How Much Will It Cost to Clean My Drain? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost of drain cleaning is $246, based on data from 33,589 verified projects reported by Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $147 and $352, with the spread driven by clog location, severity, and the type of drain being serviced.

Drain Snaking Costs: What Homeowners Pay

Drain snaking costs vary by company, with some charging a flat fee and others billing by the hour. Find a local plumber who can bring professional-grade equipment to clear the clog efficiently. The location of the clog is the primary factor that determines your final price, as shown below:

Drain Cleaning Costs by Drain Type

Most plumbers charge for both time and materials when clearing a drain. Drain cleaning is a relatively quick job for a pro with the right equipment, so plan on one to two hours of labor unless complications arise. The type of drain being serviced is the main factor that separates a straightforward visit from a more involved repair.

Kitchen Sink and Garbage Disposal

When a plumber clears a kitchen sink drain, they will first assess the garbage disposal to confirm it is functioning properly. If the disposal needs replacing, expect to pay $60 to $300 for parts alone, plus at least two hours of labor on top of that. Catching a failing disposal during a drain cleaning visit can save you from a more disruptive service call later.

Bathtub or Shower Drain

Clearing a bathtub or shower drain typically costs about $225 when you hire a professional. Hair that slips past the drain screen and accumulated soap scum are the most common culprits behind these backups. For minor clogs, the plunger method and drain snake tips detailed below are worth trying first before calling a pro.

Toilet

Unclogging a toilet professionally costs about $110 to $275, with the final price depending on the severity of the blockage and the plumber's hourly rate. Most toilet clogs are straightforward and can be resolved in a single visit. Foreign objects flushed by young children are a frequent cause, so teaching kids early about what belongs in the toilet can prevent repeat service calls.

Sewer Main Line

A sewer main line clog is the likely culprit when multiple fixtures back up at once, and a simple cleaning runs $200 to $300. Warning signs include water appearing in the shower when you flush the toilet, a sulfur smell, gurgling noises at the drain, or unexplained soggy patches in the yard. If you notice any of these, call a professional for an assessment before the problem escalates. Unfortunately, the price of sewer line repairs rises significantly if the issue turns out to be more than a simple blockage.

Why You Should Hire a Drain Cleaning Pro

It's possible to clear minor drain clogs yourself, and you'll save an average of over $100 DIYing. However, you never know what the underlying problem is, so it's best to hire a drain cleaning company near you to get the work done. A professional can use cameras and experience to determine the cause of the blockage, then use specialized equipment to clear the clog without damaging your pipes or plumbing fixtures.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a drain cleaning pro

There are a few important reasons why hiring a pro for drain cleaning is ideal:

• Professionals can perform camera inspections to see if there's something they need to extract or dissolve to clear the drain.

• Pros will be able to tell if there's a bigger issue at hand, like a main line clog contributing to smaller backups, or a full septic tank.

• Experts have tools to clear clogs that don't damage your pipes, as drain cleaners and some DIY-ready plumbing snakes might.

• Plumbers may be able to identify other issues during the drain cleaning that could contribute to future clogs, like hard water deposits or improper drainpipe design.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 30,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.