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

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited 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 to $569 on the cost of main sewer line clog repair, with an average total of $376. Your final bill hinges on where you live, how old the pipes are, and which 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.

Cost to Clean a Sewer Line by Method

Plumbers rely on a handful of clearing methods, and each falls into its own price range. Rodding costs less than hydro jetting, but it doesn’t scrub the pipe as thoroughly.

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 a standard, budget-friendly method for breaking 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.

Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting blasts away stubborn debris more thoroughly than snaking, but you’ll pay extra. Hydro jetting for a sewer cleanout costs between $350 and $600. Sewer cleaning pros send a steady stream of water down the line instead of a wire or rod, which is gentler on the pipes than snaking or rodding.

Complexity of the Clog

Complex clogs require more time and labor. Stubborn blockages may require several passes with a snake or an extended round of hydro jetting. An average clog takes professional plumbers one to two hours to clean. Tough clogs can double the labor hours and your final bill.

Camera Inspection

Before your plumber starts cleaning, they might suggest a camera inspection to avoid cracking brittle lines. A sewer camera inspection costs $200 to $1,300 or more, depending on the complexity of your line and the type of camera. 

Labor

Pros charge $45 to $200 per hour and often add a minimum service fee of about $200, even when the repair is quick. Otherwise, some plumbers will charge you by the hour. 

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. Permits cost $400 to $1,600, and your licensed plumbing technician will be able to guide you through the permitting process.

Common Sewer Line Repairs

In the case of severe damage, you might have to replace your sewer line rather than repairing it.

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 the hookup to the city sewer).

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.

For minor damage, like small cracks running through your line, your pro might repair the pipes before proceeding with a 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, the length of the line, placement, trenching needs, and the severity of the issue. Here are some common sewer line repairs and their costs:

How Often Should You Clean Your Sewer Line?

Plan on cleaning your main sewer line every 18 to 22 months. Regular professional maintenance keeps everything flowing, prevents surprise blockages, and saves money on emergency calls. Between visits, watch for early warning signs like gurgling drains, slow water flow, or sewage odors. If the signs show up, call a plumber right away to protect the line and avoid bigger repair bills.

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 one of the drains 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 water pooling around the drains.

Water Pooling Around Drains

Water pooling around drains (or in the yard near the line) indicates that you need a deep and thorough sewer system cleaning. Check your drains and appliances, such as 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 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, bring a pro in for a cleaning. Slow drains are breeding grounds for bacterial buildup in the P-trap, resulting in that rotten egg smell. The same applies to persistent sewage odors deep within the line.

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 to balance effectiveness and cost.

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

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Plumber

It’s best to leave sewer line cleaning to a pro. Plumbers have the gear to reach deep clogs and clear them safely and efficiently. They can also assess the condition of your pipes before cleaning them to ensure they don’t cause further damage.

Trying this project without the proper equipment or experience could result in significant and costly damage to your sewer line. When you hire a local plumbing professional, they can also suggest 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.