Memphis Drain Cleaning — Licensed Plumbers & Prices
Cost guide and local estimates for drain cleaning cost in Memphis, Tennessee.
The housing stock in Memphis skews older, with a median home built in 1970—meaning cast iron and galvanized steel pipes dominate many properties across the city. These materials corrode over decades, leading to stubborn blockages that require professional attention more often than newer plumbing systems. Drain cleaning costs in Memphis reflect both the age of infrastructure and local soil conditions that can accelerate buildup. For homeowners in a city where 40% own their properties, understanding drain cleaning expenses helps separate when a plunger solves the problem from when a technician's snake or hydro jet becomes necessary.
Local data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey)
Drain Cleaning Cost in Memphis
| Job Type | Typical Cost Range in Memphis |
|---|---|
| Single bathroom drain (snake) | $100–$200 |
| Kitchen sink drain (snake) | $100–$225 |
| Main sewer line (snake) | $150–$350 |
| Main sewer line (hydro-jet) | $250–$600+ |
| Floor drain cleaning | $100–$250 |
| Bathtub/shower drain | $100–$200 |
| Roof vent cleaning | $150–$300 |
| Emergency/after-hours (any) | Add $75–$200 to standard rate |
Price estimates are for reference only and may vary based on scope of work, materials, and local market conditions.
What Affects Drain Cleaning Prices in Memphis?
- Method: snaking vs. hydro-jetting — The most significant cost variable. Hydro-jetting is more thorough but costs 2–3x more than snaking. Many contractors will recommend snaking first and escalate to hydro-jetting if the clog persists or recurs.
- Clog location — Main line clogs are more expensive than individual fixture clogs. The further from the clean-out access point, the more labor involved. Roof vent clogs require ladder access and add time.
- Clog severity and cause — Grease buildup, tree root intrusion, and mineral scale are harder to clear than hair and soap. Root intrusion in particular often requires hydro-jetting plus a camera inspection to assess pipe damage.
- Emergency vs. scheduled service — After-hours, weekend, and holiday calls typically carry 1.5x–2x standard rates, plus an emergency dispatch fee of $100–$250. Scheduling during business hours is almost always cheaper.
- Access to the clean-out — If your home doesn't have an accessible clean-out port, the plumber may need to remove a toilet or access through a roof vent, adding labor cost. Installing a clean-out during a service call typically runs $200–$500 but pays off in future visits.
- Recurring clogs — If you're calling for the same drain repeatedly, the underlying cause likely hasn't been addressed. A camera inspection can identify root intrusion, pipe damage, or chronic buildup — and save you from paying for service calls that only temporarily fix the problem.
Tips for Getting Accurate Quotes
- Verify the plumber's license with Tennessee State Board for Licensing Contractors before hiring.
- Confirm whether the quote includes permit costs — many Tennessee jurisdictions require permits for major plumbing work.
- Ask if the service call or dispatch fee is credited toward the total if you proceed with the job.
Drain still clogged? Get a plumber on the line now.
Same-day drain cleaning available in Memphis — snaking and hydro-jetting.
