Drain Cleaning Cost Estimate

Drain cleaning typically costs $100–$800, averaging around $150–$275 for a simple fixture clog, with the national average near $243.

  • Snaking runs $100 to $500, while hydro jetting runs $250 to $1,500 — equipment cost scales with the tool used.
  • Plumbers charge $56–$75 on the low end and $450–$575 on the high end to repair a drain, and some plumbing companies charge a flat rate of $50–$150.
  • A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 depending on the plumber and the length of pipe inspected, often needed before hydro jetting or main-line repair.

Get Estimates Get Estimates

Get prices estimate on your everyday plumbing projects.

Drain Cleaning Estimate FAQs

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

Main sewer drain cleaning costs $200 to $500 on average, and severe blockages requiring hydro jetting increase the price to $600 to $1,400. Tree root intrusion or broken pipes push costs even higher.

Is hydro jetting worth the extra cost over snaking?

Hydro jetting cleans the entire pipe interior rather than just punching a hole through the clog, so it lasts 2 to 3 years versus snaking’s 3 to 6 months on chronic clogs — often cheaper long-term if you get repeat clogs.

Do plumbers charge extra for emergency or after-hours drain cleaning?

Yes — emergency, weekend, or overnight calls typically carry a premium above standard rates and call-out fees. Scheduling during normal business hours keeps costs lower.

Will a video/camera inspection add to my bill?

A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 depending on the plumber and the length of pipe inspected, though some plumbers include camera inspection for free when you book a drain cleaning service.

Is DIY drain cleaning cheaper and safe?

DIY upfront costs are lower (plungers $10–$30, manual snakes $10–$80, chemical cleaners $5–$30), but repeated attempts can quickly surpass a professional visit, and chemical cleaners risk pipe corrosion.

How often should I get professional drain cleaning to prevent bigger problems?

Professional drain cleaning every 1–2 years is recommended for main sewer lines, especially in older homes or properties with large trees near the lateral.

What’s the difference in cost between a kitchen sink clog and a bathroom drain clog?

Kitchen sink drains typically run $100 to $250 depending on grease buildup and accessibility, while bathroom sink or tub drains usually cost $75 to $200 for straightforward hair and soap clogs

Need a repair? Trust our Wise Workman network.

Trust our Wise Workman network to connect you with vetted, reliable plumbers who specialize in fast, accurate water heater repairs. Every contractor in our network is reviewed for quality, experience, and customer satisfaction, so you can hire with confidence.

50 Certified Plumbers in columbus See all locations

Search made easy

Search your nearby area for the service man

24/7 customer support

Search your nearby area for the service man

Make a confident choice

Search your nearby area for the service man

1.2 million + Plumber reviews analyzed

See customer stories
IR
Igal Rubinshtein @igal

Joel and his team went above and beyond to make sure they helped us fix the gas leak. Joel is a man of his word and came through on his promise.

AP
Alex Pritchard @alexpritch

Very expensive. Make sure you establish the price up front. They did some work on gas pipes, which was specialized so the prices weren't so horrible.

JS
Joe S. @joe

They did a good job and came quickly. Installed a bidet in my toilet. Shout out to Casey for the quality work.

DE
D Evonne W. @evonne

Scheduled service for a clogged toilet and never showed. No call, all messages unanswered

JA
Jari @jari22

If its an easy fit sure they maybe great but if its something different then quoted they are going to charge you either way a hefty price.

AU
Ashley Undercuffler @undercuffler

They never called my property manager, or myself, to ask if they could do an additional estimate while at my property. I was shocked. Companies cannot go around doing estimates.

AJ
A Jackson @jacksona

Mike showed up in an hour to shut off a spigot that I could not shut off. Always great friendly service at a reasonable price!!!

IR
Igal Rubinshtein @igal

Joel and his team went above and beyond to make sure they helped us fix the gas leak. Joel is a man of his word and came through on his promise.

AP
Alex Pritchard @alexpritch

Very expensive. Make sure you establish the price up front. They did some work on gas pipes, which was specialized so the prices weren't so horrible.

JS
Joe S. @joe

They did a good job and came quickly. Installed a bidet in my toilet. Shout out to Casey for the quality work.

DE
D Evonne W. @evonne

Scheduled service for a clogged toilet and never showed. No call, all messages unanswered

JA
Jari @jari22

If its an easy fit sure they maybe great but if its something different then quoted they are going to charge you either way a hefty price.

AU
Ashley Undercuffler @undercuffler

They never called my property manager, or myself, to ask if they could do an additional estimate while at my property. I was shocked. Companies cannot go around doing estimates.

AJ
A Jackson @jacksona

Mike showed up in an hour to shut off a spigot that I could not shut off. Always great friendly service at a reasonable price!!!

What does the Wise Workman score mean?
<70 Low
71–80 Moderate
81–100 High
77.5
WW Score
Learn more about how the Wise Workman scoring system works, along with our data governance policy.
What things affect the Wise Workman score?
Price-Friendly
💰Professionalism:
Experience
🛠️Project
Completion

Want a quote from ?