No matter what type of home you live in, a blocked sink is a problem that you will likely have to deal with at some point. If you’re wondering how to unclog bathroom sink blockages, it pays to know how much it will cost.
With around 4 in 10 Americans saying that they are currently unable to cover an unexpected emergency expense of a few hundred dollars, knowing exactly how much you can expect to pay to unclog sink blockages can give you the peace of mind you deserve.
If you’re wondering how to unclog a sink when only a professional can do the job, read this breakdown of the costs you can expect.
1. The Average Cost of Unclogging a Sink
If you have already googled “how to unclog a sink drain” and realize that only professional help will be able to fix it, you’re probably trying to figure out what to budget for.
The average cost of unclogging a sink in America varies wildly. The overall average cost currently stands at between $90 and $300. At the lower end of the scale, you can expect to pay around $85.
Meanwhile, at the higher end of the scale, you can expect to pay as much as $585. How much you end up paying will depend largely on the nature of the blockage and the type of service you choose to pay for.
2. How Much Do Plumbers Charge?
Only an experienced Plumber will know how to unclog kitchen sink blockages effectively. Across the country, plumbers tend to charge varying rates. Typically, a plumber will charge an hourly fee for their labor.
In 2019, the average fees charged by plumbers ranged from $45-65 per hour. However, this figure only includes rates charged during normal business hours.
If you require a sink unblocking in the middle of the night, for example, you can expect those fees to double. In addition, plumbers may also charge extra if certain atypical parts are needed to complete the job.
3. How Much to Rent a Drain Snake?
When learning how to unclog a bathroom sink, you will likely stumble across suggestions to simply rent your own drain snake and get the job done yourself. This is a worthwhile option if the blockage isn’t too severe or complex.
You can rent a drain snake from major DIY stores such as Home Depot. Again, the cost of doing this tends to vary.
A handheld drain snake can typically be rented for around $35-45 per day. There is rarely an option to rent one by the hour.
A machine auger, meanwhile, will cost around $55-$85 per day to rent.
4. Various Cost Factors
As mentioned, there are several cost factors that will affect how much you eventually pay to unclog a sink. The severity and size of the clog is the main cost factor.
This is because a severe clog will take a plumber more time to remove, and may require the use of specialized equipment. Accessibility is another major factor.
If the clog or the pipes are difficult to reach, this will complicate the process. Time will also play a major role in calculating your final bill.
Prices tend to fluctuate depending on the season, with winter repairs often being more expensive.
In addition, calling an emergency plumber outside of normal business hours will always cost more.
Learn How to Unclog a Sink and More
Learning the ins-and-outs of home DIY can be challenging. Fortunately, we have the expert resources you need to confidently tackle any issue in your home.
If you want to learn how to unclog a sink, as well as fix any other common household problem, we are here to help. Make sure to consult our detailed Indoor Home guides for all of the handy home hacks you will ever need.
