The average cost to clean a clogged drain can range anywhere from $100 to $800, depending on the method and severity of the clog. A clog in your drain could be a minor buildup that needs clearing, or it could be a large blockage or debris intrusion that needs to be dismantled. If the clog is small and accessible enough, it is possible you can use various at-home methods to solve the problem. However, if the issue persists, it is important to call for services from a professional drain cleaning company right away before the issue grows worse and more dangerous. A clogged sewer line can cause significant damage to a home’s plumbing system, resulting in costly repairs. Regular cleaning, from professionals and from DIY maintenance, can help prevent clogs and reduce the risk of sewage backups. In this article, we will go over the biggest causes of drain clogs, what professional drain cleaning methods are available and their costs, DIY drain maintenance methods and their costs, and how you can prevent major clogs in the first place.
Because many individuals let a lot of cooking oil run down the kitchen sink, grease buildup is a major cause of clogged sinks. Using a garbage disposal could make the issue worse. Even when using a garbage disposal, putting large amounts of food down the drain might lead to plumbing problems.
Blockages can result from tree roots penetrating and clogging sewer systems. This occurs as a result of the tree roots’ attraction to the water source, which allows them to firmly wrap themselves around the pipe or even penetrate the lining and enter the drain line.
Hair buildup can clog sink, bathtub, and shower drains. Hair will normally flow down bathroom drains, but if it accumulates over time or falls in big quantities all at once, it can seriously clog the drain.
Clogged lines can be avoided by properly discarding materials like paper towels, feminine products, and wipes rather than dumping them down the toilet. Since they can create severe blockages and necessitate sewer and drain repair, none of these products should ever be used down your drains. Only toilet paper, water, and other flushable waste should be going down your drains.
Hiring a professional plumber can cost between $45 and $150 per hour, depending on the location and complexity of the job. A professional plumber can provide expert advice and services for drain cleaning and inspections. Regular maintenance and inspections performed by plumbing professionals can help prevent clogs and reduce the need for costly repairs. A licensed plumber can also provide services for sewer line repair and replacement if your sewer has been damaged by corrosion, freezing, or tree root intrusion.
A sewer scope inspection can cost between $100 and $800, depending on the complexity of the inspection. The video inspection can help identify clogs, damage, and other issues with the sewer pipes. A video inspection can provide a clear view of the sewer pipes and help identify potential issues. This is important for regular drain maintenance and also as the first part of a drain job so that plumbers can accurately locate the position of the issue in the drain line, making the work much more efficient.
Hydro jetting is an effective method for clearing clogged main sewer lines, using a high-pressure hose to remove debris creating a blockage. This can be a good solution for clearing away tough clogs, but also for cleaning the walls of your drain from buildup that could cause future clogs. A professional hydrojetting service comes with a one-year no-clog guarantee. This service can range in cost depending on how many drains you need hydrojetted and how big your home is. The total cost is generally anywhere between $200 and $1,000.
When it comes to removing tree roots, tools called rooter machines can effectively clear tree roots that have grown into your pipes. They use a spinning blade to chop apart clusters of tree roots that have broken into your drain. Tree roots are attracted to the water source in your sewer so they can grow around your pipes and even break through cracks or holes, causing damage. Removing tree roots can also range in price, since you may have to have pipe repair or relining if they have caused damage.
Flex-shaft sewer machines are devices that contain a spinning coil secured within a sheath. The coil spins rapidly within the drain to break apart clogs and clean debris buildup off the sides of the drain. Flex-shaft services from a professional can range from around $150 to $400.
Snaking is a common method for clearing clogs in smaller drains, such as kitchen and bathroom sinks. This device is inserted into the drain to break apart and pull out clogs, such as hair, food debris, etc. Homeowners can perform drain snaking themselves with a plumbing snake bought from a local hardware store but will have to use extreme caution, since using this tool incorrectly can result in damaged pipes.
