How Much Does Main Sewer Line Clog Repair Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Few plumbing problems derail your day faster than a backed‑up main line. Most homeowners spend an average of $187 and $569 to clear a clog, with an average total of $376. Your final bill hinges on where you live, how old the pipes are, and what method is used to repair the clog. 

Build sewer line cleaning into your home‑care budget so a small clog never turns into a costly emergency. Hire a professional plumber for the best results and to prevent problems from escalating.

Main Sewer Line Clog Repair Cost Factors

Every sewer system is a little different, so your price for repairing a clogged main line will be, too. Here’s a closer look at how the total costs break down.

Method

Your plumbing pro will choose the cleaning method that fits the clog—and that choice drives the price. For main sewer line clog repair, snaking (or similar methods) costs $100 to $250, and hydrojetting costs $350 to $600. Hydrojetting is the most effective method and the gentlest on the line, but it is the most expensive.

Sewer Age

Older pipes can be temperamental. Before your plumber starts cleaning, they may recommend a camera inspection to avoid cracking brittle lines. Pros usually recommend investing in a camera inspection before the actual cleaning itself. A sewer camera inspection costs $200 to $1,300 or more, depending on the complexity of your line and other considerations.

Complexity of the Clog

Complex clogs require more time and labor. They also often beg for multiple pass-throughs with a snaking wire or a longer exposure to hydro jets. An average clog takes professional plumbers one to two hours to clean. Tough clogs usually double the labor hours—and your final bill.

Additional Damage

Depending on your situation, you may incur extra charges for additional damage. For example, if you leave a clog to fester, and you could be looking at repair bills on top of the cleaning fee.

Other potential costs include:

• Removing tree roots costs $100 to $1,000. 

• Removing and properly disposing of hazardous waste trapped in the sewer backup costs $1,000 to $5,000.

Labor

Professional plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, and many build in a minimum service fee of roughly $200—even if the fix takes only a few minutes.

Permits

In most cases, permits are not necessary to clean a sewer; however, conducting sewer repairs is a different matter. You’ll need the proper permits and approvals from the city for most repairs. Building permits can cost $400 to $1,600, and your licensed plumbing technician will be able to guide you through the permitting process.

Cost to Clean a Sewer Line by Method

Plumbers have a few go‑to ways to clear a main line, and each one lands in a different price bracket. Sewer rodding costs differ from cleaning the sewer line with hydrojetting.

Most professionals start by sending a camera down the line to see what’s causing the blockages or related problems. Then, they recommend potential fixes and the best cleaning method for the job.

Snaking

Snaking is the standard, budget‑friendly way pros break up everyday blockages. The cost to snake a drain is $100 to $250, which amounts to an hour or so of labor, depending on the issue and the size of your line.

Plumbers send a thin metal wire down the line to pull out any debris causing a clog, such as grease and household items that accidentally went down the drain. Rodding is similar, except there is a cleaning head with sharp teeth at the end of the wire to break up clogs.

Hydrojetting

Hydrojetting blasts away stubborn debris more thoroughly than snaking, but you’ll pay extra for that deep clean. Hydrojetting sewer cleanout costs between $350 and $600 for most jobs. During this process, sewer cleaning pros send a steady stream of water down the line instead of a wire or rod. As such, this process is gentler on the pipes than snaking or rodding.

Common Sewer Line Repairs

Sometimes, cleaning is not the preferred option. A pro may recommend replacing your sewer line in the case of severe damage, such as burst pipes. Sewer line installation costs $1,400 to $5,800, depending on how much excavation is required and the total length of the system, not including hookup to the city sewer.

For minor damage, like small cracks running through your line, pros may recommend repairing the pipes before proceeding with any cleaning procedure. Cleaning damaged sewer pipes can cause further damage. 

General sewer line repairs cost between $1,000 and $4,000. The cost depends on the type of pipe used, line length and placement, trenching needs, and the severity of the issue. Here are some common sewer line repairs and their costs:

Pipe Relining 

Instead of laying down new pipes to replace damaged ones, pros may recommend placing a liner that reinforces the preexisting pipe. This type of trenchless sewer line repair costs between $60 and $250 per foot. Lines reinforced in this manner are especially durable and help protect the pipes for up to 50 years.

Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Cleaning

Plan on a professional cleanout every 18 months—even if everything seems fine. Keep your eyes out for these telltale signs you need professional cleaning sooner than that.

Gurgling Sounds From the Drain

If you regularly hear gurgling sounds from any drain in your home, there is likely a clog somewhere in the line. The gurgling sounds result from the clogged line releasing air into the water, which indicates the early stages of a backup. Your next indicator is usually water pooling around the drains.

Water Pooling Around Drains

Water pooling around available drains (or in the yard near the line) indicates you need a deep and thorough sewer system cleaning. Check your drains and appliances using the sewer system, like washing machines and dishwashers, to locate pooling water. Even slow drains signal a clog somewhere in the line, so don’t wait until the water actually pools up to take action.

Rotten Smells

Toilets and kitchen sinks smell from time to time, but if you regularly encounter rotten smells emanating from drains, particularly the smell of sulfur, you should bring a pro in for a cleaning. Slow drains are breeding grounds for bacteria build-up in the P-trap, resulting in that rotten egg smell. The same applies to any persistent sewage odors deep within the line, which may indicate a clog.

Budgeting for a Sewer Line Cleanout

Use these smart budgeting moves to keep your next cleanout bill in check:

• Keep up with regular sewer line maintenance to reduce the risk of expensive repairs.

• Consider signing a service contract for regular sewer cleanings every 18 months.

• Request job estimates from at least three sewer cleaning professionals.

• Discuss possible cleaning methods with your local plumbing pro, balancing effectiveness and cost.

• Fix or replace broken or old sewer pipes because cleaning them can cause more damage.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Plumber

Attempting to clean your own sewer lines is not recommended. Professional plumbers have the tools and equipment needed to access hard-to-reach clogs and clean them efficiently. They can also assess the condition of your pipes before cleaning, ensuring they don’t cause further damage. Without this ability, you could cause significant and costly damage to your sewer line. When you hire a local plumbing professional, they can also provide recommendations for regular maintenance to keep your sewer lines in good condition.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.