Typical prices by job
| Job | Typical range | Usual time |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom sink | $125–$250 | 30–60 min |
| Shower or tub drain | $125–$275 | 30–60 min |
| Toilet clog | $125–$250 | 30–60 min |
| Kitchen sink or disposal line | $125–$300 | 45–90 min |
| Laundry standpipe | $125–$300 | 45–90 min |
| Main sewer line from a cleanout | $200–$500 | 1–2 hours |
| Main line through a pulled toilet | $300–$650 | 1.5–3 hours |
| Root cutting | $250–$600 | 1–2 hours |
| Hydro jetting | $350–$900 | 1.5–3 hours |
| Camera inspection | $150–$400 | 30–60 min |
How plumbers price drain work
Some plumbers charge a set price for a specific job, like clearing a kitchen line from an accessible trap. Others charge a service call or trip fee plus time. Many combine the two: a set price for the clearing, with extra charges if the job turns out to need more than expected, such as pulling a toilet or making a second pass with a different cutting head. None of these approaches is wrong, but they make quotes hard to compare unless you ask what's included.
Ask for a range on the phone, and ask what would move the price to the top of that range. A good plumber will tell you plainly: no cleanout, a very long line, heavy roots, or a call after hours.
What pushes the price up
- No cleanout, so the plumber has to work through a toilet or a roof vent
- A long lateral to a street or alley main far from the house
- Heavy roots that need cutting and a second pass
- Grease-coated lines that need jetting rather than cabling
- Evening, weekend and holiday visits
- Old or fragile pipe that needs extra care
What keeps it down
- An accessible cleanout, with a clear path to it
- Booking during normal hours if the drain is slow rather than stopped
- Telling the plumber what you've already tried and which fixtures are affected
- Not using chemical cleaners before the visit, which can slow the job
When a camera inspection saves money
A camera inspection adds to the bill, but it often saves money over time. If a line clogs once, clearing it is usually enough. If it clogs again, paying for a camera run shows whether you're dealing with roots, a sag, a broken section or simply buildup. That tells you whether to keep clearing it, have it jetted, or plan a repair. Without the camera, you can end up paying for the same clearing every few months without knowing why.
Questions to ask before work starts
- 1
What's the price range for this job?
And what would put it at the top of that range?
- 2
Is there a trip or service charge?
Is it included in the clearing price or separate?
- 3
Will you run a camera?
Is it included, and can I keep the video?
- 4
What happens if the cable can't get through?
Ask what the next step would be and roughly what it costs.
- 5
Are you licensed?
Licensing rules vary by state; ask for the license number if your state requires one.
Insurance and drain costs
Homeowners insurance rarely pays for clearing a clog, which is treated as maintenance. If a backup damages floors, walls or belongings, some policies cover that damage, but many exclude sewer backup unless a specific endorsement was added. If you've had a backup, photograph the damage before cleanup and call your insurer to ask what applies.