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Last Revised: 8/8/25
Have you recently stood over a sink or shower wondering why just that one drain refuses to cooperate – even after you’ve tried fixing it yourself? We get it – clogs never wait for a convenient time. And right after “How do I fix this?” comes “How much will it cost?”
If this sounds familiar, you’ve got questions – and you’ve come to the right place for answers. A single slow or backed-up drain is called a single branch line clog – meaning it’s isolated to the pipe for that fixture, not your whole home.
At Mattioni, we’ve been helping homeowners in our community for over 75 years, clearing stubborn clogs quickly, safely, and without the guesswork. In this article we’ll break down what causes these clogs, what you can expect to pay to clear them, and how to know it’s time to call in a pro.
Getting back to enjoying your home – without draining your wallet – is closer than you think.
In a rush? Here’s all the pricing info on our single branch drain clearing services at Mattioni. Read on for key details.
What Counts as a “Clogged Drain” And Not Something Else?
Plumbing problems can range from a slowly draining sink to total failure in the main sewage drain line of your home. A localized clog in a single drainpipe (what we’re talking about in this article) is when just one of the following fixtures is having issues:
- Bathroom sink
- Kitchen sink
- Bathtub
- Shower
- Toilet
- Utility sink
- Washing machine standpipe
This is different from a main drain clog, where water (or sewage) backs up into multiple fixtures at once. Main drain line issues are more severe and can potentially be more expensive to address.
In this article, we’re focusing on just one stubborn drain that won’t clear up – and how much it costs to fix it. We’ve all dealt with one at some point, so talking dollars just makes sense.
How Much Does It Cost to Clear A Clogged Drain?
At Mattioni, it typically costs between $200 and $700 to clear a single clogged drain – depending on a few key factors. We provide upfront pricing on every job based on the tools, time, and access required – so that there are no surprises or guesswork.
Let’s walk through the factors that determine exactly how much it’ll cost to unclog a single branch line of plumbing in your home.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
We know that $200 to $700 is a wide range, and when you’re budgeting, you want to know exactly where your situation might fall. Here’s what determines the exact cost:
1. The Type of Fixture
Some fixtures are simply easier to access than others.
- Bathroom and kitchen sinks are typically closer to $200 to unclog, as they’re easy to reach.
- Showers and tubs can be trickier depending on how the piping is configured and how deep the clog is.
- Toilets are often the most involved and closer to $700, especially if they need to be pulled to access a clog below.
Remember: The more time and effort it takes to reach the blockage, the more the job is likely to cost.
2. The Severity of the Clog
Not all clogs are created equal.
- If it’s hair, soap scum, or food buildup, a plunger or small hand auger may be all that’s needed. If that’s the case, you’ll likely stay at the lower end of the cost spectrum.
- If the clog is more stubborn – like grease buildup, a solid obstruction, or a foreign object – we may need to use a motorized drain snake or larger auger, which bumps the job into the mid-high part of the $200 to $700 price range.
Our team always assesses the situation first, then talks you through your options with upfront pricing and no surprises.
3. Access & Labor Involved
Sometimes clearing a clog requires removing part of a fixture to gain access to the branch line. For instance:
- Pulling a toilet to access the drain flange underneath
- Removing a trap under the sink
- Detaching a cleanout plug in a tight spot
These situations add to the time, labor, and cleanup involved – which shifts your costs upward.
Here’s what we’ve learned over our seven decades in business: if you’re already dealing with a mess, the last thing you want is a band-aid fix. We do it the right way the first time – and walk you through the process every step of the way.
What’s Included in a Professional Drain Clearing?
When you call Mattioni for a clogged drain, here’s what you’re paying for:
- A licensed, experienced plumbing technician
- A full inspection of the affected fixture and drain line
- Top-of-the-line tools – from small plungers and augers to powered drain clearing machines
- Full clearing of the clog
- Cleanup of any mess created during the work
- Recommendations and strategies to help avoid future blockages
- A guarantee that the work was done right
This isn’t a “five-minute fix and gone” job. It’s professional, careful work that protects your plumbing and your peace of mind.
How to Make the Right Call for Your Home
You’ve probably already tried plunging, and maybe you’ve even used a drain cleaner (which often does more harm than good). Here’s when it’s time to bring in a pro:
- You’ve tried a plunger or drain snake, but the water level hasn’t changed
- The clog keeps coming back after temporary fixes
- You hear gurgling or see bubbles in nearby fixtures
- You’re noticing bad smells from the drain
- You’re not sure what caused the clog – and don’t want to make it worse
Using too much force (or the wrong chemicals) can damage your pipes – especially if they’re older. You can see how hiring a Mattioni pro for $200 to $700 to tackle the job is a sure bet to prevent costs from spiraling out of control.
If you’re dealing with persistent plumbing problems, calling a pro is about more than just convenience – it’s about protecting your home.
Ready to Get Your Drains Flowing Like Usual Again?
You now know how much it costs to take care of a pesky single branch line drain clog – and what drives the cost up or down. Getting rid of a clog doesn’t have to be complicated. All it takes is one call or a quick online booking, and you’ll set a convenient appointment time to fix it ASAP.
When we arrive, we’ll pinpoint the problem, walk you through the solution, and make sure you’re comfortable with the plan before we start. From there, we’ll get to work clearing the clog and cleaning up after ourselves so you can get back to your day without any lingering worries.
Whether it’s a slow sink, a gurgling tub, or a stubborn toilet that refuses to flush, you need your home back to normal as quickly and reliably as possible. At Mattioni, we’ve been trusted for over 75 years by homeowners with plumbing problems of all shapes and sizes (and smells.)
Schedule your drain unclogging appointment online or by calling our friendly team at (610) 400-8510 today.
