The process and cost of clearing a clogged drain will depend on where the clog is, its exact nature and whether you are willing to do the work yourself. There are three main areas where a blocked drain can occur.

Bathroom

Bathroom blockages can occur in the toilet from improper articles being flushed such as tampons, sticks or any other item that will serve to accumulate paper and thus cause the clogged drain. Alternatively, clogs in the sink or bathtub are usually caused by an accumulation of hair.

Both of these clogs are relatively easily and affordably cleared with either a chemical drain cleanser for the sink and tub or a hand held plunger or pipe auger for the toilet. Occasionally the clog can be so severe that a professional plumber will have to be called in for an additional cost.

Kitchen

Kitchen clogs are usually a little more sever as they will involve large amount of grease that is not easily dissolved or cleared with a non-powered tool. Using the cleanout under the sink and renting a powered auger from the nearest hardware store offers a slightly more expensive alternative.

In either case, once the clogged drain is cleared, some preventive actions like disposing of potato skins or congealed grease in the garbage can significantly reduce the chance of reoccurrence.

Main Sewer Drain Line

The most expensive and problematic clogged drain involves the main sewer pipe that connects the home’s sewage system to the city’s underground drains. This mainline is extremely long, sometimes 100 ft, and can be blocked by an assortment of hard to remove items that have built up over time. In the most extreme cases, tree roots or above ground pressure may have punctured the pipe and it will need to be replaced.

Professional plumbers offer the best option for these clogged drains as they have the proper tools for examining and repairing the damage. In every case, the prudent homeowner should balance the convenience and any potential future problems with the cost of properly fixing the problem now.