What does it cost to snake a main drain? Find out the answer in this article. Hint: it can be expensive if you don’t pick the right plumber.
If you have a clog in your home’s main line, you may be wondering whether snaking your drain is worth the cost. Snaking a drain is typically inexpensive when compared to other options. However, the actual cost depends on a number of factors, including the plumber you choose.
Here are a few things you need to consider.
Cost to Snake a Main Drain
The cost of snaking a main drain is usually more expensive than snaking a regular drain, like a shower or sink. On average, it costs anywhere from $150 to $500, depending on the difficulty of the job and your plumber’s rates. For severe clogs, you may even need hydro-jetting services to completely clear the pipe.
The cost of the job can also go up because of several factors. If your plumber requires a trip charge to diagnose your problem, that’s already $50-200 added to your total bill before the job even begins. The severity, blockage cause, blockage location, and unforeseen damage can also make the cost to snake a main drain go up.
Other Options for Unclogging a Main Drain
Before you worry about the cost to snake a main drain, or if snaking the drain is not effective, you can try a few other solutions to rectify the situation. Some DIY solutions to loosen the clog include:
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Caustic cleaner
- Plunger
- Plumbing snake or auger rental
- Chemical cleaners
Keep in mind that these methods are often less effective and can cause complications that lead to repairs. For instance, chemical cleaners can be hard on your pipes, so use caution when you choose this option. You should also exercise caution when trying to operate a plumbing snake or auger. Improper use may damage your pipes or even make the clog worse.
As previously mentioned, for complicated clogs, professional hydro-jetting may be your best bet, although this service is usually more expensive.
Why You Should Let a Professional Clear Your Main Line
In addition to the risk that you take on when you try to solve your plumbing problems on your own, there are many reasons why you should let a professional take care of it for you. First, clearing a drain is a messy, unpleasant job. If you don’t want to be elbow-deep in dirt, grease, hair, and who knows what else, you should hire a professional.
Second, professional plumbers know the best method to use for each job. They are trained to work as fast and effectively as possible. Clearing a drain yourself will take much longer than it will take a plumber, so the money you spend on longer rental times for equipment and other materials may add up to what you would have had to pay a plumber anyway.
Want to learn more about the cost to snake a main drain? Custom Plumbing of Arizona is here to help!
What does it cost to snake a main drain? Contact us today if you need help with a stubborn blockage and the estimates!