If your toilet is clogged or the water in your shower is pooling around your feet after a few minutes, it might just be time to have a plumber come out and snake the drain. But how much does it cost for a plumber to snake a drain? Does it cost more to unclog a toilet than it does to clean out a bathtub drain? We’ll answer all of your questions about clogged drains in the blog post below.
How much does it cost for a plumber to snake a drain?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to have a drain professionally snaked is $220, with a range of $136 to $305. Pricing varies regionally, but this is in line with what a plumber in Manassas, VA might charge to snake a drain as well. While plumbers often charge a flat fee to snake a drain, if they uncover other issues while performing the work, you can expect to have to pay additional labor charges and the cost of any replacement parts that are needed. Sometimes you might think you need to have your drain snaked, but you have a different problem altogether!
Can I snake a drain myself?
Of course! If you’re the handy type, pick up a plumbing snake at the hardware store. They’re usually around $25 and can be manual or drill-activated. These work best for blockages that are relatively close to the drain and that aren’t too severe.
In contrast, if your blockage lies deep within the pipes of your home or doesn’t respond to your snaking attempts, you’ll need a machine auger, which will cost you—they start at $250, but the type plumbers use are thousands of dollars. At this point, you’re really better off hiring a plumber.
Does it matter what type of drain is clogged? Is a bathroom sink more expensive than a toilet? A kitchen sink more than a shower?
No, the cost comes down to the severity of the clog and its location. Tub and shower drains often end up costing more simply because the drains are usually more full of hair and other debris and can be more stubborn.
How long does it take to snake a drain?
It depends on the location of the clog and how bad it is. Best case scenario, it can take a few minutes. Worst case scenario, you have a severe clog located far from your drain and it could take a few hours.
How can I prevent clogged drains in my home?
First—don’t use chemical drain cleaners. They are corrosive and while they might help clear your clog, they can cost you down the road when you need to replace your pipes.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don’t overload your garbage disposal or pour grease in your kitchen sink, clean out your bathtub drains regularly, and consider placing metal screens over your drains to catch debris before it gets into your pipes and creates clogs.
Learn More About Hiring a Plumber to Snake a Drain
If you’re having problems with a drain, contact us today at (703) 215-9076 to schedule an appointment with one of our plumbing experts at Marines Plumbing Services.