What drain cleaning costs in 2026
| Drain | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Kitchen sink | $100 to $220 |
| Bathroom sink, tub, or shower | $100 to $250 |
| Toilet | $100 to $275 |
| Laundry drain | $150 to $250 |
| Main sewer line, snaked | $200 to $500 |
| Main sewer line, hydro jetted | $600 to $1,400 |
These are HomeGuide's national prices. Angi puts the average drain cleaning bill at $246, with most between $147 and $352.
The extras that change the price
| Extra | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Camera inspection | $125 to $500 |
| Cutting out tree roots | $200 to $600 |
| Nights, weekend, or holiday premium | $150 to $500 |
Some plumbers charge 2 to 3 times their normal rate after hours instead of a flat premium. If the clog can wait until morning, it usually should.
One drain or the main line?
- One fixture is slow or stopped: the clog is in that fixture's drain. Try a plunger first.
- Several drains back up at once, or water comes up the tub or floor drain when the toilet flushes: the clog is in the main line. Stop running water and call a plumber.
- It keeps coming back every few months: ask for a camera inspection. Roots, a sagging pipe, or a break won't stay fixed with a snake.
Snake or hydro jet?
Snake (auger)
A spinning cable punches through the clog. Cheaper and fine for most one-time clogs, but it leaves grease and roots on the pipe walls.
Hydro jet
High-pressure water scours the whole pipe. It costs more and lasts longer, which makes it the better pick for grease, scale, or roots that keep coming back. On an old clay or cast iron line, have the plumber run a camera first; a cracked pipe can get worse.
In Akron: call 311 for the sewer side
If the plumber finds a break or a blockage in the sewer lateral they can't clear, call 311 and ask the City of Akron Sewer Maintenance Division for a lateral inspection. It's free. If the basement is flooding or you smell sewage, call 311 right away. The sewer line replacement guide explains who pays for what.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to unclog a drain?
One clogged sink, tub, shower, or toilet usually runs $100 to $275 for a plumber to snake it during regular hours. Angi puts the national average at $246.
How much does main sewer line cleaning cost?
Snaking the main line runs about $200 to $500. Hydro jetting runs about $600 to $1,400. A camera inspection adds $125 to $500, and cutting out tree roots adds $200 to $600 or more.
Is hydro jetting worth it?
For grease, scale, or roots that keep coming back, often yes. A snake punches a hole through the clog; a jet scours the whole pipe wall, so the line stays clear longer. It costs two to three times as much, and an old cracked pipe should get a camera look first.
Why are all my drains backing up at once?
When the toilet, tub, and floor drain back up together, the clog is usually in the main line, not in one fixture. Stop running water and call a plumber. In the City of Akron, you can also call 311 if the basement is flooding or you smell sewage.
Should I use chemical drain cleaner first?
For a slow sink, a plunger or a cheap hand snake is the safer first try. Harsh chemical cleaners can damage old pipes and splash back on whoever opens the drain next, including the plumber.