Clogged Drain Repair

Having a drain cleared by a professional can be a somewhat costly endeavor. On the lower end, it might set you back around fifty dollars; on the high end, you could pay up to two hundred dollars or more. The national average seems to settle around the one hundred dollar mark. It's quite a disparity, and the reason for it is not entirely clear—but it might have something to do with both the particular sort of clog involved and the particular kind of drain that it's in.

Unclogging a drain can be a costly endeavor. Usually, it can set you back somewhere between 100 to 200 bucks. But like anything else, the price can vary depending on where you live and how bad the clog really is. If it's just a simple fix, it could be on the cheaper side. But if the job is really big, like if you're trying to unclog the main sewer line, it could go way higher. To avoid getting ripped off, it's a really good idea to call around to a few different plumbing outfits and get some quotes.

The cost of unclogging a drain can differ based on several factors. It largely depends on how severe the clog is. If it's a simple fix, like a minor hair clump that's lodged in your bathroom sink, it might not set you back very much at all. You might even be able to resolve it yourself with just a plunger or a snake tool you picked up at your local hardware store. On the other hand, getting the fix done by a pro can run you quite a bit more. Some plumbers might charge between $50 and $200 just for labor, and that amount can easily go up if you're dealing with a tough clog (one that's deep in your plumbing, for instance). And all those prices vary a lot depending on where you live, too.

Using a plumber's snake to unclog the main drain is one of the most effective methods. This tool is capable of reaching deep into the plumbing system and clearing any blockages. To begin, locate the clean-out for the main drain. This is typically a round, accessible port in either the floor or wall of the basement or garage, where the drain itself runs. Insert the snake into the clean-out, which should have plenty of room for the snake to push into the drain itself. The snake's movements should be forward and downward; if it's twisting, it should be doing so as part of an action that breaks up the clog. Clear the near portion of the drain and then check the far side by running water through the drain. If the "near side" is clear but the "far side" isn't, you've got an issue deeper in the line.

The price for Roto-Rooter to clear a drain can vary quite a lot. It mostly depends on how bad the drain is and where you live. Still, a simple drain might cost anywhere from $100 to $350 to clear. If the drain isn't really the drain's fault and there is some other plumbing problem, it could be way more than $350. It is always a good idea to get an estimate (preferably before the work starts) so you know what to expect.

One of the least expensive methods for clearing a drain is to use baking soda and vinegar. To begin, pour some baking soda down the drain. Then, add vinegar and watch as this fizzing mixture performs its magic for about 30 minutes. The final step is to flush the drain with hot water. This method involves common household materials and works best when the clog is not too stubborn.

The expense of having your drains cleared can vary quite a bit. It hinges on several factors—mainly, your location and the nature and extent of the blockage. Generally speaking, though, we're looking at a bull range from $50 to $200. When we push toward the high end of that range, it's often because either the blockage is in a really unfortunate place (tree roots, anyone?) or because the person unclogging the drain is using tools that render them an "unblocking ninja."

When your drain is clogged, how do you choose between Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter to fix the problem? Both companies are well-known, long-established firms, so it is hard to go wrong with either one. Mr. Rooter is often reviewed very positively, with a seemingly friendly service demeanor and a clear, upfront pricing scheme that doesn't involve "surprises." Roto-Rooter also has a good reputation and, with a lot of "hands on deck," is a good choice if you need help "after hours." It may also be a good idea to read some recent reviews and ask around a bit; that could "guide" you to the better Roto-Rooter or Mr. Rooter, LLC, job, depending on where you live.

Usually, it takes between 30 minutes to an hour to snake a drain. The time can depend on how bad the clog is and how long the drain pipes are. If the clog is tough or deep down, it might take a little longer. But most of the time, with a good half-hour, water starts flowing again.

A really clogged drain can be tricky to unblock, but you might be able to do it with a few steps. First, remove any debris you can see around the drain. Then, to try to get the kind of suction that might change the mind of whatever is blocking the drain, use a plunger. This tool works best with an adequate amount of water, so fill the sink or the tub with just enough water to cover the plunger's "mouth" and allow it to create a good seal. Plunge with a pumping motion for a few seconds, and then see if the water drains. If it doesn't, your next step can be to pour a small amount of baking soda (maybe 1/4 cup) down the drain, followed up with a small amount of vinegar (maybe half a cup). Don't be alarmed if the mixture makes your drain bubble and fizz—that's the point. Altogether, the reaction should take about 30 minutes to complete. After that, flush the drain with a good amount of hot water. If the drain is still blocked, vis-à-vis a draining snake. While a serious clog can sometimes present enough of a problem that you will need to call a plumber, using the steps above can save the day—and some dollars.