How much should drain cleaning cost?
Answer a few questions to see a fair price range and what most people pay. Use it to check a quote before you book.
Local plumbers near you
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See the plumber price toolWhat affects the price of drain cleaning
- Which drain. A sink snake is quick. A main sewer line needs bigger equipment and more time.
- Access. A clean-out port makes the job faster. Without one, the plumber may pull a toilet or go through the roof vent.
- Timing. Nights, weekends and emergencies often cost 1.5 to 2 times more.
- Extras. Camera inspections and hydro jetting are usually priced separately.
The low end of the range is a newer plumber at about $70 an hour. The high end is an experienced pro at about $130 an hour who travels to you. Many plumbers have a minimum charge of around $125. Prices are higher in big cities.
Common questions
When should I call a plumber instead of using a plunger?
If more than one drain is slow, water backs up in the tub when you flush, or the clog keeps coming back, it's likely deeper in the line.
Is a camera inspection worth it?
For repeat main line clogs, yes. It shows roots or broken pipe so you fix the cause instead of paying for clean-outs again.
Doing some of it yourself? Handy gear for drain cleaning
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Drain Cleaning cost guides
How much should I charge for drain cleaning?
Enter what your time is worth and your costs. You get a price list you can paste into a flyer, Facebook post or booking page.
Your price list
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Email us to get listed: hello@ruffquote.comHow the prices are worked out
Each price is your hourly rate times the typical time for that job, plus supplies and driving, plus your overhead and profit, rounded up to the nearest $5. Small jobs use a $125 minimum. If you work faster or slower than the times shown, adjust your hourly rate.
Before you post prices, check two or three local plumbers on Google or Facebook. If you're well below them, you can probably charge more.