Sewer Line Cleaning Cost

National average

$200

(standard professional cleaning)

Low: $20-$50

(DIY)

High: $400-$500

(professional cleaning in hard-to-reach areas)

Cost to clean the sewer line varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from pipe cleaning specialists in your city.

The average cost to clean a main sewer line is $200.

In this guide

Clogged sewer
Backed up drain
Smelly sewer
Labor
Enhancements
Additional Considerations

How much does it cost to clean the sewer line?

Sewer problems can be a hassle to deal with and can lead to other issues in your home. There are many common sewer problems, but the average cost to clean out a sewer is $150-$200. Many smaller sewer issues can be fixed by yourself, but a professional is recommended for larger projects.

There are three main sewer problems:

Clogged sewer

If there are multiple plumbing issues throughout the house, including multiple clogged drains or water stoppages, you likely have a clogged main sewer line. The average cost to clear the main line is $250.

Backed up drain

Depending on its location in the house, a backed up drain averages $150 to clear. Laundry drains cost more, typically around $175. The price to do it yourself, including renting an industrial-grade snake, is around $55.

Smelly sewer

A drain or sewer that gives a foul odor likely needs to be cleaned, which typically costs $100-$150. Drain cleaner can be purchased to clean the drain yourself for around $20.

Labor

Plumbers typically charge $45-$65 per hour. If your problem doesn’t fall into one of these categories, you may be charged by the hour.

Enhancement and improvement costs

A video inspection down the sewer plumbing averages $250-$300 depending on the age and condition of the sewer system.
If you have broken or damaged pipes, you may consider replacing them, which can cost from $1,000 to $25,000 depending on the material as well as the length and depth of the line.

Additional considerations and costs

Drains or sewer lines¹ that are in hard-to-reach places may require more time and money to fix.
Extremely dirty or hard-to-clean areas may require the use of a power scrubber, which can add an additional $50-$100 to your cost.

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