How do I fix a slow or clogged drain?

Q: How much does it cost to fix slow or clogged drain?

$125–$800. A simple fixture clog is at the low end. Main line snaking is mid-range, and hydro-jetting or root removal with a camera inspection is the upper end.

Q: Can I fix slow or clogged drain myself?

This is usually DIY-friendly. Call if more than one fixture is slow, if water backs up into a different fixture, if it keeps recurring, or if you'd rather not disassemble plumbing.

Short answer

A single slow drain is usually a local clog of hair, soap or grease you can often clear yourself. Several slow drains at once is a different and more serious signal — that points to the main line, and it's worth calling a plumber before it backs up. Skip chemical drain cleaners; they damage pipes and rarely fix the cause.

Urgency: Address soon
DIY: Usually DIY-friendly
Typical cost: $125–$800
Time: 1–2 hours for most clogs

Address soon

One slow drain can wait. Multiple slow drains, or sewage backing up into a tub or shower, is urgent — stop using water and call.

What's happening

Something is restricting flow — either in the fixture's own trap and branch line, or further downstream in the main.

Most likely causes

01
Hair and soap buildup
The standard cause in showers and bathroom sinks, usually within the first foot of the drain.
02
Grease and food
Kitchen drains clog with congealed fat that hardens on the pipe walls over time.
03
Foreign object
Common in toilets and in sinks without strainers.
04
Main line blockage
If multiple fixtures are slow — especially the lowest ones in the house — suspect the main.
05
Tree root intrusion
Roots find sewer lines through small cracks. Likely in older homes with mature trees, and recurring.

What you can try yourself

1Remove and clean the stopper or strainer, which is where most hair collects
2Use a bent wire or a plastic drain-cleaning strip to pull out the hair clog
3Try a plunger with enough water to cover the cup, blocking any overflow opening first
4For kitchen sinks, flush with very hot water after clearing the trap
5If comfortable, place a bucket underneath and remove the P-trap to clean it directly

When to call someone

Call if more than one fixture is slow, if water backs up into a different fixture, if it keeps recurring, or if you'd rather not disassemble plumbing.

Who to call

Licensed plumber

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What it should cost

$125–$800

A simple fixture clog is at the low end. Main line snaking is mid-range, and hydro-jetting or root removal with a camera inspection is the upper end.

Estimates are typical US ranges for orientation. Actual pricing varies by region, home and contractor — always get a written quote.

What happens if you wait

Pressure from a persistent blockage can cause joints to leak inside walls. A main line clog left alone eventually backs sewage into the house.

Questions to ask the contractor

Where was the blockage and what caused it?
Is this likely to recur?
Do we need a camera inspection of the main?
Are tree roots involved?

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