How Much Does Sewer Line Cleanout Cost in 2025?

Sewer Line Cleanout Cost Factors

Not all sewage systems are equal. Some require more or less labor and materials than others. As a result, there are several sewer cleanout cost factors worth considering before you book a plumber for a service call. 

Method 

Price ranges vary based on the cleaning method used. Snaking usually costs $100 to $250, hydrojetting costs $350 to $1,000, and using chemical agents is around $80 to $100. Hydrojetting is the most effective method and the gentlest on the line, but it is the most expensive.

There’s also the proprietary Roto-Rooter cleaning method that involves a machine that cuts up debris and sucks it out. Roto-Rooter services cost $150 to $900. 

Sewer Age

The overall age of the sewer and related pipes impacts which cleaning method is best for your system. Older systems demand careful consideration to avoid causing accidental damage. Pros usually recommend investing in a camera inspection before the actual cleaning itself. A sewer camera inspection costs $250 to $1,300, depending on the complexity of your line and other considerations. 

Complexity of the Clog

Complex clogs require more time and labor. They also often beg for multiple pass-throughs with a snaking wire or a longer exposure to hydro jets. An average clog takes professional plumbers one to two hours to clean. Complex clogs, on the other hand, often require double the time and financial commitment. 

Additional Damage

Unfortunately, sewer clogs can cause damage when left untreated, which usually requires professional fixes. 

You’ll pay between $600 and $2,000 to replace the sewer cleanout, a part used to access the in-ground lines outside the home. Removing any outstanding roots trapped in the line costs $100 to $600 or $50 to $250 per foot. Removing and properly disposing of hazardous waste trapped in the sewer backup costs $1,000 to $5,000. 

Labor

Local sewer cleaning companies may charge an hourly rate of $40 to $200. They may also have a minimum service call fee of around $200, even if they take less than an hour to complete the job.

Permits

In most cases, permits are unnecessary to clean a sewer, but conducting sewer repairs is different. You’ll need the proper permits and approvals from the city for most repairs. Building permits can cost $500 or more, but most licensed technicians will be able to guide you through any legal requirements. 

Cost to Clean a Sewer Line by Method

There are a variety of methods to clean a sewer line, each with its respective price range and preferred use case scenarios. Sewer rodding costs differ from cleaning the sewer line with hydrojetting. 

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

This is the most common way professional plumbers clean sewer lines and remove outstanding 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. 

Hydrojetting

This process clears out more debris than a snake or a rod, but it has a higher price tag. Hydrojetting sewer cleanout costs between $350 and $1,000 for most jobs. During this process, sewer cleaning pros send a steady stream of water down the line instead of a wire or rod. As such, this process is gentler on the pipes than snaking or rodding. 

Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter is a popular brand specializing in sewer and drain cleaning, using both proprietary and common methods. A Roto-Rooter cleaning service costs $150 to $900, with an average cost of $400. Standard treatment involves sending a snake-type wire down the line outfitted with a motor and blade that cuts through clogs, making debris easier to suck up. 

The company also provides traditional drain cleaning services. Snaking a drain through Roto-Rooter costs $140 to $600, hydrojetting costs $500 to $900, and a camera inspection costs $300 to $350. 

Chemical Treatments

In some cases, plumbers rely on chemical agents to clean a sewer line, using stronger versions of store-bought products. This is the quickest and least labor-intensive way to clean the drains, so you’ll pay just $80 to $100 per service call. However, it doesn’t always work, and these chemicals are not gentle on the pipes, leading to possible repair issues down the line. 

Repair or Replacement

Sometimes, cleaning is not the preferred option. A pro may recommend replacing your sewer line in the case of severe damage, such as burst pipes. Sewer line installation costs up to $2,500, depending on how much excavation is required and the total length of the system. The average cost is $1,500, not including hookup to the city sewer.

For minor damage, like small cracks running through some of your line, pros may recommend repairing the pipes before proceeding with any cleaning procedure. Cleaning damaged sewer pipes can damage them even further.

Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Cleaning

You should clean your sewer line every 18 months, even if no obvious issues are present. 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 any drain 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 usually water pooling around the drains. 

Water Pooling Around Drains

Water pooling around available drains (or in the yard near the line) indicates you need a deep and thorough sewer system cleaning. Check your drains and appliances using the sewer system, like 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 actually 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—you should bring a pro in for a cleaning. Slow drains are breeding grounds for bacteria build-up in the P-trap, resulting in that rotten egg smell. The same goes for any outstanding sewage smells deep within the line, indicating a clog. 

Sewer Cleanout vs. Repair

Pros often recommend certain repair procedures to alleviate future cleaning costs and keep your system running smoothly. Cleaning fragile or damaged pipes could cause further damage, so it’s best to take care of any necessary repairs before proceeding with the cleaning. 

Sewer line repair or replacement costs an average of $1,400, or $50 to $250 per foot. The cost depends on the type of pipe used, line length and placement, trenching needs, and the severity of the issue.

Pipe Relining Cost

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 $80 and $250 per linear foot. Lines reinforced in this manner are especially durable and help protect the pipes for up to 50 years. 

Repairing a Burst Pipe

Burst pipes are no joke, as they quickly lead to flooding. Repairing a burst pipe costs $60 to $200 per linear foot. Drain pipe replacement costs $225 to $1,200 in most cases. This process involves sending a machine down that destroys and removes the old pipe, then laying a new one as it inches down the path. It is a delicate and time-consuming procedure. 

Budgeting for a Sewer Line Cleanout

Keep these budget-saving tips in mind to help reduce how much your sewer cleanout costs:

• Try using store-bought chemical cleaners, which cost $5 to $50 per container. They are less effective than professional cleaning but may clear out small clogs.

• Keep up with regular 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 pro, balancing effectiveness and cost.

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

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.