What drives the cost
- Branch line or main line: main lines take larger equipment and more time
- Access: an accessible cleanout is simpler than pulling a toilet or going through the roof
- The blockage: soft buildup, grease, roots or a foreign object each take a different approach
- Method: cable machine, hydro jetting, or both
- Camera inspection, if the cause needs to be seen
- Timing: after-hours and weekend visits often carry a higher rate
Why the cheapest fix is not always cheaper
Punching a hole through a clog restores flow quickly, but if the buildup or the pipe problem stays, the clog returns. For a drain that keeps clogging, a more thorough cleaning and a look inside often cost less over a year.
What to ask
How the price is structured, whether a camera inspection is included or separate, and what happens if the first method does not clear the line.