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How Much Does Drain Cleaning Cost in Massachusetts?
Here is what our customers actually paid, taken straight off completed invoices — plus what moves the number and how our upfront pricing works.
What People Actually Paid
Across 311 drain-clearing jobs we completed in the last 24 months, half the invoices landed between $240 and $490, with $289 the middle. Figures as of 2026-09-13.
| Job | Most invoices landed between | Middle | Jobs counted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom sink | $240 – $330 | $249 | 32 |
| Tub or shower | $240 – $300 | $260 | 62 |
| Toilet | $240 – $290 | $274 | 42 |
| Kitchen sink | $280 – $350 | $320 | 58 |
| Main / sewer line | $500 – $750 | $560 | 71 |
Our own completed invoices, 311 drain-clearing jobs over the last 24 months, as of 2026-09-13. Each range is the middle half — a quarter of jobs came in under it and a quarter over it. Job types we have done fewer than twenty of are left out rather than shown thin. This is history, not a quote: the plumber prices your job on site, in writing, before starting.
The $99 service fee sends a licensed technician out to diagnose the problem. Approve the repair on the spot and the fee is not charged at all; decline it and the $99 covers the visit. A slow bathroom sink and a main sewer line packed with roots are genuinely different jobs, which is why the table has rows rather than one number.
What Drives the Cost
Which drain & how accessible
A sink or tub with a nearby cleanout is quicker than a main line reached from the roof or a buried cleanout. Access is a real part of the price.
Severity of the clog
A soft clog clears fast. A drain packed solid, or one that has been limping for months, takes more work — and sometimes a camera to see what's really going on.
Snake vs. hydro-jetting
A cable machine handles most clogs. Grease, scale, or root-filled lines often need hydro-jetting — more powerful, more thorough, and priced accordingly.
Roots or a bigger problem
If roots or a broken pipe are the real cause, cleaning is only a temporary fix. A camera inspection tells us whether you need a cleaning or a repair — no guessing.
How Our Pricing Works
No games, no surprise charges after the job:
- The $99 service fee sends a licensed technician out to diagnose the problem. Approve the repair on the spot and the fee is not charged at all; decline it and the $99 covers the visit.
- You get a clear, upfront price before any work starts.
- If a camera or hydro-jetting would save you money long-term, we tell you why — and only if it is the right tool.
- The total depends on the drain, the access, and the severity — which is why we price it on-site, not with a guess over the phone.
Common Questions
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Why South Shore homeowners choose Johnson Bros.
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How We Work
Clear communication, licensed work, and local support.
Licensed Plumbing Work
Massachusetts-licensed plumbing support backed by insured crews.
Fast Scheduling Updates
We tell you what timing is available and keep you updated if the schedule shifts.
Upfront Options
You get a clear explanation of the work and price before the job begins.
Repair-First Guidance
We help you understand whether repair, replacement, or follow-up service makes the most sense.
Talk to a licensed South Shore plumber
Tell us what's going on. We'll triage it and give you a clear next step — repair, replace, or a quick fix.
Call for urgent help now. Book online when you want the next available fit for your schedule.