For smaller clogs, snaking your own drain is possible. U-shaped trap below the sink or a few feet deeper in the drainpipe are the most common places for minor sink clogs from hairballs or food remnants. They can be cleared with a light-gauge, 1/6-inch-diameter drill bit.
If the clog is deep enough, you may need to use a larger drill to get to the bottom of the trap. You may also have to drill a new hole in your drain pipe to accommodate the new drain.
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How much does a sewer snake cost?
A handheld or drill-activated plumbing snake costs between $15 to $100 and can reach up to 25 feet. Depending on the size of the hole and the type of snake, a machine-powered plumbing snake can cost from $250 to $1,000.
If you find a snake in your bathroom, you should immediately call a professional plumber to remove it. If the snake is in the bathtub or shower, call your local fire department to report the incident.
What size sewer snake do I need?
Residential pipes are usually between 1 and 2 inches in diameter. These small diameter pipes will require either a 1/4” or 5/16” diameter snake. Residential lines might have drains that are up to 3” in diameter. The size of the snake will depend on the type of pipe and the length of time it has been in service.
The larger the pipe, the longer it will take to reach the end of its service life. For example, a 2-inch diameter shower pipe will need to be replaced every 10 years. A 3-foot diameter drain pipe may need replacing every 20 years, and a 4-feet diameter pipe every 30 years or so.
What is the best size snake for clearing a main drain?
Because they are designed for the toughest of clogs, the cable should be no smaller than 5/8 inch in size, with a minimum length of 75 to 100 feet in length. The cable length is measured from the end of the snake’s tail to the tip of its head.
How do you unclog a main sewer line without a snake?
Pour a cupful of baking soda down the drain and you’re good to go. You can pour a cupful of white vinegar down the drain. Wait for around 10 minutes for the baking soda and vinegar solution to break down and clear the water. If you want to make your own vinegar, you can buy it at your local grocery store.
You can also make it yourself at home by mixing 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the vinegar has reduced by half.
How much does a plumber charge to run a snake?
If you’re looking to replace a leaky faucet, you’ll need to pay a professional to do the job for you. You’ll also have to shell out a few hundred dollars for the pipe and fittings, which can add up quickly.
How much does it cost to unclog a main sewer line?
The national average cost to clear a main sewer line is between $350 and $650, with most people paying around $475 to clean a mid-sized clog by hydro jetting the main sewer pipe. However, the cost of cleaning a large clogged sewer can be as much as $1,000, depending on the size and type of sewer and how long it takes to remove the clogs.
