How much does it cost to unclog a drain in Chicago, IL?
Clearing a simple drain clog in Chicago, IL typically costs $150–$350; a main sewer line cleanout runs $300–$600, more if a camera inspection finds roots or a broken line. Be wary of $49–$99 'drain specials' — they often exist to sell a camera inspection and a much bigger job once the tech is inside.
Likely causes
- Grease and hair buildup — The everyday clog — builds slowly until the drain stops.
- Tree roots in the main line — If multiple drains back up at once, suspect the main line, not the fixture.
- Collapsed or offset pipe — Older clay or cast-iron lines crack and catch debris — cleaning helps temporarily, repair is the fix.
What you can check yourself
- One slow drain = local clog: try a drain snake (not chemical cleaner) first.
- Every drain slow + gurgling = main line: skip DIY and call.
- Ask whether the quote includes the camera inspection or if that's an add-on.
Typical cost
Typical in Chicago, IL: single drain $150–$350; main line $300–$600; camera inspection $250–$500 (sometimes credited toward repair).
When to call a pro
Sewage smell, water backing up into a tub or floor drain, or the same clog returning within a month — that's a main-line problem, not a fixture problem.
Plumber pros in Chicago, IL
- Environmental Systems Design · 175 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL · +13123721200
- Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Chicago · 28 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL · (847) 807-3978
- Millennium Piping Inc · 162 N Franklin St Ste 300, Chicago, IL · 13123450560
- Sewer Drain Cleaning Chicago · 27 N Wacker Dr Ste 133, Chicago, IL · (773) 678-5312
- Magic Men Service Inc · 306 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL · 3125979678
- US Chicago Plumbing For Paid version Home Service Chicago · 150 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL · (312) 465-1767
- Homex · 333 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL · +18554663948
- Jireh Plumbing · 1 E Erie St Ste 525, Chicago, IL · +17732998262
Get free quotes from Chicago, IL pros →
Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.