Find top rated drain cleaning pros in your area

Snaking a simple clog near a tub, toilet, or sink often takes about five minutes. Deeper blockages along the main line can stretch the job to a few hours because the pro must feed extra cable and may need a camera to confirm the pipe is clear. Either way, specialized tools help pros work quickly and keep your drains running for the long haul.

Aggressive snaking can scratch pipes, push debris deeper, or even crack older lines. That risk is low with an experienced plumber who matches the cable size to the pipe and eases the snake through bends instead of forcing it. If you’re unsure of your technique—or your pipes are already fragile—calling a licensed pro is the safest, and often cheapest, move.

Start with simple barriers: mesh screens on every tub, shower, and sink keep hair, food bits, and jewelry out of the pipes. Skip harsh chemicals; a monthly flush with hot (not boiling) water clears light buildup without damaging plastic lines. Finally, practice smart disposal—no grease, wipes, or kitty litter down the drain—and schedule routine cleanings if you have older plumbing.

Roto‑Rooter typically charges a flat $160 to $450 for standard snaking, which may include a quick sewer inspection and basic clean‑out. Exact pricing depends on the clog’s location and complexity. Repairs or part replacements fall outside that flat fee, so ask for a line‑item estimate if your tech spots broken pipe sections or recommends additional work.

Most liquid cleaners rely on caustic chemicals that eat through hair and grime—but they also erode metal and even some plastics over time. Repeated use strips protective pipe coatings and can leave you with leaks or premature failures. If hot water or a plunger doesn’t help, call a plumber for mechanical removal instead of pouring more chemicals down the line.