A clogged toilet can quickly become an emergency plumbing situation if left unresolved, as the backed-up water will continue to accumulate and may overflow onto the floor. Rather than attempting a DIY fix that could potentially cause damage, it is best to call a licensed professional plumber to clear the clog and get your plumbing system working properly again. However, the cost to unclog a toilet can vary significantly depending on the cause of the clog, the location of the clog in your plumbing system, the plumber’s experience, and other factors.
Factors That Determine How Much a Plumber Charges to Unclog a Toilet
The cost to have a plumber unclog a toilet can vary depending on several factors.
Location and Accessibility
Plumbers typically charge higher rates for jobs located in remote areas that require additional travel time. Jobs that provide easy access to plumbing fixtures and do not require removing obstructions to access the toilet will generally cost less.
Type of Clog
Minor clogs that can be cleared using a plunger or plumber’s snake are typically the most affordable to unclog. More serious clogs within the toilet drain pipe or further down the main sewer line that require removal and replacement of pipes will cost significantly more due to the additional labor and materials required.
Time of Service
Plumbers often charge higher after-hours emergency rates for unclogging toilets outside of normal business hours. Weekends and holidays can also incur premium service fees. Schedule toilet unclogging services during normal weekday hours to save money.
Additional Services
Unclogging a toilet may reveal other plumbing issues that require repair or replacement. Any additional services beyond clearing the clog such as repairing or replacing plumbing fixtures, will increase the total cost. Ask the plumber for an estimate of any recommended follow-up work before approving additional unplanned services.
Plumber’s Experience and Qualifications
Highly skilled plumbers with additional certifications and many years of experience will likely charge higher rates than entry-level plumbers. However, more experienced plumbers are often able to diagnose and resolve problems more efficiently, which can offset some of the additional costs.
In summary, depending on these variables, the total cost to have a plumber unclog your toilet can range from $75 to $500 or more, depending on severity. Requesting estimates from multiple licensed plumbers in your area is the best way to find affordable, high-quality plumbing services.
Consider plunging the toilet yourself before calling a plumber. It could end up saving you a lot of money!
How Much to Unclog a Toilet? The Average Cost
If a clog in your toilet prevents it from functioning properly, you may need to call a plumber to have it professionally unclogged. The average cost to have a plumber unclog your toilet can range from $50 to $200, depending on the clog’s severity, location, and plumbing company.
Factors Impacting the Cost
Several factors determine how much a plumber will charge to unclog your toilet:
The Location of the Clog
A clog deeper in the pipes or one that requires removing the toilet to access will take more time and effort to clear, increasing the cost. Clogs in the trap or drain pipe are often cheaper to unclog.
Plumbing Company and Plumber Experience
Established companies with highly skilled plumbers will charge the higher end of the range. Less experienced plumbers typically charge less.
Additional Services
If the plumber needs to use a drain auger, or hydro jet, or perform other procedures to break up or remove the clog, the total bill will be more.
Emergency Calls
Calls placed outside of normal business hours, on weekends or holidays, will incur emergency or overtime fees, raising the total cost.
Your Location
Plumbing costs vary in different areas and states. Plumbers in large cities and suburban neighborhoods typically charge the most. Rural and small-town plumbers usually charge slightly less, but it may be harder to find a reputable company.
To save money, try using a plunger or plumbing snake to unclog your toilet yourself first. You can also ask if the plumber charges by the hour or by the job and get an estimate of the total costs upfront before hiring them. With the proper tools and techniques, a plumber can have your toilet unclogged and functioning properly again promptly.
If the clog is really bad and you want to avoid calling a plumber, it's time to call in the big guns, and chemicals are your best shot to avoid the plumber call.
Ways to Save Money When Calling a Plumber to Unclog a Toilet
There are a few ways to save money when calling a plumber to unclog a toilet.
Do Some Troubleshooting First
Before calling a plumber, try some basic troubleshooting steps to fix the clog yourself. Use a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. You can also try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the toilet bowl. The chemical reaction can help break up the clog. As a last resort, you may need to use a toilet auger to physically break up the clog. If these steps don’t work after a few attempts, it’s best to call a plumber to avoid damage to your plumbing.
Ask About Rates and Estimates
When calling plumbers, inquire about their rates for unclogging toilets and any estimates they can provide over the phone based on your description of the issue. Compare rates between a few plumbers to get the best overall value. Ask if they charge by the hour or provide flat rates for certain standard services like toilet unclogging. Request an estimate of the total cost before having them dispatch a plumber.
Limit Additional Charges
To keep costs down, be home when the plumber arrives so you can show them directly to the problematic toilet. Try to avoid any additional issues the plumber would need to address during their visit. Ask if there are any ways you can help unclog the toilet yourself, with the plumber guiding you, to minimize labor charges. Have the plumber perform only the necessary work required to unclog the toilet.
Consider a Plumbing Service Membership
If clogs and plumbing issues are common in your household, you may benefit from a plumbing service membership or maintenance plan. These plans provide discounted or free plumbing services for members. The monthly or annual fees may end up saving you money, especially for frequent or emergency plumbing calls. Check with plumbers in your area to see if they offer any membership or maintenance plans.
How Much Does it Cost to Unclog a Toilet?
In summary, many variables factor into how much a plumber charges to unclog a toilet. As you have seen, the location, time of day, plumber’s experience, and severity of the clog can all affect the price. While a simple unclogging during normal business hours may cost $75 to $200, an after-hours emergency visit or more complicated job requiring drain augering could cost $200 to $500 or more. The best approach is to get estimates from a few local plumbers to compare. You can find a plumber with reasonable rates for your needs with some research. Unclogging a toilet yourself may seem like an easy DIY task, but it is best left to the professionals for the sake of your plumbing and avoiding potential water damage.
