Real price ranges for snaking, hydro jetting, camera inspections, and main line cleaning
Drain cleaning in Toronto starts from $125 for a straightforward main drain snaking and can reach $600 or more for full hydro jetting on a heavily blocked line. The cost depends on what is causing the clog, where the blockage is, and which method is needed to clear it properly. This guide breaks down what each method costs, what drives the price up or down, and when one method is worth choosing over another.
For a single clogged sink, tub, or shower drain, expect $145 to $350. For a main drain or sewer line snaking, expect $125 to $250. For hydro jetting (high-pressure cleaning of the full pipe wall), expect $315 to $600. Adding a camera inspection typically costs $180 to $400 and is often bundled with cleaning at a reduced rate.
Blockage location: a kitchen sink clog near the trap is faster to clear than a main line blockage 50 feet from the cleanout. Cause of the clog: hair and soap are straightforward. Grease buildup or tree root intrusion require more aggressive methods (jetting or root cutting) and cost more. Pipe material and age: cast iron and clay pipes in older Toronto homes are more fragile and may need careful handling. Descaling old cast iron adds cost but restores flow without replacement. Access: if there is a cleanout, the plumber can access the line directly. Without one, the work may require pulling a toilet or accessing through a floor drain, adding time. Recurrence: if the drain keeps clogging, a camera inspection ($180 to $400) is recommended to identify the root cause — bellies, cracks, root intrusion, or improper slope. Treating the cause costs more upfront but eliminates repeat service calls.
Snaking (mechanical augering) is the standard first approach. A rotating cable with a cutting head breaks through the blockage and restores flow. It is effective for hair clogs, wipe blockages, and moderate root intrusion. Cost: $125 to $250 for main lines. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water (3,000 to 4,000 PSI) to scour the full pipe wall. It removes grease, scale, sludge, and soft roots more thoroughly than snaking. Cost: $315 to $600. Choose snaking when: you have a single blockage, the drain was flowing fine until recently, and you have not had repeat clogs. Choose jetting when: the drain clogs repeatedly, you have a kitchen line with grease buildup, your pipes are cast iron with scale, or camera inspection shows heavy buildup along the pipe wall. For a detailed comparison, see our guide Hydro Jetting vs Snaking: Which Drain Cleaning Method Works Best.
How much does it cost to unclog a drain in Toronto?
A single fixture drain (sink, tub, shower, toilet) typically costs $145 to $350 to clear. A main drain or sewer line snaking starts from $125. Hydro jetting for heavy buildup starts from $315.
Is camera inspection worth the extra cost?
Yes, especially for recurring clogs or older homes. A camera inspection ($180 to $400) shows the exact condition of the pipe — roots, bellies, cracks, buildup — so the fix addresses the actual cause instead of just the symptom. It often saves money long-term by avoiding repeat service calls.
Does drain cleaning cost more for emergencies?
Emergency and after-hours drain cleaning can cost 25% to 50% more than a standard business-hours visit. If the clog is not causing active flooding, booking during regular hours saves money.
How often should drains be professionally cleaned?
For typical homes, professional drain cleaning every 12 to 24 months prevents buildup. Homes with mature trees near sewer lines, older cast iron pipes, or commercial kitchens may benefit from more frequent service.
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