How much does it cost to repair a clogged main drain in Canada?

Clogged main drain repair costs in Canada

A clogged main drain in your house can be a serious plumbing issue, and one that will likely require the help of a professional plumber. How much does it cost to repair a clogged main drain? Read on to find more, including the factors that will influence how much you pay for this repair.

The median cost split for this type of project is 36% for materials and 64% for labour. The median costs are $187 for materials and $338 for labour.

On this page:

• Cost factors for repairing a clogged main drain >
• Main drain related questions on Ask a Pro >
• Main drain related Smart Tips >

• The cost of repairing a clogged main drain in Canada ranges from $199 to $1,500, with the average cost being $994.
• If multiple fixtures are draining slowly or backing up, the cause is usually a blocked main drain. Since clearing a clogged main drain is largely a matter of labour in finding and clearing the clogs, the plumber’s hourly rate in your region of Canada is the largest factor in the cost of the repair.
• If you call your plumber for emergency service outside business hours, the cost of the repair may be higher (although some plumbers in Canada do offer 24/7 service at the same price).
• The time and labour involved in clearing a clogged drain will depend on how severely blocked the main line is and what has caused the blockage; if there are multiple areas of blockage, clearing these will, of course, involve more work.
• Generally, plumbers in Canada will use an industrial snake to break apart and clear the blockage. The distance of the blockage from the point of entry can increase the time required for the job. Plumbers may access the main drain either through an outside clean out (usually the fastest way), a rooftop drain vent or by pulling out a toilet (the most time-consuming way).
• If a video camera is used to scope out the cause of the blockage, time and cost may rise.
• If snaking doesn’t work to clear out the clog, the plumber may use a high-pressure water jet to flush out grease and other materials. This can significantly increase the cost of your repair.
• Blockage caused by corroded or collapsed pipes will skew prices considerably higher than average for both materials and labour, since the pipes will need to be replaced. Regardless of whether the pipes are exposed and replaced or replaced using trenchless techniques, this process can push the cost of your repair into four figures.

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