Regular drain cleaning should be a lynchpin of your home’s general drainage systems maintenance program. Homeowners who prioritize drain cleaning have fewer drain issues than those who only clean their drains when they have problems, says Denman Realty & Property Management team.
The reasons for this are not hard to understand. What many homeowners don’t know is that clogs are an inescapable consequence of how their drains function. Drain lines transport wastewater with a high proportion of solid and semi-solid materials inside it.
It is unavoidable that some of these materials will settle inside the pipes as the water travels along the line. Over time, if this debris is not removed it will accumulate and cause problems. Debris buildup can impair water flow and eventually block your drain line.
How do you solve or prevent this problem?
Cleaning your drains on a schedule—instead of waiting until the line is clogged before you take action—is the best way to control buildup inside a drain line. Proper drain cleaning removes the debris inside the pipes, terminating the processes that lead to clogs and blockages.
But how much does it cost to do this? It depends on the drain-cleaning method you use. Below we explain the different types of professional drain-cleaning methods and how much they cost. Please note that the quoted prices are mere estimates; they are only meant to serve as a guideline.
How much does drain cleaning cost?
It depends on:
- The location of the drain
The location of a drain matters because it determines how accessible the drain is going to be. Drain-cleaning costs will be higher for drains that are hard to reach.
- The type of drain
Drain cleaning costs for sewer lines are higher than for ordinary drain lines. Cleaning a sewer line may be twice as expensive as cleaning an ordinary drain.
- The type of clog
The type of clog inside the line determines the kind of drain-cleaning method you should use. Hair clogs will require a different method than grease clogs.
- The severity of the clog
Severe clogs often require multiple cleaning attempts or expensive drain-cleaning methods. If a drain has to be cleaned more than once the cost will be higher.
- The size of the drain
Larger drains require more time and effort and larger volumes of cleaning solutions. The length of the drain line will also influence the drain-cleaning costs.
- The drain-cleaning method used
All drain-cleaning methods do not cost the same. Hydro-jetting will typically cost more than sewer rodding.
- The location
Drain-cleaning prices also vary by location. Plumbing services cost more in certain cities than in others. It is hard to explain the reason for these differences.
The cost of various drain-cleaning methods
- Liquid drain cleaners
There is a diverse range of liquid drain cleaners in the market, and each has its own price. Some liquid drain cleaners have chemical components that are potentially- harmful to the environment. Others pose a risk of damage to your drainpipes, if you use them too often. The best liquid drain cleaners are the ones that use eco-friendly materials that will not harm your plumbing or nature. Enzymatic drain cleaners are more expensive; they cost between $30-$100. Chemical drain cleaners, on the other hand, cost as low as $10 up to $70.
- Sewer rodding
The average cost for rodding a sewer line is around $275. However, if there are tough clogs inside the line this price can go as high as $700. It is also possible to find a plumber who will charge as little as $50 for minor drain-cleaning jobs. A lot depends on whether the plumber charges a flat fee or if they prefer to be paid by the hour. When dealing with really difficult clogs that require the plumber to do some excavation, the cost can rise above $1000.
- Hydro Jetting
Hydro-jetting costs more than sewer rodding because this method is more complicated and requires advanced equipment. Hydro-jetting is the preferred method for getting rid of difficult clogs and recurrent blockages. Hydro-jetting will easily remove tree roots and grease from the drainage line. If hot water is used, hydro-jetting can be several times more powerful. To hydro-jet your drains, you should expect to pay between $900 and $1500.
- Sewer camera inspection
A sewer camera inspection is not a drain-cleaning method but a diagnostic tool for checking the condition of your drain line before cleaning it. Doing a sewer camera before cleaning your drain helps you choose the right drain-cleaning method. This is because the waterproof camera used in the operation provides high-resolution images of the inside of the sewer line. This allows you to assess the condition of the pipes and the type of clog inside the drain line. Doing a sewer camera inspection costs between $325 and $700.
To get value for your money when cleaning your drains, it is important to choose a reputable plumber who offers drain cleaning as a specialized service. An experienced plumber will be familiar with the different kinds of situations that can arise when trying to clean a drain line.