📞 (844) 833-1077 — Available 24/7Related services cost in Memphis
Repiping Cost in Memphis
| Job Type | Typical Cost Range in Memphis |
|---|---|
| Full-house repiping (PEX) | $4,000–$15,000 |
| Partial repipe | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Per linear foot (materials + labor) | $1.50–$4.00 |
Water Heater Replacement Cost in Memphis
| Job Type | Typical Cost Range in Memphis |
|---|---|
| Standard 40-gal tank replacement | $900–$1,800 installed |
| Large 80-gal tank replacement | $1,200–$2,500 installed |
| Tankless gas unit (installed) | $1,800–$4,000+ |
| Tankless electric unit (installed) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Conversion from tank to tankless | Add $500–$1,500 for line/venting upgrades |
Sewer Line Replacement Cost in Memphis
| Job Type | Typical Cost Range in Memphis |
|---|---|
| Traditional excavation | $50–$150/linear foot |
| Pipe bursting (trenchless) | $100–$200/linear foot |
| CIPP lining | $80–$250/linear foot |
| Full job typical range | $3,000–$15,000+ |
| Complex/deep/long runs | $15,000–$25,000+ |
Toilet Repair Cost in Memphis
| Job Type | Typical Cost Range in Memphis |
|---|---|
| Flapper replacement | $75–$150 |
| Fill valve replacement | $85–$175 |
| Wax ring replacement | $90–$200 |
| Running toilet repair (diagnosis + fix) | $100–$200 |
| Toilet handle/flush mechanism | $75–$150 |
| Cracked tank or bowl repair | $200–$400 (replacement often recommended) |
| Toilet unclogging (augering) | $100–$250 |
| Standard toilet replacement (unit + install) | $200–$500 |
| High-efficiency or comfort-height toilet install | $300–$700+ |
| Smart/bidet toilet installation | $500–$1,500+ |
Emergency Plumber Cost in Memphis
| Job Type | Typical Cost Range in Memphis |
|---|---|
| Burst pipe (emergency repair) | $500–$1,500 |
| Frozen pipe thawing | $200–$500 |
| Water heater failure (emergency replacement) | $900–$2,500 |
| Sewage backup (emergency clearing) | $300–$800 |
| Overflowing toilet (emergency) | $150–$400 |
| Gas line leak (emergency) | $300–$800+ |
| Flooding response + water extraction | $1,000–$5,000+ |
Price estimates are for reference only and may vary based on scope of work, materials, and local market conditions.
Cost Estimator for Memphis, Tennessee
Get an instant estimate for your plumbing project in Memphis. Adjust the options below to see how different factors affect the cost.
This is an estimate based on typical rates in Memphis, Tennessee. Actual costs may vary. We recommend getting quotes from multiple licensed plumbers.
Licensed Plumbers in Memphis, TN
Based on Google Maps ratings and reviews
| Name | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Conway Services | ★★★★★ | 8,001 |
| Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air | ★★★★★ | 3,860 |
| Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Memphis | ★★★★★ | 1,563 |
| Traditional Plumbing | ★★★★★ | 924 |
| Premier Plumbing | ★★★★★ | 682 |
| Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup | ★★★★★ | 493 |
| Magnolia Plumbing Company | ★★★★★ | 408 |
| National Economy Plumbers | ★★★★★ | 133 |
Source: Google Maps · Data collected March 14, 2026
Drain Cleaning Costs Near Memphis, TN
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Prices vary by job — get an accurate estimate for your specific situation.
📞 Call (844) 833-1077 — Available 24/7, including weekendsDrain Cleaning Cost FAQs – Memphis, Tennessee
- What should I expect to pay for drain cleaning in Memphis?
- Basic drain snaking typically runs $100–$250 in Memphis, depending on clog location and severity. Kitchen drains average $100–$225, while main line clogs cost $150–$350. Hydro jetting—more effective for buildup in older pipes—ranges $250–$600+. Emergency calls after hours add $75–$200 to standard rates.
- How do I know whether to tackle a slow drain myself or call a professional?
- If plunging or store-bought drain cleaner doesn't clear water within an hour, call a pro. Recurring clogs, multiple slow drains, or sewage backups signal main line issues requiring camera inspection ($150–$400) and professional clearing. Given Memphis's older housing stock, persistent problems often indicate corroded pipes needing expert diagnosis.
- Why do older Memphis homes need drain cleaning more frequently?
- Cast iron and galvanized pipes installed in 1970s-era homes deteriorate internally, creating rough surfaces where debris catches. Memphis's clay-heavy soil also exerts pressure on underground lines. Combined, these factors cause buildup faster than modern PVC systems, making periodic professional cleaning more cost-effective than repeated emergency calls.