Clogged Drain Repair

Unclogging a drain can be a varying expense, depending on where the drain is located, how badly it's clogged, and which plumbing company is doing the job. The sweet spot that most homeowners report paying is between 100 and 300. But when the clog is particularly obstinate, or when it's located in a drain that requires some special tool to reach, costs can rise dramatically, with some estimates going as high as 500 or more. As with any job, a few estimates from reputable plumbing companies can ensure a decent price.

When a drain is extremely clogged, the first step is to remove any standing water that might be in the sink or tub. Next, use a power plunger—a regular plunger probably won't have enough force—to attempt to dislodge the clog. If that doesn't work, a drain snake or auger may need to be used next. These are pushed down the drain to the clog and are twisted to either break the clog up or grab it so it can be pulled out. If these tools aren't available or don't work, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda may be used as a cleaner that is safer for the pipes than a chemical cleaner.

A plumber isn't always necessary to clear a clogged drain. Most blockages can be eased with home treatments like a plunger, a drain snake, or a combination of baking soda and vinegar followed by copious amounts of hot water. Should these remedies fail, or should the water continue to back up at regular intervals despite the remedies having worked in the past, it might be time to bring in a professional who can get to the bottom of the problem—largely because the problem could involve parts of the plumbing that aren't easily accessible.

Indeed, clogged drains are the realm of the plumber. When a drain is stopped up, it's usually because of something that shouldn't have gone down the drain in the first place, and the place where the blockage has occurred is just above where all the stuff that should have gone down the drain has already gone down. You can't see the blockage, so you have to guess where in the drainage system the blockage is. Plumbers are good guessers.If the blockage is just below the sink, they're going to clear it with a tool that's good for clearing stuff that's not supposed to be in there.

A snake can be a nice economical solution, especially if the plumbing in your home is older. Buying a drain snake and freeing up a minor clog can feel like a good tool-based victory. But the plumbing in your house is not supposed to be win/lose. You don't have to win against the clog using a tool; it should be a problem that can be solved without tools.If the plumbing in your house is new and therefore unlikely to have any areas where a snake might help out, it might be a better use of your funds to simply call a professional to take care of the problem.

To unblock drains, plumbers frequently employ tools such as drain snakes and augers. When these devices, which work on the principle of mechanical advantage, are unable to free a plugged drain, the plumber may turn to the hydro jet as the next step in the process. In our conversation, Brian described how to use this powerful tool.

Certainly, here is a rephrased version of the text.A drain snake can potentially harm a PVC pipe and cause it to break if the snake is not used correctly—if, for example, the user applies too much force. An old or already compromised pip may also be more vulnerable to damage from any tool used to clear it.To prevent harm to a plumbing system run by piping made of PVC, it's essential to use the right tool for the job—preferably a drain snake that is made for use on PVC pipe. It's also vital to follow the tool's instructions to the letter; if in doubt, consult a pro.Does this accomplish what you need?

Do not use a drain snake to clear a hard obstruction, especially if you think that could damage the pipe; if your pipes are old and in questionable condition; or if you suspect that the clog is in the main sewer line. In these situations, you're far better off calling a plumber to do the job and using the right equipment.

The normal pricing for a drain snake ranges from $100 to $300, although several factors can push the price in either direction. For one, if a drain snake has to be used on an especially stubborn clog, it could cost more. Conversely, if the work is done on a more accessible drain or by a more affordable local company, the cost could be less.

A drain snake can make a clog worse if it is not used properly. Forcing the snake too hard can tightly pack the debris that is causing the clog or damage the pipe itself, which could very well lead to a more serious blockage. It's crucial to use the right type and size of snake for the plumbing system in question and to operate it with care. If you or a friend are unclear on what to do, it's very sensible to contact a pro for help.