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Your drain is clogged, slow, or backing up. Before you call anybody, you want to know what this is going to cost. Fair enough, here’s what drain cleaning actually costs in Greenville, Spartanburg, and across Upstate SC in 2026.
The Short Answer
Most drain cleaning jobs in Upstate SC run between $150 and $1,500. A simple clog in a kitchen sink or bathtub might fall on the lower end. A main sewer line backup is on the higher end. Some jobs can go above that if there’s something more serious going on.
One of our experienced plumbers will come out to assess the situation before providing an accurate estimate. Pricing can vary depending on your specific needs, the structure of your home, and the severity of the repair. Once we’ve evaluated the issue, we’ll discuss your options and provide upfront pricing before any work begins.
What You’ll Typically Pay
Here’s a general idea of what different drain cleaning jobs cost:
- Single drain (kitchen sink, bathtub, shower): $150 – $915. This is the most common call we get. Usually a buildup of grease, hair, soap, or food.
- Toilet clog: $150 – $775. Most are straightforward, but some need more than a plunger — especially if something got flushed that shouldn’t have been.
- Multiple drains backing up: $250 – $1,000. When more than one drain is slow or backing up at the same time, the problem is usually further down the line.
- Main sewer line cleaning: $500 – $2,000+. This is the big one. If water is backing up into your lowest drains (basement, first-floor shower, floor drains), your main line is probably blocked.
- Hydro-jetting: $350 – $1,000+. For stubborn blockages or heavy buildup, we use high-pressure water to blast the line clean. It’s more thorough than a standard cable and lasts longer.
What Affects the Price
Not every clog is the same. Here’s what can push the price up or down:
- Where the clog is.
A clog right at the drain opening is quick and easy. A blockage 50 feet down your main sewer line takes more time, more equipment, and more work to get to.
- What’s causing it.
Hair and grease are routine. Tree roots growing into your sewer line are a different story. Roots are one of the most common causes of main line backups in Upstate SC, especially in older neighborhoods with mature trees.
- How accessible the cleanout is.
If we can get to your sewer cleanout easily, that saves time. If it’s buried, overgrown, or there isn’t one at all, that adds to the job.
When Is It More Than Just a Clog?
Sometimes what looks like a clog is actually a sign of a bigger problem — a broken pipe, a bellied sewer line, or root intrusion that’s going to keep coming back. If we clear your drain and the problem returns in a few weeks, it’s usually time for a camera inspection to see what’s really going on down there.
A sewer camera inspection typically runs $200 – $1,000, but it can save you thousands by showing us exactly where the problem is and what it’ll take to fix it for good.
Can I Just Fix It Myself?
For a simple clog right at the drain? Sure, a plunger or a basic drain snake from the hardware store can handle it. We’re not going to tell you to call a plumber for every slow drain.
But skip the chemical drain cleaners. Here’s why:
- They can damage your pipes, especially older ones.
- They usually don’t fix the actual problem. They just eat through enough gunk to temporarily get water flowing.
- They’re rough on septic systems if you have one.
If the plunger didn’t work, or you’re dealing with multiple slow drains, or water is backing up, that’s when it’s time to call in a pro.
How to Avoid Expensive Drain Problems
A few simple habits go a long way:
- Don’t pour grease down the kitchen sink. Ever. Let it cool and throw it in the trash.
- Use drain screens in your showers to catch hair.
- Don’t flush anything besides toilet paper. Wipes, even “flushable” ones, cause problems.
- If you have big trees near your sewer line, keep an eye on your drains. Preventive maintenance is a lot cheaper than an emergency sewer call.
Club Wally Members Get Priority
Our Club Wally members get to the front of the line when they call — plus 10% off repairs and no dispatch fee. If you’re dealing with drain problems at an inconvenient time (and let’s be honest, when is a drain backup ever convenient?), membership pays for itself fast.
Call Waldrop
We’ve been fixing drains in Upstate South Carolina since 1970. Over 7,800 Google reviews at 4.8 stars. We show up on time, tell you what we find, give you an honest price, and fix it right.
We always do the right thing, even if it hurts.®
📞 Call (864) 536-0887 or schedule online at www.callwaldrop.com.
Serving Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Greer, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Taylors, and all of Upstate SC.
