How much does it cost to unclog a drain in Richmond, VA?
Clearing a simple drain clog in Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA: 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 Richmond, VA
- Budget Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC · 1244 New Market Rd, Henrico, VA · 4.4★ (12 reviews) · (804) 931-5277
- Kane Plumbing Company · 403 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA · +18043291541
- Statewide Plumbing · 2612 Goodes Bridge Rd, North Chesterfield, VA · +18046746999
- Lyttle Utilities Inc · 2210 E Belt Blvd, Richmond, VA · 18042313426
- Anytime Emergency Plumbing · 5541 Westower Dr, Richmond, VA · (804) 869-2686
- Advanced Plumbing, Llc · 5324 Distributor Dr, Richmond, VA · 18043581616
- Leak Finders · 27 Labrook Dr Ste 200, Richmond, VA · 18046555325
- M.a. Williams Drain Cleaning & Plumbing · 27 Labrook Dr Ste 100, Richmond, VA · 18042307240
Get free quotes from Richmond, VA 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.