How Much Does It Cost To Snake a Drain in Elk Grove Village, IL?

What Does It Mean to Snake a Drain?

Snaking is one of the most effective ways to clear a clog from any type of drain. The plumber uses a long, flexible auger to push through the blockage and clear the way for water to drain. Because the snake is flexible, it can easily move through all pipes connected to a toilet or sink, including the curved P-trap under the sink where many clogs form.

Plumbing snake-style drain cleaners can eliminate clogs caused by hair, food scraps, toilet tissue, grease, soap buildup, and other common household substances that can accumulate on pipe walls. It’s effective on most household clogs, but if the problem is in the sewer lines outside (for example, a tree root blocking the sewer pipe), the plumber must use more powerful methods to eliminate it. 

Factors That Determine How Much Drain Snaking Costs

It’s often easy to find an answer to, “How much does it cost to snake a drain?” because many plumbers charge a flat rate for the service. However, you could pay more than the base rate if the plumber has to perform additional repairs or if the clog is more difficult to remove than usual. 

With that in mind, the following factors influence the actual cost to snake a drain and fix a clogged drain.

Drain Location

The bathroom and kitchen sink drains are the most common and easiest drains to clear. Other drains, like the toilet, are slightly more complex and thus may cost more because they require additional specialized equipment. The laundry drain and main line are the most expensive to clear due to their size and complexity.

Clog Severity

The size and severity of the clog also influence the price to snake the drain. A stubborn or large clog that requires several attempts to clear usually takes longer and may need more equipment, and the price will reflect that. 

Number of Clogs

If the plumber finds multiple clogs in your plumbing, the cost to get rid of them will be higher than the price to clear a single clog. More than one clog is often a sign of a problem in the main line, which will require an inspection and possible repairs or updates.

Labor Costs

If the plumber doesn’t charge a flat fee to clear a drain, you’ll have to pay labor costs, which can increase significantly if the drain isn’t easily accessible. Some companies also tack on extra fees for the service call, emergency service, or visits at night or on the weekends.

Additional Work

Sometimes, while snaking a drain, plumbers uncover additional problems that require attention. If this happens, they’ll charge you for additional labor and replacement parts to make repairs. 

For example, if the kitchen sink drain has a clog and you have a garbage disposal, the plumber will first determine whether the disposal is causing the problem. If it is, you’ll need to repair or replace that appliance at an extra cost. 

Stellar Plumbing Is Here to Deal With Clogged Drains

If a stubborn clog has the sink or toilet backed up, reach out to Stellar Plumbing to learn, “How much does it cost to snake a drain?” and make an appointment to have one of our licensed and insured plumbers take care of it.  

Stellar Plumbing offers upfront pricing, which is just one of the many reasons we’re the most trusted plumbers in Elk Grove Village and the Northwest Suburbs of Illinois. You can also rest easy knowing you’re getting the most affordable rates without any hidden charges or surprises. We’ll even offer useful advice, like toilet troubleshooting procedures, to help prevent future problems, so give us a call at the first sign of drain trouble.

Call Now (773) 908-9375

Author Bio:
Steve Prodanov
President at Stellar Plumbing Inc. With more than 17 years of hands-on experience, Stellar Plumbing is your trusted partner in Elk Grove Village and the surrounding Northwest suburbs.