Drain Cleaning Cost in California
$110 – $440We estimate drain cleaning in California at $110 to $440 for one clogged sink, tub or shower drain cleared with a snake. The national estimate is $100 to $400. California plumber pay is 14% above the national median, ranking 17 of 51.
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials (our assumption) | $20 | $50 |
| Labor hours (our assumption) | 1 | 2.5 |
| Billed labor rate per hour | $88 | $158 |
| Estimated total | $110 | $440 |
Our estimate, not a quote. Billed rate is the California median wage from BLS (2025, $35.01 an hour) times 2.5 to 4.5 to cover payroll costs, overhead, travel and profit. How we estimate
What our assumptions are based on
| Item | Sourced figure | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor hours | 1 – 4 | 1 to 4 hours for an average kitchen sink clog. | Fixr |
What other publishers report
| Publisher | Low | High | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixr | $150 | $300 | Standard drain cleaning, excluding main sewer lines. Page dated October 2026. |
| Fixr | $250 | $400 | Professional kitchen sink unclogging. Page dated August 2025. |
| This Old House | $100 | $500 | Clearing clogs and drains. Page dated June 2026. |
Cities in California
| Metro area | Median wage | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $34.19 | $110 | $430 |
| San Francisco | $37.44 | $110 | $470 |
| Riverside | $30.73 | $100 | $400 |
| San Diego | $34.86 | $110 | $440 |
Who can legally do this in California
Plumbing contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board under the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification.
Check a license with CSLB Check A License
Compared with neighboring states
Other plumber jobs in California
- Toilet Replacement
- Faucet Replacement
- Garbage Disposal Replacement
- Water Heater Replacement
- Tankless Water Heater Installation
- Pipe Repair
- Whole-House Repipe
- Sewer Line Repair
Drain Cleaning cost in every state · California home repair guide
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.