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Cost to Unclog a Drain

Dealing with a stubborn clogged drain or sewer line backup in your Phoenix home is frustrating, messy, unhealthy, and often costly if not addressed quickly by a professional plumber. But what is the typical cost to snake and unclog stubborn drain blockages? This guide breaks down average plumber rates for common drain cleaning services.

When faced with backed up smelly water, choruses of gurgling sinks or toilets, or excessively slow draining at your home, avoid turning to harsh chemical drain cleaners. Instead, call a licensed plumbing technician to properly inspect, diagnose, and clear the drain clog or blockage.

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snake the drain plumbing & drain services

How Much Does it Cost to Snake a Drain?

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. It’s always best to contact a few local plumbing companies and obtain multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best price for snaking a drain in your specific situation. Remember, investing in professional snaking services can save you from potential costly repairs in the long run and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your drain is clear and functioning properly.

As mentioned, when it comes to the cost of snaking a drain, several factors come into play. Firstly, the complexity of the blockage plays a significant role. If the clog is relatively simple and close to the drain opening, it can be cleared quickly and therefore tend to be less expensive. However, if the blockage is more challenging to reach, such as a clog deep within the pipes or in the main sewer line, expect the price to increase due to the complexity of the task.

Plumber Drain Snaking Costs

While every drain issue presents unique challenges, here are general price ranges homeowners can expect from plumbers to clear out common clogged fixture drains versus deeper main sewer line obstructions:

  • Simple sink, shower, or toilet clogs – $100 to $250 per drain
  • Kitchen sink or laundry drain cleanout – $150 to $275 average cost
  • Main sewer line augering – $200 to $500 per cleaning
  • Extensive sewervideo inspection & repairs – $400 to $1,000+

Let’s explore typical plumber costs for each drain cleaning method.

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Snaking Light Fixture Clogs

For simple slow-running sinks, tubs/showers, laundry washing machine drains, or clogged toilets, plumbers have specialized handheld and electric powered augers (drain snakes) to clear embedded gunk, accumulation, hair, grease, and light obstructions. Inserted down the drain pipe from the fixture access point, the rotating cutting tip breaks up and hooks out material with minimal effort or mess.

Expect to pay hourly plumbing rates or a flat fee averaging $100 to $250 to effectively clear each minor clogged fixture drain. Avoiding extensive removal work or follow-up hydro jetting, this light snaking can immediately restore normal water drainage flow from a formerly stubborn drain.

Unclogging Main Sewer Drain Lines

However, if multiple drains are backing up or you have sewage overflowing from basement floor drain access points, the true obstruction likely resides deeper in your main sewer lateral line linking from the house to municipal connections. Clearing these wider buried main drains requires more powerful and specialized electric sewer augers pushed through exterior home cleanouts.

Due to extended labor, rented equipment fees, multiple access point testing, and advanced diagnostics involved, main sewer line drain snaking typically ranges from $200 to $500 per job to fully clear embedded main line clogs. Avoiding a complete backup disaster or pricey excavations for line replacement, this is money well spent.

Different Types of Drain Clogs

Drain clogs are a common household plumbing issue that can cause inconvenience and frustration for homeowners. They occur when materials accumulate and block the flow of water through the pipes. While most people are familiar with the typical kitchen sink or bathroom drain clog, it is important to know that there are different types of clogs that can occur in various areas of your home.
One of the most common types of drain clogs is caused by the buildup of food particles, grease, and other debris in kitchen sink drains. Over time, these materials can accumulate and form a clog, preventing water from draining properly. To prevent this type of clog, it is important to avoid pouring grease down the drain and use a drain strainer to catch food particles.
Another common type of clog is the bathroom drain clog, which is usually caused by a buildup of hair, soap scum, and mineral deposits. These materials can accumulate in the drainpipe, gradually reducing water flow and eventually causing a complete blockage. Regularly cleaning the drain with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help prevent this type of clog.
Additionally, there are clogs that can occur in specific fixtures, such as toilet clogs. Toilet clogs are often caused by the improper disposal of toilet paper, sanitary products, or even excessive flushing of certain items, such as wipes or cotton balls. It is important to only flush appropriate materials and avoid using excessive amounts of toilet paper to prevent toilet clogs.
Understanding the different types of drain clogs can help homeowners identify the cause of a blockage and determine the appropriate solution. In some cases, simple preventive measures such as regular cleaning and proper disposal of waste can help prevent clogs. However, if a clog persists or becomes severe, it is best to seek professional help from a plumber to avoid further damage to your plumbing system.
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When Drain Issues Need Further Inspection & Repairs

Unfortunately, not all sluggish or clogged drains can be simply cleared through cable augering and snake methods alone. If you suffer from chronic slow drainage or backups requiring frequent snaking, then deeper issues likely exist.

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Before extensive repairs, a plumber will need to perform high-pressure hydro jet flushing and camera video inspection of drain pipes to identify causes like:

  • Tree root invasion penetrating pipe joints
  • Broken/damaged and misaligned drain segments
  • Significant corrosion and buildup of blockage material

Once the source issues are identified through diagnosis, specific sewer line repairs and replacements can be recommended and fairly quoted. But expect to invest $400 to over $1,000 resolving chronic problems behind simple stubborn clogs.

The good news? Repairing underlying conditions means your drain lines operate optimally for years without nuisance clogs returning constantly.

Who to Call for Drain Cleaning & Professional Plumbing

While chemical drain cleaners sold in stores seem appealing for cost and convenience, they simply don’t stand up to the resolving power of professional hydro jetting, snaking, inspection, and repair services from local qualified plumbers.

For over 20 years, ACE Home Services has specialized in providing reliable plumbing solutions to residential and commercial clients across the greater Phoenix metropolitan region. Their trained and certified technicians have the latest tools and skills to correctly diagnose drain line problems and restore smooth water flow.

Rather than struggling with repeatedly buying and pouring caustic drain cleaners down backed up sinks and tubs yourself, trust a professional assessment. ACE offers affordable and effective clearing services tailored to get your specific home’s pipes and drains running freely again. No plumbing job too large or small. Call today for prompt attention!

Man plunging a clogged toilet

FAQs – Drain Clearing Costs & Services

Still have questions about professional drain snaking service options and what to expect cost-wise? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

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What is the average cost to snake a shower drain?

For simple tub/shower drainclogs, most plumbers charge between $100 and $250 on average to snake and clear embedded hair, soap residue, and gunk using hand rods.

How much doesit 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.

When should I use hydro jetting instead of snaking for drains?

Hydro jetting provides an extensive high powered cleaning for chronic grease/scale buildup or pipes damaged beyond simple snaking. But at $400 to $1,000, it’s only recommended once video inspection identifies issues to resolve. Otherwise, try snakingfirst.

What drain cleaning services do you offer?

Ace Home Services provides all forms of drainage system solutions – from simple electric auger snaking for fixture clogs to hydro jetting, video inspection, excavation, and full sewer line replacements. Our technicians determine the most cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific clogged drain causes.

Don’t Know Who To Call For A Clogged Drain? Call ACE Home Services!

For all your plumbing needs, and don’t know who to call for a clogged drain? you can count on ACE Home Services to get the job done! Our trustworthy plumbers are experienced and trained to tackle any plumbing problem you may have. Call us today at (602) 428-3341 or click here to schedule a service call online!

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