How much does a plumber charge to fix a clogged sink?
Plumbers typically charge $100–$350 to unclog a kitchen or bathroom sink. Here's the full cost breakdown and when to call vs DIY.
2 min read · Updated 2026-04-14
General information only. This article may include AI-assisted content. While we aim for accuracy, verify important details before acting on them.
Short answer
Expect to pay $100–$350 for a plumber to unclog a kitchen or bathroom sink. Simple P-trap clogs at the lower end; deep main line clogs with hydro-jetting at the higher end. Emergency or after-hours calls add $50–$150.
Cost breakdown by clog type
| Clog type | Typical cost | |-----------|-------------| | P-trap cleaning (simple) | $100–$175 | | Drain snake (kitchen or bath) | $150–$250 | | Main sewer line snake | $200–$350 | | Hydro-jetting (severe buildup) | $300–$600 | | Camera inspection (to diagnose) | $100–$300 |
What affects the price
Labor rate: Plumbers charge $50–$150/hour depending on location. Urban areas (NYC, SF, LA) are at the high end.
Time of day: Emergency/weekend/after-hours calls add a $50–$150 service fee on top of the standard rate.
Clog location: The deeper the clog, the more time it takes. A P-trap cleaning takes 20 minutes; a main line snake can take 1–2 hours.
What they find: If the plumber discovers a damaged pipe or tree root intrusion while snaking, costs can jump to $500–$2,000+ for repairs.
When to DIY vs call a plumber
Try DIY first:
- Slow drain (not completely blocked)
- Single sink affected
- Clog happened recently
Call a plumber if:
- Multiple drains are slow or blocked (indicates main line)
- Water backs up into other fixtures (toilet gurgles when you run the sink)
- DIY attempts haven't worked after 30 minutes
- You smell sewage
How to get a fair price
- Get 2–3 quotes — prices vary significantly between plumbers
- Ask for a flat rate rather than hourly if possible
- Describe the problem clearly — location of clog, how long it's been slow, what you've already tried
- Check reviews on Yelp or Google before booking