Plumbing
Drain clearing (sink, tub or main line): what it costs in Massachusetts
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials | $0 | $40 |
| Labor: 1 to 2.5 hours × $115 to $160 an hour | $115 | $400 |
| Fees: disposal, permits, supplies | $75 | $200 |
| Total, rounded | $190 | $640 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $44.62 an hour, times 2.6 to 3.6 to cover what a contractor bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Materials are a band from basic to high-end. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your home, materials and contractor change the number.
Snake or machine a clogged drain. Price depends on whether it is a fixture line or the main sewer line.
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What is usually included
- Snaking or hydro-jet
- Cleanup and test flow
- Basic camera look in some cases
- Cleanout access if present
What moves the price
- Branch line vs main line
- Roots or grease buildup
- Whether a camera look is added after the clog is cleared
- After-hours rates
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is a camera inspection included or extra?
- What if the clog comes back?
- Is there a cleanout, and who opens it?
- What is the trip fee?
Can you do it yourself?
A hand auger works for sink or tub clogs. Main line clogs and roots need a pro.
Common questions
Why does my drain keep clogging?
Grease, hair, wipes and soap build up on pipe walls. A repeat clog may be a damaged or sagging line or tree roots, which a camera can show.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
They can burn skin and eyes and damage old pipes. They also give off fumes. A plunger or hand snake is safer for a first try.
When do I need a camera?
If clogs keep coming back, or more than one drain backs up. A camera shows what is wrong in the line so you can fix the cause.
How much does drain clearing (sink, tub or main line) cost in Massachusetts?
A typical range is $190 to $640. It is an estimate built from labor wages and material prices, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $190 to $640 |
| New York City area | $190 to $630 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $170 to $590 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $190 to $660 |
| Houston area, Texas | $150 to $520 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $150 to $520 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $160 to $540 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $150 to $510 |
| Miami area, Florida | $140 to $490 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $190 to $660 |