Cost Guide · Updated May 2026

How much does drain cleaning cost?

Drain cleaning costs $150–$500 on average, around $250 for a typical clog. Simple snaking of a sink or tub runs $100–$275, a main sewer line $150–$500, and hydro jetting $350–$900 for heavy grease or root buildup.

Cost by service

ServiceTypical cost
Simple drain snaking (sink, tub)$100–$275
Toilet auger / clog$110–$300
Main sewer line clog$150–$500
Hydro jetting$350–$900
Camera / video inspection$250–$500
Severe / dug-up sewer clog$500–$1,200+

Location of the clog, severity, accessibility of the cleanout, and after-hours/emergency timing all move the price.

What drives the cost up

Signs it's more than a simple clog

How to save on drain cleaning

FAQ

How much does drain cleaning cost?
A typical drain cleaning runs $150–$500, with most clogs around $250. A simple snaking of a sink or tub is $100–$275, a clogged main line is $150–$500, and hydro jetting for heavy buildup is $350–$900.
What is hydro jetting and why does it cost more?
Hydro jetting blasts the pipe clean with high-pressure water (up to ~4,000 psi), clearing grease and roots a snake can't. It costs more — $350–$900 — because it needs specialized equipment and often a camera inspection first, but it's far more thorough.
Why do plumbers run a camera before quoting?
A video inspection ($250–$500, sometimes credited toward the work) shows whether you have a simple clog, grease, or root intrusion and a cracked pipe. It prevents paying for repeated snaking when the real fix is bigger.
Will store-bought drain cleaner save me money?
Occasionally for minor clogs, but chemical cleaners can damage pipes and rarely clear main-line or root blockages. For recurring or main-line clogs, professional snaking or jetting is cheaper than the damage chemicals can cause.

For plumbers

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See JobStack for plumbers

Cost ranges are national estimates compiled from cost-data sources including HomeAdvisor and industry plumbing cost guides (2025–2026). Actual prices vary by clog location, severity, and region. This is a planning guide, not a quote. Related: the water-heater guide and all cost guides.