Drain cleaning costs $100 to $800 in 2026
Drain cleaning costs $100 to $800 in 2026. Angi says the average job is $246, with a range of $147 to $352. HomeGuide lists a basic sink, tub, or toilet clog at $100 to $275. A main line with hydro jetting costs more, at $300 to $800. The drain you clean, the size of the clog, and the method all change the bill.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists basic drain cleaning at $100 to $275 and a severe main drain with hydro jetting at $300 to $800. |
| Angi | Angi says professional drain cleaning costs $147 to $352, with an average near $246. |
| Fixr | Fixr lists snaking at $150 to $375, hydro jetting at $250 to $1,000, and a main line average range of $200 to $600. |
Drain cleaning price by job
| Job | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet | $100 to $275 | HomeGuide |
| Kitchen sink | $110 to $215 | Angi |
| Laundry drain | $150 to $250 | HomeGuide |
| Snaking | $150 to $375 | Fixr |
| Hydro jetting | $250 to $1,000 | Fixr |
| Main sewer line | $200 to $600 | Fixr |
| Severe main drain with hydro jetting | $300 to $800 | HomeGuide |
| Sewer camera inspection | $125 to $500 | HomeGuide |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which drain | A sink or tub costs less than a main line. HomeGuide lists a toilet at $100 to $275 and a main line at $175 to $800. |
| Method | Snaking costs less than hydro jetting, which uses high pressure water. Fixr lists snaking at $150 to $375 and hydro jetting at $250 to $1,000. |
| Clog size | A small hair clog is quick work. A deep clog or tree roots take more time and tools, and that adds to the final bill. |
| Call out fee | Some plumbers add a fee for the visit. HomeGuide lists call out fees at $50 to $200 and plumber rates at $45 to $150 an hour. |
| Camera check | A plumber may use a camera to find the clog. HomeGuide lists a sewer camera inspection at $125 to $500, billed on top of the cleaning. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers the plumber's trip, the tools, and clearing the clog with a snake or a jet. Some shops add a call out fee. A camera check, root cutting, and pipe repair cost extra. HomeGuide lists main sewer line repair at $1,600 to $7,200, so a clean fix now can save a big bill later. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Plumbers and drain cleaning companies do this work. Some bill a flat price for the job. Others bill by the hour, plus a call out fee. HomeGuide lists plumber rates at $45 to $150 an hour and call out fees at $50 to $200. Ask which way the shop bills before you say yes. Ask if the price covers the whole job or only the first hour. A flat quote protects you if the clog turns out to be harder than it looks.
When you need this
Call for help if water drains slowly, gurgles, or backs up. A smell from a drain is a warning too. If many drains in the house are slow at once, the clog may be in the main line. A plunger can fix a small clog. If it fails twice, a pro with a snake or a jet is the next step.
How to judge your quote
- Is the call out fee included in the price?
- Will the plumber snake or hydro jet, and why?
- Is a camera check needed, and what does it cost?
- Is the price near $100 to $275 for one sink or toilet?
- Compare the total with the range above: $100 to $800 per drain for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Try a plunger first. HomeGuide lists plungers at $4 to $20, and a simple clog can clear in minutes without a plumber.
- Rent a snake for a small clog. HomeGuide lists snake rental at $30 to $80 per day, far less than most service calls.
- Ask for the total price before work starts, including the call out fee, so there is no surprise on the bill.
- Book during normal work hours when you can. Rates for nights and weekends are often higher, so a clog that can wait should wait.
- Think twice before using store cleaners. HomeGuide lists liquid drain cleaner at $5 to $70, but a deep clog often needs a plumber.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeGuide, Angi and Fixr. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does drain cleaning cost?
Angi says the average job is $246, with most between $147 and $352. HomeGuide lists basic cleaning at $100 to $275.
How much does it cost to clear a main sewer line?
Fixr lists main line cleaning at $200 to $600 on average. HomeGuide lists a severe main drain with hydro jetting at $300 to $800.
Is hydro jetting worth the cost?
It costs more than snaking, at $250 to $1,000 at Fixr. It suits bad clogs and grease build up. A simple clog usually needs only a snake.
Can I clean a drain myself?
Yes, for small clogs. HomeGuide lists plungers at $4 to $20 and snake rental at $30 to $80 per day. A deep clog needs a pro.
What does a plumber charge per hour?
HomeGuide lists plumber rates at $45 to $150 per hour. Many also add a call out fee of $50 to $200.