Sewer Cleaning

Sewer drain cleaning can cost, on average, somewhere from 100 to 300 dollars. The factors that influence the cost include the location of the clog (it's much tougher to clean a sewer drain with a clog located 20 feet down than one located just 5 feet down) and, presumably, where you live (regions and cities with a high cost of living tend to have higher service prices). Sometimes, if a job is labor-intensive or requires special tools, the cost can be even higher.

Every 18 to 22 months, sewer lines ought to be cleaned. This regularity helps to prevent clogs and keeps everything flowing smoothly. Cleaning can stop problems before they really start, like bad smells or, heaven forbid, backups in the pipes. I always think it is a good idea to have the professionals come and do the cleaning. They have special tools and know the best way to get the job done, way better than I could do it, to ensure that there are no problems for the next year and a half at least.

Removing an object from a sewer can cost several different amounts depending on a few factors. One is simply location: the cost of services can vary enormously depending on where you live. Another is depth: the deeper something is in the sewer, the more work it is likely to be to get it out. Generally, you might pay anywhere from $100 to $800 for the service. If you're fortunate, it won't be much more than $100. That's about what you'd pay for a near-the-surface retrieval job. But if the thing you're retrieving is very deep and/or access to it is very difficult, you might pay quite a lot indeed: anywhere up to $800. And what's more, you might well need a good several estimates before you can get even close to knowing what this is going to run you.

There are two distinct yet similar methods for dealing with clogged pipes: drain clearing and drain cleaning. Drain clearing entails getting rid of blockages that are stopping the water from flowing. The tools for this job are simple: a plunger to force air and water into the clog and a drain snake that can push through the clog to make a hole. However, these might also be the same tools one would use to clear a people-sized tunnel after an avalanche. On the other hand, drain cleaning is a more sophisticated way to deal with almost clogged pipes, using high-pressure water jets or special chemicals to make sure the insides of the pipes are totally clean.

The price for unclogging a sewer can vary a great deal, depending on several factors. For the most part, it ranges from $150 to $500 for straightforward clogs that require simple work and no special tools. When a clog is more serious, it can require up to $1,000 or more in work and equipment to clear it. To determine a good average price for the service, ask at least three sewer and drain professionals for their price and a rundown of what the service entails.

Sewage cleanup can be a big expense depending on the scale of the problem and the nature of the damage. If it's a small job, it might set you back a few hundred dollars. But if it's a serious issue, you're looking at several thousand dollars. Of course, for either scenario, you want experienced professionals to give you an accurate estimate—and to handle the job.

Your specific insurance policy will determine whether a blocked sewer line is covered. Typically, a standard homeowners' insurance policy does not cover the types of damage that result from normal wear and tear or poor maintenance. If your sewer line gets clogged because of something sudden and unexpected—say, for instance, a tree root iCAasion or a burst pipe—then your insurance just might come to the rescue. It really pays to review the nitty-gritty of your sewer line coverage with your insurance agent, though, before you have a reason to file a claim.

The cost of getting a clogged sewer line fixed with Roto-Rooter can vary quite a bit, depending mostly on where you live and what kind of problem you've got. As a general rule, though, it runs from about 100 bucks on up to 500. If you want a more precise number, call your local Roto-Rooter, because how much it costs also greatly depends on how complex your particular problem is and you know, area rates.

Preventing backup in the main sewer line and keeping everything flowing properly is really important. To avoid clogs or clear them if they're already present, start using a plumber's snake, which is a long, flexible tool that can reach into the pipes and push through any blockages. First, find the sewer clean-out, which is usually a round, white pipe that's accessible from either your basement or outside. Once you've inserted the snake into the clean-out, you can turn the handle to break up or pull out any clogs. If you're still having trouble after a good workout with the snake, you could try a chemical solution, with all due caution.A further approach is to prepare a solution of baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar into the main drain. This might serve to break down minor clogs. After about 15 minutes, follow this with hot water.When these attempts fail, the clog may be simply too large or located too far down the line. This is the condition in which it's best to summon a professional plumber, who can attack the problem with powerful equipment of his own, including the hydro-jetter, which directs high-pressure water down the line to clear it thoroughly. Regular maintenance is also helpful: Don't flush anything down the toilet that shouldn't be in there, and get rid of grease without dumping it down the drain.

When a sewer line becomes blocked, determining who is responsible for paying to fix it is usually a matter of where the blockage is located. If the blockage is in pipes that serve only your house, then you or your family would ordinarily be on the hook to pay to get the pipes unblocked. If the blockage is in the main sewer line, which is supposed to serve a number of houses, and the-going plumbing along the street is city property, then you would not normally be responsible for the blockage. Your local rules may vary, so it might be a good idea to check with them or with a plumber.