Got a slow drain or a full-on clog? If so, you’re probably wondering if you should bother hiring a plumber to snake your drain, or if you should just take the risk and try to take care of it yourself. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Clogged drains and blocked pipes are extremely common, so at Johnny Rooter Plumbing, we’re here to break down the real cost of snaking your drain and why calling a plumber might save you money in the long run.
Base Costs
The average cost of having a professional plumber come out to you to unclog your drain ranges between $100 and $300. That being said, the price can go up or down depending on a few factors, and if the clog or blockage has caused damage, that’s going to add to the price as well, because you’ll need that fixed.
On the other hand, there are also drain snaking tools available at home hardware stores that run from around $10 to $70, depending on the quality. Now you may be thinking it’s a no-brainer to at least try to get your own drain snake and have a crack at that blockage, but before you do, consider a few things.
Firstly, there’s a chance your drain snake simply isn’t long or durable enough to clear the blockage. This leaves you no closer to a working drain, and now you’ll have to find somewhere to store your new drain snake.
Secondly, even minor blockages can cause damage to your pipes, and there’s a chance that even if you have minor damage, you won’t notice it, turning it into a much bigger and more expensive issue in the future. Alternatively, damage may be more severe than you expected, or even caused by your own drain snake tool, and you’ll suddenly have an issue you’re not prepared to deal with.
What Affects the Cost
So, let’s say you choose to play it safe and call a plumber. Let’s look back at those factors that can affect the overall cost. First and foremost, if you have an emergency with a clogged drain and need to have a plumber come by immediately, or at an odd hour, the price is going to be a little higher simply because of the nature of the visit. However, here are a few other factors to be aware of:
- Location and Accessibility: If your clog is easy to reach, like your bathroom sink, for example, it’ll require a small amount of work, and your DIY drain snake may even be able to take care of it. If your blockage is further into the pipes or even into your main sewer line, it’ll take much longer and may require special equipment, meaning the price will rise.
- Severity of the Clog: A minor blockage caused by things like hair and grease won’t typically take long to clear, roughly 15-30 minutes on average. A clog deep in your pipes, or something caused by more sturdy material, like a tree root, will mean a lot more work and a higher cost.
- Additional Services Required: Repairs to damaged pipes are a given as something that will raise the cost of the plumber’s visit, but other services may affect it too. Specialized equipment to diagnose and clear blockages, like camera inspections and hydrojetting, are also going to add to the time it takes for your plumber to resolve the issue, in turn raising your overall price.
Benefits of Using a Plumber
There are a few reasons to have a plumber snake your drain and clear that pesky blockage for you, namely, they’ll have the experience and the tools on hand to safely deal with the clog without damaging your pipes. They’ll also likely get faster results than you could get yourself, so it may be worth it simply to avoid the headache and hours of your time wasted. Finally, a good plumber will not only give you tips to prevent future clogs based on your home’s plumbing and your usage, but they will also come with a warranty or satisfaction guarantee. If your drain clogs again soon after the service, plumbers like Johnny Rooter will come back and make it right.
How to Avoid Being Overcharged
You can’t avoid unforeseen clogs, but you can avoid surprises when it comes to the bill. You can always trust Johnny Rooter to have your best interests in mind, but when dealing with unfamiliar plumbers, make sure you do the following:
- Get a written estimate before any work starts.
- Make sure you know what’s included in the estimate (inspection, labor, travel, repair).
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners. They’re bad for the environment and can cause damage to your pipes through corrosion, making an eventual plumber visit vastly more expensive.
- Don’t wait too long. Small clogs can quickly escalate and turn into expensive pipe repairs.
In short, while you can take care of some clogs and blockages yourself, oftentimes a plumber will be the safer, faster, and more reliable option. The initial cost may be more than buying your own drain snake, but if it’s a deep clog you can’t seem to reach, a professional plumber is worth hiring simply to avoid higher costs to repair damaged pipes later.
If you have a clog or suspect you might be getting close to one, contact Johnny Rooter Plumbing now, and we’ll be happy to get it cleared for you in no time.
