How Much Does Drain Cleaning Cost In Virginia?

Dealing with a clogged drain?

Yeah, it’s one of those things that goes from annoying to urgent real fast. A slow drain or a totally backed-up sink can throw off your whole day.

But how much is it going to cost to get that drain cleaned up and flowing again?

In this guide, we’ll shed some light on the average cost of drain cleaning in Virginia, what factors can bump that price up (or down). We’ll also break down our drain cleaning prices.

Our Drain Cleaning Prices

Our drain cleaning services range from $200 to $1,600, depending on what’s going on with your system.

At the lower end, it might be something simple like clearing a clogged toilet with a toilet auger or doing a chemical treatment to break down grease, hair, and other gunk. We also have treatments that help eliminate odors and keep things flowing better.

On the higher end, services like descaling and jetting are more involved and can cost more. These are great for clearing out heavy buildup inside your pipes.

In some cases, we discover that the issue isn’t just a clog, it could be a broken or separated pipe, which might turn into an excavation or full pipe replacement. If that happens, we’ll walk you through what needs to be done and what it’ll cost.

Reach out and we’ll help figure out the best (and most affordable) way to get your drains working right.

Check Out Our: Richmond Drain Cleaning Services

Average Drain Cleaning Cost

Drain cleaning usually costs anywhere between $100 to $300 in Virginia. This usually covers things like clogged kitchen sinks, tubs, or toilets.

If the issue is in your main sewer line, the cost jumps a bit more like $200 to $500, depending on what’s going on down there.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Minor Clogs (sink, tub, or shower): $75 – $200
• Toilet Clogs: $100 – $250
• Main Sewer Line Cleaning: $200 – $500
• Emergency/After-Hours Service: Add $50 – $150+

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Drain Cleaning

There are a lot of different things that can impact how much you’ll end up paying for drain cleaning. Some are pretty obvious, like how serious the clog is, while others are a bit more behind the scenes.

Here are the main things that will affect the price:

#1 Type Of Drain

The type of drain you need cleaned matters a lot when it comes to cost.

Some drains are easier to deal with than others.

For example, cleaning out a bathroom sink is typically a lot easier—and cheaper—than clearing a main sewer line. Toilets, showers, tubs, and kitchen sinks each come with their own quirks.

Main line issues usually cost more because they require specialized tools and a bit more effort. Plus, if that line backs up, it can affect the whole house.

Also Read: How Much Does It Cost To Install A Gas Line In Virginia?

#2 Severity Of The Clog

The worse the clog, the longer it takes to clear, and the more tools the plumber needs to use.

A small blockage that’s near the surface might be pretty easy to clear, and that’s usually less expensive. However, if the clog is deep in the pipes or further down the line, it’ll take more time and equipment to deal with it.

If the clog has been building up for a while, you might need more extensive cleaning methods, which will cost a bit more.

#3 Method Used

The equipment and techniques used also impact your final bill.

Basic drain snaking or augering is the most affordable option for simple clogs.

Hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to blast away buildup, ranges from $250 – $400. It’s more expensive but super effective for tough clogs or preventative maintenance.

Video inspections can also add $100-$300 to your bill. It’s used to help plumbers see exactly what’s going on inside your pipes.

#4 Emergency Or After-Hours Service

Drain problems rarely happen during normal working hours. If you need a plumber after-hours or on the weekend, expect to pay a premium for their time.

Emergency services can sometimes double or triple the cost.

If you can wait until the next business day, you might save a decent amount of money.

Emergency calls can also depend on the severity of the clog.

If it’s a situation where you simply can’t wait—like a major sewer backup—then paying for the service to come out ASAP might be your only option.

#5 Accessibility

How easy it is to get to the drain also affects drain cleaning costs.

If the drain is in an easily accessible spot, then the job will be faster and cheaper. But if the pipes are buried deep within your walls, under the floor, or in a tight space, it’s going to take longer to access the problem.

Plumbers often have to do extra work to reach tough spots, and that can drive up the cost.

Sometimes just reaching the problem is the hard part.

So, the more involved it is to access the clog, the more expensive it will be.

Also Read: Water Heater Repair Costs

#6 Root Intrusion Or Pipe Damage

This one’s for the homeowners dealing with big-time problems. Tree roots can go into old pipes and cause massive clogs. Once roots get in there, they don’t go away on their own.

If the plumber suspects root intrusion, they might need to do a camera inspection first. That adds to the cost. And if roots are confirmed, you’re likely looking at hydro jetting or even pipe repair.

Same goes for damaged or collapsed pipes.

If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem and there’s actual damage, you’re crossing over into repair territory, and prices go up from there.

#7 Your Location

Where you live in Virginia can affect the price too.

If you’re in a major city like Richmond or Virginia Beach, you might find that drain cleaning services are a little more expensive because of higher labor costs and demand for services. On the other hand, if you’re in a smaller town or rural area, prices could be lower.

Another thing to consider is how far away the plumber has to travel to reach you.

If you’re in a remote location, some companies may charge a travel fee to cover the extra time and distance.

Bottom Line

Most Virginia homeowners can expect to pay between $100 – $400 for drain cleaning, with the average falling around $175.

But as we’ve seen, many factors can push that price higher or lower.

Getting multiple quotes is always smart. Don’t just go with the cheapest option – look for licensed, insured professionals with good reviews. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront for quality work saves money in the long run.

Many plumbers offer free estimates, so take advantage of that before committing.