. However, a more extensive blockage deep in your drains could end up costing you around £150 to £200.
#1: Use baking soda and vinegar
Simply mix one-third of a cup of vinegar with one-third of a cup of baking soda and when it starts to fizz, quickly pour it down your clogged drain. Let it sit for an hour or more (or overnight if you suspect the blockage is really bad) and then flush with hot water.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, the answer is no — very small clogs may wash away on their own, but they can also develop into larger clogs that require a fix from a professional plumber.
Salt and Baking Soda
Salt is a cost-effective alternative that works well for minor clogs. Mixing half a cup of table salt with baking soda and pouring it down the drain before adding boiling water can help break down grease and debris.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An obvious time to call a plumber is when you have no water at all. Not only is it an emergency for you personally, but the lack of water can be a sign of frozen pipes (depending on the weather), an undetected leak, or unknown clogs. If you're experiencing this problem, the best move is to call YES! at 844-216-9300.
While calling a seasoned clogged drain plumber is the best way to find a reliable solution, it's not unheard of to try some methods out for yourself. From using items that are around the house to tools that were designed to deal with these specific problems, there are a few things you can do before calling a plumber.
Use a Plunger
As a general rule of thumb, the plungers with the wooden handle and the red suction cup are typically designed for drains while plungers with an elongated flap around the cup are designed for toilets. Using a plunger is one of the easiest and most effective ways to unclog your drain.
Yes, a toilet can unclog itself over time, but it depends on what is causing the blockage. If the clog is made up of water-soluble materials, like toilet paper or fecal matter, then eventually they will begin dissolving if you give them enough time.
When a drain clog is ignored, the consequences can be serious. Left unchecked, a clogged drain can lead to a variety of plumbing problems, from reduced water pressure to flooding and sewage backups.
On average, the cost to snake a drain can range from $100 to $300. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and prices may vary depending on the factors.
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.
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.
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.
Main drains are located in the walls and floors of your home, while sewer line drains are located outside underground. Each drain pipe in your home is connected to a different household fixture on one end, including toilets, sinks and bathtubs, and the other end is connected to the main sewer line.