How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Plumber to Unblock a Drain?

Cost to Hire a Plumber to Unblock a Drain

Every homeowner has to deal with a blocked drain at some point. While there are some clogs that can be cleared using at-home remedies, a plumber may be needed for larger or more persistent ones. On average, hiring a plumber to unblock your drain will cost around $230, according to Yelp data. But this number can vary significantly depending on where you live and other factors.

The first step in figuring out how much it will cost to hire a plumber to unblock drain is to understand what causes clogs and what methods are available. Most clogs are caused by hair, soap scum, food waste, and other debris that accumulates in the pipes and obstructs the flow of water. Some clogs, however, are more serious and can be caused by corrosion, tree roots, or damaged pipes.

To determine what’s causing your clog, the plumber will usually take a look at the pipe with a video camera or other diagnostic tools. This will help them identify the type of clog and find out if it is within your home’s pipes or in the main sewer line. The location of the clog will also affect the cost, as it will determine how easy or hard it is to reach it.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Plumber to Unblock a Drain?

In general, a plumber’s hourly rate for drain cleaning is between $20 and $50. But this price can vary based on your location, the size of the plumbing company, and the experience level of the plumber. For example, a master plumber in Texas will charge less than an apprentice in Illinois. Plus, if you call at night or on the weekend, expect to pay higher rates.

A plumber will also need to consider the severity of the clog and how it’s affecting your home. If the clog is resulting in ankle-deep water, it will be more expensive to clear than a minor clog that can be dealt with at home.

To save money, try to call a plumber at the first sign of a drain problem. This will allow them to tackle it before the issue becomes more serious and costly. Also, try to avoid calling a plumber for a drain emergency at night or on the weekend. These jobs typically come with higher rates and may result in additional charges, such as overtime fees or holiday rates.

Another factor that can increase the cost of hiring a plumber to unblock your drain is how long it takes to clear the clog. Generally speaking, clearing a simple clog should only take 1-1 1/2 hours on average. But snaking a clog that’s deep in the pipes, inspecting a clog with a video drain camera, or dealing with problems in the main sewer line can all take longer than this.

Attempting to DIY a clog can be risky and costly. Unless you’re an experienced plumber, trying to use a hand snake or other handheld tools can cause damage to your pipes and leave you with a bigger problem in the future.