How Much Does a Plumber Charge for Blocked Drains?

Clogged drains in your home can be frustrating, if not annoying. In most cases, drains clogging now and then indicates a more significant underlying issue, such as broken pipes.

Leaving such issues unattended for extended periods can compromise your home.

Luckily, professional plumbers can identify and resolve such issues, so you don't have to deal with expensive repairs. Like many homeowners, you may wonder how much hiring a professional will cost.

Let's explore the costs, what is likely causing the blockage in your drains and why it's best to work with a licensed plumber.

Causes of a Blocked Drain

Drains often clog or block due to various reasons, such as:

• Foreign Objects

In large households, it can be challenging to prevent everyone from flushing all kinds of objects down the drain.

Everyday household objects that will likely block your drains are tampons, toys, nylon papers and clothing items.

• Grease

Grease blockages result from fats and grease accumulating and solidifying inside the drain. Over time, these layers build on and cause partial or total drainage.

• Tree Roots

Tree roots are a common cause of blocked drains. Naturally, roots grow towards the water, and your piping may be a regular source. As the roots grow and expand, they can crush the pipes, blocking the passage or breaking the pipe altogether.

How a Plumber Can Unblock a Drain

Professional plumbers use various tools to unblock drains, depending on the situation.

• A Drain Camera

Before any work begins, the plumber needs to know where the blockage is and what caused it.

Instead of guesswork, experts use drain cameras to evaluate the location and extent of the blockage. They have LED lights and a small waterproof camera attached to a waterproof fibre-optic cable.

• Drain Augers or Drain Snakes

Drain augers or snakes are either manual or motorized. A manual auger has a long handle with a rotating tip that helps to remove soft clogs.

Tougher clogs require an electric auger that has more power and reaches farther inside the drain.

• Hydro-Jetting Machine 

Hydro-Jetting devices are the most effective and can clear clogs that electric augers can't. These machines use high-pressure, heated water jets to remove debris in your drains.

The thorough cleaning process leaves your pipes and drains pristine and clear of any soap scum, grease and mineral deposits.

Costs of a Plumber

The cost of hiring a plumber to unblock your drains depends on the extent and complexity of the blockage. On average, simple blockages such as clogged kitchen or toilet drains range from $80 to $200.

More severe blockages that require clearing several pipes will likely cost between $200 and $500. Extreme back-ups are expensive, so you can anticipate $500 and above.

If you need to replace the whole plumbing system or clear extensive sections, the costs will likely be between $5,000 and $20,000.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber for the Job

• Plumbers Have the Right Tools to Get the Job Done

Professional plumbers use specialized tools and techniques that require training and certification. Even if you have access to some tools, they may not be safe to use without prior training.

• Blocked Drains May Indicate More Profound Issues.

In some cases, blocked toilet, kitchen or shower drains are just the beginning. Such signs could indicate the beginning of a sewer line blockage.

Unclogging one pipe will have no effect if the blockage is deeper within the system. Trying to clear the blockage could make the issue worse. For instance, continuously flushing the toilet or pouring liquid drain cleaning products worsen the clogging.

Blocked drains are a common challenge for most homeowners. You can try the DIY route for minor clogs, but you should consider hiring an expert from the start. A qualified plumber can help you locate and fix blocked drains quickly and easily.

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