2018 Sewer Line Cleaning Costs: Hydrojet or Snake Main …

Main Sewer Line Clog Costs

Cleaning a sewer line costs an average of $297 with a typical range between $173 and $456.

Broken and deteriorated lines often require replacement, which averages $2,500. Trenchless pipe repair costs an average of $160 per foot and involves the use of epoxy resin over trench digging. Visual inspection by a licensed plumber is the only way to be sure.

In many homes, the main sewer line can become clogged over time. This clog can be due to normal blockages from grease and household items or outside problems like encroaching root systems. Whatever the reason, a blocked sewer line is going to cause problems. Resolving the problem should be done as quickly as possible to avoid backups and further cleanup and repair costs.

While there are a variety of products on the market designed to help homeowners tackle simple drain clogs on their own, seek out a professional plumber or a commercial sewage company for main lines and outdoor issues.

Most homeowners pay anywhere from $100 to $900 to clean a sewer line. Extreme cases that require a dig and replace run upwards of $4,000 or more.

To remove a clog from a sewer line, professionals may rely on several different tools and appliances. Here are two commonly used methods:

Cleaning your main lines with a hydro jet typically runs $350 to $600. Heavier jobs, like light commercial lines, require larger machines with prices reaching $3,000 or more.

The most effective option for sewer lines is a high-pressure hose with special tips. This can remove the clog as well as any residue that has built up in the pipes.

Hydro jets use a combination of extremely high-pressure water and specialized heads to penetrate and remove clogs. The nozzles come in three main varieties: penetrators, spinning rotary and chain flail. However, because of the extremely high pressure, older pipes are susceptible to damage and should receive a video inspection first.

Snaking a main line costs anywhere from $100 to $250 though complex and difficult clogs may cost up to twice as much. The most basic and common approach is to rely on a drain auger, also called a drain snake. This is a long piece of flexible metal made to go down the drain and around any bends in the plumbing.

Most professional plumbers have snakes that are 50 feet or longer to reach most clogs easily. If the clog is minor, it can be broken up using an auger in a matter of minutes. While it can get the drain flowing again, it is not actually cleaning the entire pipe. The heads are usually smaller than the pipe its running through, so it only punches a hole through most clogs.

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Sewer main repairs cost $1,000 to $4,000 with favorable conditions and easy access. Digging under slabs or in crawl spaces increases the price. Rates will vary considerably depending on the length of the pipe, the complexity of the job, ease of access and your location. Plus, youll need to take into consideration cleanup and repair work to your yard and foundation.

Secondary costs include:

Chemical drain cleaners cost anywhere from $5 to $300. In most cases, youll need a plumber to remove tough clogs and clean out a main pipe. However, chemical cleaners are great annual or bi-annual DIY maintenance tool to avoid repeat plumber visits.

Drain fluids can work on slow moving pipes without the need for a plumber. They are particularly effective after rodding, since snakes dont always remove the entire clog.

Some chemicals, like copper sulfate, should be used sparingly as they can cause significant damage to the environment.

*This is a chemical available in a wide variety of name brand root killers.

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Cleaning a sewer line includes a variety of services to identify the location and type of clog and then remove it. Whatever the steps required to diagnose and repair the problem, plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour with most also requiring a minimum for the service call. A service call will typical involve:

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Having sewage or waste coming back out of the drains is the most obvious sign that there is a clog in the main sewer line. This is usually an unpleasant and messy experience that creates horrible smells and health hazards. It may even do damage to the home if it isnt taken care of immediately.

Warning signs tend to appear before backups. Dont ignore these key signs:

Sewage backups cost an average of $7 per square foot. Sewage is considered a black water contamination with serious health hazards. Small backups can be cleaned up yourself with the proper safety equipment, but larger spills should be addressed by a professional.

Removing tree roots from a line typically runs $100 to $600 or more for larger issues. Severely damaged lines require replacement for an additional $2,500 on average. Once removed, you should do annual or biannual chemical treatments.

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Roto-Rooter requires an on-site inspection before quoting you a price, though reports have their base price at $350 for simple clogs. They also charge $250 for a video line inspection.

Roto Rooter differs from most other plumbers by giving a flat rate, regardless of the amount of time the job takes. They do offer a guarantee of their products with a mail in refund request form and limit it to one per household.

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The costs laid out in this guide focus on main line clogs.

Clogged drains cost about $200 to have professionally fixed. Clogged drains in your home are often DIY jobs with a little chemical help or a cheap hardware store snake you can pick up for $10 to $30. Even electric handheld models are only $75 to $200 less than a service call.

Most of these indoor clogs are only a few feet down the drain, typically while the pipe is still only 2 to 3 inches in diameter. These cheaper snakes are 5 to 15 feet in length and large enough for the smaller indoor pipes. Often, chemical cleaners are all you need to get the water draining again.

Outdoor line diameter can exceed 4 inches, requiring larger, more expensive equipment. Plus, blockages can be anywhere from 10 to 100 feet away. Professionals use snakes and hydro jets that cost anywhere from $500 to $15,000 or more.

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Prevent sewer line clogs there by:

Sewer scope inspection costs average $250 to $500 though can fall outside that range depending on where you live and the professional you use. If blockages are frequent, it may be worth having a video inspection of the sewer lines.

This works by placing a small camera on the end of the auger and running it through the pipe. This gives professionals and homeowners a clear view of what is causing blockages.

In almost every case, the city or municipality is responsible for cleaning the storm drains as these are public use and usually not located on private property. However, any drainage pipe connecting to the storm drain is the responsibility of the property owner. Examples include catch basins, sump pumps, or underground tile drainage systems.

The costs for this type of cleaning vary wildly based on the type of system you have for drainage, your location and city ordinances governing them. Contact your local plumber or landscaping professional for specific pricing.

Installing a cleanout will run an average of $2,000. The pipe and materials cost between $70 to $150 with tools and equipment running another $300 to $500. Excavation equipment and multiple laborers are usually involved though small or inaccessible jobs only require a shovel.

Cleanouts are an opening for access to the main sewer line for snakes and hydro jets for clearing clogs. Its been part of building code in the United States for decades. Unless you have an extremely old home, chances are good you already have one installed.

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For main lines, always hire a professional plumber. Attempting to clean a line without the proper equipment or training can result in a broken sewer drain and extensive repairs and cleanup. Clearing out a kitchen sink drain might be an easy DIY project but dealing with a main sewer line is best left to the professionals.

You can get a cheap sewer cleaning, but you often get what you pay for. A clog itself isnt a big deal, but it can quickly lead to larger problems. Make sure to ask your plumber these questions to get the right help.

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2018 Sewer Line Cleaning Costs: Hydrojet or Snake Main ...