How much will it cost to clean my drain?

Despite the multiple bottles of drain cleaner you tipped down your shower drain, nothing seems to be moving. So you're stuck showering in two inches of water that refuses to drain. A clogged drain could mean an outflow of cash. Time to call in the professionals for some help? Here’s what you can expect when you call about getting your drain cleaned.

As with many home services, word of mouth might be the best way to find a trusted plumber, so start asking around to see if friends or family can recommend one. Just as you would with any professional, check references. Also check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints lodged against the plumbing company.

A professional plumber will base their estimate on a number of factors including:

• How severe the clog is
• If there’s more than one clog — if it’s just your shower drain that’s backed up, that might be a single issue. If you have more than one drain clogged, then there could be a bigger issue looming underneath
• If they have to take things apart — again, a simple drain snaking is different than pulling apart the pipes underneath your sink to assess the issue
• How your pipes look — if they’re corroded, then the cost may increase again
• If they have to employ larger pieces of equipment to inspect the clog situation (think a video camera)
• Whether your plumber charges an hourly rate or a project rate

Again, keeping in mind that your total price will depend largely on the problem that lies below your drain, you can likely expect your starting price to be between $150 - $250. And that’s assuming it’s a simple blockage in your pipes and not a bigger sewer line issue. Timing can affect the price as well — emergency calls cost a premium. Fixing the problem on an evening, weekend or holiday will also cost more.

Next time your drain has a stubborn clog, you'll know what to expect when you call in a professional.