Drain Cleaning in Houston, TX

Drain cleaning in Houston clears the clog and finds out why it formed. We snake or hydro-jet the line, run a camera when needed, and tell you if the problem is grease, roots or a broken pipe.

Signs your drain needs cleaning

  • Water drains slowly in a sink, tub or shower
  • A gurgling sound after you flush
  • More than one fixture backs up at the same time
  • A sewer smell inside or outside near a cleanout
  • Water pooling in the yard near the cleanout
  • The washing machine drain overflows
  • Toilets bubble when the tub empties
  • The same drain clogs again within weeks

How a drain cleaning visit works

  1. 1Find the clogThe plumber checks which fixtures are slow to tell if the problem is local or in the main line.
  2. 2Choose the toolA hand auger clears a sink. A cable machine or hydro-jet clears the main line.
  3. 3Clear the lineHe clears the blockage and flushes the pipe until water moves freely.
  4. 4Camera check if neededA small camera shows roots, cracks, bellies or collapsed sections. You get the video.
  5. 5Flat price and adviceYou see the price first, plus what to avoid putting down the drain.

Drain cleaning options and costs in Houston

Sink or tub drain$100–$300 (typical)

A single fixture cleared with a hand auger or small machine.

Main line cleaning$200–$600 (typical)

A cable machine through the cleanout to clear roots, grease or paper.

Hydro-jetting$350–$800 (typical)

High-pressure water scours grease and scale from the pipe. We charge $500 as an add-on to sewer work.

Camera inspection$100–$500 (typical)

A video of the inside of the pipe to see the real problem.

Typical Houston ranges for planning. Your written price comes after we see the job.

What changes the price

  • Which line is blocked, a fixture drain or the main sewer line
  • How far the clog is from the cleanout
  • Tree roots and old clay or cast iron pipes
  • Whether a cleanout is accessible or must be installed
  • Whether a camera inspection is needed

See the full cost guide →

Good to know in Houston

Houston’s mature live oaks, pecans and crape myrtles send roots into old clay and cast iron sewer lines, especially in neighborhoods built before 1980. Hot weather speeds up grease build-up in kitchen lines. Heavy rain can also push water into sewers, so a slow drain after a storm may be a city line issue.

Drain and sewer work for hire must be done by TSBPE-licensed plumbers. A City of Houston permit can be needed if pipe is replaced or a cleanout is added.

Questions about drain cleaning

Can I use chemical drain cleaners?

We do not suggest them. They can damage old pipes and are unsafe for the plumber who opens the line next. A mechanical clearing works better.

How often should I clean my main line?

If you have older pipes or big trees, every 1 to 2 years can prevent backups. Newer homes can usually go longer.

What is hydro-jetting?

It uses high-pressure water to scrub the inside of a pipe. It is good for grease and scale, and less good for crushed pipe.

Why does my drain keep clogging?

A repeat clog often means roots, a broken section or a sagging pipe. A camera check shows the cause.

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