Drain Cleaning Cost in North Carolina
$90 – $360We estimate drain cleaning in North Carolina at $90 to $360 for one clogged sink, tub or shower drain cleared with a snake. The national estimate is $100 to $400. North Carolina plumber pay is 11% below the national median, ranking 44 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 | $69 | $123 |
| Estimated total | $90 | $360 |
Our estimate, not a quote. Billed rate is the North Carolina median wage from BLS (2025, $27.44 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 North Carolina
| Metro area | Median wage | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $28.22 | $90 | $370 |
Who can legally do this in North Carolina
The State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses plumbing contractors in North Carolina.
Check a license with NC Licensing Board for General Contractors license search
Compared with neighboring states
| State | Median wage | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $27.50 | $90 | $360 |
| South Carolina | $25.93 | $80 | $340 |
| Tennessee | $28.17 | $90 | $370 |
| Virginia | $29.07 | $90 | $380 |
Other plumber jobs in North Carolina
- 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 · North Carolina 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.