What should it cost to have a drain professionally declogged?

Question

Our bathroom sink & tub both got almost completely clogged at the same time. I'm guessing the blockage is below where the two drain lines connect. I got 8 feet of snake into each of the drains (with much effort) & pulled out only 2 little globs of gunk.

It seems I need to call roto-rooter or a similar sort of service, although I've never dealt with one before.

What can I expect them to charge?
What questions should I ask when I call?

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Ask: Do you charge by the call or by the foot? What is your warranty? If it is not a major brand, ask about their liability insurance.

In my area, $75 is not unusual to clean a main line. Yours does not sound that bad, so a hand snake should do it. That would be much cheaper.

If I were you, I would buy a 25 foot snake and try it again. Any idea why it was so hard? It should not be, unless you are trying to turn a corner.

Did you try chemicals? If it will not drain, that is not a good idea, but if it drains some, they might get it. Don't snake with chemicals in the pipe, they are dangerous.

Answer 2

I have never heard anything good said about Roto Rooter. I have had three different people tell me that they were very expensive and tried to sell "Upgrades" to their plumbing. Look in the phone book for "Drains" or call a plumber. You could also check the local Better Business Bureau to find a good contractor. If you call a plumber you can expect to pay about $80 bucks an hour.

One thing you may want to consider is if you can wait for normal business hours. I imagine plumbers are going to charge extra if they respond to an after hours or "emergency" call. That may be a good question to ask when you have them on the phone.

Answer 3

A regular plumber will probably charge you for the time, probably an hout to two hour job, gonig rate charged here is $65 per hour.