How much does it cost to unclog a drain in San Francisco, CA?
Clearing a simple drain clog in San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA: 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 San Francisco, CA
- Ace Plumbing & Rooter, Inc. · 1090 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA · (415) 824-6444
- Cornely Company · 174 Shotwell St, San Francisco, CA · +14152521800
- J E Brown Co Mechanical Contractors · 78 Shotwell St, San Francisco, CA · 14156264044
- Starboy Plumbing Inc. · 1580 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA · 14157122557
- Hydra Ventures Inc · 214 12th St, San Francisco, CA · 14152528600
- EVERLAST PLUMBING · P O BOX 884181, SAN FRANCISCO, CA · (415) 739 7009
- Zec and Ros Plumbing · 939 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA · +14158023334
- Aqua Star Plumbing · 147 Graystone Ter, San Francisco, CA · +14159702280
Get free quotes from San Francisco, CA 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.