Quick answer
HomeServe puts drain cleaning for a single fixture at $100–$275 and a main-line clog at $150–$500. After-hours visits add a flat trip fee of $100–$350 and emergency rates around $150 an hour, according to Angi. One slow fixture is the low end; every drain slow, gurgling toilets or a backed-up floor drain means the main line. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
Snaking a single slow drain is one of the cheaper plumbing calls; clearing a main sewer line costs more, and a camera inspection or after-hours visit adds to either. Knowing which one you have before you call tells you what to expect on the bill.
What It Usually Costs
| Job | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Drain cleaning, one fixture | $100–$275 | HomeServe |
| Main-line clog | $150–$500 | HomeServe |
| Emergency trip fee, after hours | $100–$350, flat | Angi |
| Emergency plumber rate | about $150 per hour | Angi |
| Regular plumber labor | $45–$200 per hour, about $100 average | Angi |
One Drain or the Main Line?
| What you notice | Which job |
|---|---|
| One sink, tub or shower is slow | Single fixture: the low end |
| Tub gurgles when the toilet flushes | Branch drain, sometimes the main |
| Every drain is slow, toilets gurgle | Main sewer line clog |
| Water backs up in the basement floor drain | Main line: the high end, often with a camera inspection |
| Clog keeps coming back every few months | Roots or a damaged line; a camera inspection finds out |
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
What Changes the Price
- Access. A main line with a cleanout outside is quicker than one reached by pulling a toilet.
- Time of day. Nights, weekends and holidays add a trip fee.
- What is in the line. Grease and paper clear quickly; tree roots need a cutting head, and repeat root clogs point to sewer line repair.
Try These First
For a single fixture, clean the stopper or strainer and use a plunger, then a small hand snake. See shower drain clogged and bathroom sink not draining. Skip chemical drain cleaners, which rarely clear hair clogs and leave caustic water in the trap.
When to Call
Call if more than one fixture is slow, if sewage backs up anywhere, or if a hand snake did not clear it. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to snake a drain?
HomeServe puts drain cleaning at $100–$275 for a single fixture and $150–$500 for a main-line clog.
Why does snaking a main line cost more?
The line is longer and harder to reach, roots may need a cutting head, and a camera inspection is often added to find the cause.
Does it cost more to snake a drain at night?
YesAngi puts emergency rates around $150 an hour plus a flat trip fee of $100–$350, against about $100 an hour during regular hours.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.