Basic Drain Cleaning
Basic drain cleaning is what we do when the clog is at a fixture and the drain can be opened from the fixture itself. A toilet that backs up. A kitchen sink that sits full of water. A shower or bathtub that drains slower every week. A lavatory that gurgles when you run the tap. For these jobs we use an air snake, a toilet auger, or a cable snake sized to the drain — starting from the fixture and working down until the line is open. It is the same job plumbers have done for decades, and in most cases it clears the clog the same day. We tell you upfront which fixture is likely the source, how long it usually takes, and what it costs before we start.
Common problems
- Toilet backs up when flushed
- Kitchen sink fills with standing water
- Shower or bathtub drains slowly
- Lavatory gurgles when tap runs
- Water rises in one fixture when another drains
- Bad smell coming from the drain
- Repeated clogs in the same fixture
What we do
- Identify which fixture is clogged
- Choose the right tool for the drain size
- Clear the clog from the fixture
- Use air snake, auger, or cable as needed
- Test water flow after clearing
- Advise on what caused the clog
- Recommend advanced cleaning if needed
Services & pricing
- Toilet Clog Removal — $319
- Basic Drain Cleaning (Up to 1.5″) — $269
- Basic Drain Cleaning (2″ to 3″) — $349
- Basic Drain Cleaning (4″) — $459
All prices are flat rates for standard residential conditions. The $89 call-out fee is added to whichever service you approve. Prices are for clearing from the fixture only. If the clog cannot be cleared from the fixture, advanced drain cleaning may be required and is quoted separately.
FAQ
How do I know if I need basic or advanced drain cleaning?
Basic drain cleaning works when the clog is at a fixture — a toilet, sink, shower, bathtub, or lavatory — and the line can be opened from that fixture. If we try basic first and the clog does not clear, or if the water backs up into other fixtures when we run the snake, the problem is further down the line. That is when advanced drain cleaning is needed, and we quote it before we proceed.
What tools do you use for basic drain cleaning?
It depends on the fixture and the drain size. For toilets, we use a toilet auger first, then a cable snake if needed. For sinks, showers, and bathtubs, we use an air snake or a cable snake sized to the drain — usually 1.5″ for a lavatory, 2″ to 3″ for a kitchen or shower line. Using the wrong size tool on the wrong drain can damage the pipe, so we match the tool to the job.
Will basic drain cleaning clear tree roots?
Not usually. Tree roots enter through joints in the main sewer line, not through the fixture drain. If the clog comes back within days, or if multiple fixtures back up at the same time, the problem is in the main line and needs advanced cleaning and camera inspection.
Why do the same drains keep clogging?
Not when it is done correctly. The tools are sized to the drain, and the pressure is controlled. The damage usually happens when the wrong tool is used on the wrong drain, or when a homeowner uses a chemical drain cleaner that sits in the pipe and corrodes it over time. We use mechanical tools only, sized to the line.
How long does basic drain cleaning take?
A standard fixture clog usually clears in under an hour. Toilet clogs are usually faster, because the auger reaches the trap directly. Kitchen sinks with heavy grease buildup, or showers with years of soap and hair, can take longer. If the clog does not clear within the expected time, we stop and discuss advanced options before continuing.
CTA
Drain backing up or running slow? Call or text (778) 683-3344 and describe what is happening. We will tell you what it usually costs to fix.