By the HomeCostLens editorial team · Reviewed September 2026 · Plumbing · Source: Plumbing contractor services (labor-driven)
▲ up 4.0%
Year-over-year change in drain cleaning costs. National average now ~$300.
National avg: $300
Typical range: $150–$800
Since 2021: +30%
The national average cost of drain cleaning has risen about 4.0% over the past year, reaching roughly $300 in 2026. Drain service is mostly labor, so prices track plumber wage growth — steady mid-single-digit increases.
Drain Cleaning cost trajectory, 2021–2026
Estimated national drain cleaning cost (indexed from BLS producer-price data)
Indexed estimate (2021 = 100) based on BLS Producer Price Index category data and skilled-trade wage growth; actual prices vary by city and scope.
Where drain cleaning costs the most & least
Local prices swing widely around the national average — driven by labor rates, climate, and permit costs. Here is how drain cleaning ranks across the 100 metros we track.
Yes. Drain Cleaning costs have risen roughly 4.0% year-over-year, to a national average of about $300. Drain service is mostly labor, so prices track plumber wage growth — steady mid-single-digit increases.
What is the average cost of drain cleaning in 2026?
The U.S. average is about $300 before local adjustment, typically ranging from $150 to $800 depending on scope and your city.
Why have drain cleaning prices changed?
Drain service is mostly labor, so prices track plumber wage growth — steady mid-single-digit increases.
