How do I choose the best plumber to clean my drains?
Drains can be severely damaged by improper cleaning methods, so make sure you hire a licensed plumber for this job.
Licensing requirements vary from state to state and even city to city. Visit your state or municipal government’s website to verify a plumber’s credentials. All professional tradespeople should also have a business license and liability insurance.
If you want to hire the most skilled drain cleaner near you, look for a master plumber. These professionals have several years of experience working as a journeyman plumber, and they’ve taken additional education courses and proven their knowledge on an exam.
You may also want to ask if a plumber has specific equipment on hand, like a plumbing camera or a hydro-pressure machine, before hiring them for a tough drain cleaning job.
This answer was reviewed and verified by Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board member, Allison McCarthy of Zoom Drain Houston.
How much does it cost to fix a drain?
The national average cost to fix a drain ranges from about $190-$570, according to Thumbtack data. This cost is likely to change based on a few factors, including:
The complexity and location
The type of property (ex: a house vs. a commercial building)
The type of repair needed (hydro jetting is more expensive than snaking, for example)
If the plumber needs to perform a video inspection
If the plumber needs to fix issues with the main sewer line
If it’s an emergency repair
Or if the plumber has to provide additional plumbing repairs
Always get estimates from a handful of plumbers to find out exactly how much your repair will cost.
*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
What goes into cleaning a drain? What do plumbers use to unclog drains?
Cleaning a drain involves clearing any blockages and removing buildup on the side of the pipe. If left intact, this buildup can restrict the flow of wastewater and increase the chances of future clogs.
Sink traps can be cleaned by disconnecting the U-shaped pipe and scrubbing it with a brush or rag. However, most pipes aren’t so easily accessible and need to be cleaned with special tools. The simplest is a hair snake, which is designed to pull hair out of a shower drain. Next up are augers, which can be hand-powered or motorized. These machines twist a thick, coiled wire through clogs in the pipe and break up gunk on the side walls as they go.
Plumbers may also clean drains with a hydro jetting machine, which blasts pressurized water through the pipe to force debris out of the way. These machines are expensive and could burst a pipe if used incorrectly, so it’s usually best to call a plumber for this service.
How long does it take a plumber to clear a clogged drain?
If you’re lucky, a plumber can clear a clogged drain in a matter of minutes with a plunger, snake or auger. On the other hand, it could take several hours to clear a clog that’s located far down the line, severely impacted or complicated by tree roots and broken or collapsed pipes.
Sometimes, plumbers can only open a clogged drain temporarily, if at all. For a long-term solution, the affected pipe may need to be replaced. This gets complicated if the clog is located underground or in a hard-to-reach location, and it could take all day to dig it up and install a new one. In fact, your plumber will likely schedule the full repair on a different day because of the extra equipment, labor and time required.
Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.
This answer was reviewed and verified by Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board member, Allison McCarthy of Zoom Drain Houston.
What could be causing clogs in my drain?
Common clog culprits include:
Hair, dirt and soap scum in shower and bathroom sink drains
Grease and food debris in kitchen drains
Mineral buildup due to hard water
Flushing paper products besides toilet paper, such as feminine hygiene products, wet wipes or paper towels
Clogs can also develop in sewer pipes if the house or ground settles, causing the pipe to slope upward slightly and waste products to accumulate at the lowest point. Aggressive tree roots can invade pipes through cracks or joints, trapping debris like a net. And, sometimes, a stubborn clog is actually a collapsed pipe. Finally, if you have young children, the clog could be caused by a toy or other object flushed down the toilet.
No matter the scenario, a plumber should be able to help you get to the bottom of it.
This answer was reviewed and verified by Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board member, Allison McCarthy of Zoom Drain Houston.
When should you call a plumber for a clogged drain instead of DIY-ing?
You can try some DIY procedures before calling in a pro if you have a plunger, hair snake or drain auger on hand. If you don’t have the right tools or you’re unsure how to use them properly, call a plumber.
You should also call a plumber if you notice any of the following issues:
Gurgling noises in the pipes
Bubbles in the toilet bowl after it flushes
An issue with more than one drain or fixture
Sewer gas smells anywhere
Unusual puddles in the yard
Evidence of leaky pipes inside the home
If you do this kind of work yourself in your own home, you could damage the pipes and create a bigger problem — especially if you use the wrong tools and techniques. On the other hand, a professional plumber should be able to safely clear a clogged drain and fix the root cause so it doesn’t happen again.
This answer was reviewed and verified by Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board member, Allison McCarthy of Zoom Drain Houston.