Store-bought drain cleaner can be used to dissolve some clogs, but chemical cleaners should never be used. Harsh chemicals can be abrasive on your drain and cause damage, so it is important to use drain cleaners with natural enzymes. Non-chemical cleaners can range in price depending on where you buy them and if you get them online or from an in-person store. Generally, they will cost between $15 and $30.
Preventative maintenance, such as regular cleaning and inspections, can help prevent clogs and reduce the need for costly repairs. Drain maintenance cost will depend on the work that needs to be done, the company you select, and the trip fee and hourly rate the plumbers charge. Average maintenance will cost around $200 to $400.
Having your main sewer line cleaned can help clear up a lot of issues you may be having with your plumbing. A main sewer line clog can lead to dangerous issues like raw sewage coming back up through your pipes and require sewage backup cleanup. However, it should only be done on an as-needed basis, so it is important to know the warning signs that you have a clogged sewer line. Signs of a main line clog can include:
You can employ snaking, hydro jetting, or safe chemicals when it comes to a sewer cleanout. Labor costs that plumbers charge can vary, and it will depend on the severity of the issue and how much work the main sewer line will need. The low end of cleaning a main drain will be around $55, while the high end is around $1300. Though the average for a cleaning of sewer drains will typically be a few hundred dollars.
There are several different factors that will affect the price of getting a main sewer line cleaned.
The first is the size of the clog in the sewer line. A sewer line clog will typically be a lot more complicated than a simple kitchen drain clog. There are typically many more factors contributing to a main line clog that will be more difficult to extract, such as removing tree roots that have gathered in the pipes.
Another factor is the pipe accessibility. The clean-out access can play a part in how long it will take the plumbers to effectively clean the pipes. If the location of the clog is difficult to get to, or there are many different connection points, the more it will cost to unclog. It also might be the case that the plumbers will have to break through concrete slabs in order to access the clog point, which will cost even more money.
There are also permits to consider, which will be true if you need any extensive repairs or replacement of a damaged sewer line that will require excavation.
The method of removal will be the most obvious contributor to the cost to unclog a main sewer line. Whether you need snaking, hydro jet cleaning, rootering, or any other drain cleaning service will impact the overall cost of the job.
When you are dealing with sewer line clogs, it is possible there could be damage to your pipes that needs to be addressed. In this case, there are different methods of sewer line repair you can choose from, like traditional or trenchless sewer repair, in order to replace or strengthen the lining of your sewer pipes.
The cost to repair a sewer line is around $50 and $250 per linear foot depending on what the pipe is made of. PVC pipes, or plastic pipes, are the cheapest materials to repair, while cast iron and copper pipes are more expensive. Older pipes will be more fragile and prone to cracks when being handled. When it comes to replacement or relining, updating the pipe material might be a good option.
DIY cleaning can be a cost-effective option for small clogs and minor issues. However, DIY methods may not be effective for larger clogs or more complex issues. It is good to start troubleshooting a clogged line with the following DIY options, but you should always call on a professional if the problems in your drain persist.
When searching for a company to perform a sewer cleanout, don’t just go with the first plumber you come across. Do some research on their licenses and certifications and make sure they have a good record with customer reviews. Compare hourly rates of different plumbers and look at the different services companies offer. It is a good idea to get free estimates to see how much it will cost to get a main sewer line cleaned.
Regular maintenance is essential to avoiding problematic buildups because drains do not clog on their own. The John Owens Services staff is skilled and prepared to offer you solutions. With nearly forty years of knowledge, our plumbing professionals can help you identify the root of the issue so you don’t make the same mistake twice. Regular drain service in Santa Rosa also helps to prevent clogs and plumbing issues.
Our staff is capable of performing a wide range of drain and residential plumbing services, such as hydro jetting, burst pipes, and clogged sewer line repairs. In addition to routine maintenance that can help avoid blockages and plumbing issues, we offer professional plumbing services in Santa Rosa, California, and the surrounding areas of Sonoma County. If you have any inquiries concerning your sewer system and potential at-home solutions to safeguard your drains in the interim, our skilled drain cleaning staff is here to help. For a free estimate or to arrange a convenient appointment for home Santa Rosa drain cleaning services, contact us right now.
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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