Drain Cleaning Indianapolis: $125 to $300 + Backup Repairs

Indianapolis rows are local; national rows are labeled.

Do this now: a clogged or backing-up drain

1. Stop running water and flushing if more than one drain is backing up; that points to the main line.
2. Sewage in the basement: keep children and pets away and call Citizens at 317-924-3311 to report it.
3. Skip chemical drain openers. MedlinePlus lists drain openers as a poisoning risk.
4. One slow sink or tub: a plunger or a hand snake is worth a try first.
5. Note where the cleanout is; it saves the plumber time.

Is it an emergency? One drain vs the main line

A single slow drain can wait for a weekday visit at the $49 to $99 Indianapolis service call ConsumerAffairs lists. Several drains backing up at once, a gurgling toilet when the washer drains, or sewage at a floor drain means the main line is blocked; call the same day, because every flush adds to the backup. If you suspect the blockage is in the city main, call Citizens before paying for a jetting.

Who owns the sewer line in Indianapolis

The homeowner does, from the house to the connection at the main. Citizens Energy Group says the property owner maintains the sanitary sewer lateral and that "only a licensed contractor or plumber can perform this work." Repeat clogs in that line often mean roots or a broken pipe; ask for a camera inspection, then see sewer line repair in Indianapolis.

Free drain and backup repair for qualifying owners

Citizens' Home Infrastructure Program covers "inside and outside sewer/drain line backups" for owner-occupants on Citizens sewer whose household income is under 70% of state median ($39,150 for one person). The sewer bill name has to match the deed; septic homes, rentals and land contract homes are not eligible. Apply at 317-924-3311 or 211.

Snaking vs hydro jetting in older Indianapolis lines

Snaking punches a hole through a clog; hydro jetting scours the pipe wall and averages $1,000 nationally, HomeGuide says. Indianapolis's median home dates to 1973, the Census Bureau shows, and ConsumerAffairs points to aging cast iron stacks and tree roots in clay sewer lines as common local causes. A camera first tells you which method fits. Prices by drain and method are on the national drain cleaning guide.

Local rules, programs and data for Indianapolis, from the official, Census, NOAA and trade pages listed under Sources.

Questions to ask before the drain is cleaned

1. Is the price per drain or per hour, and is the service call included?
2. Will you snake or jet, and why?
3. If it is the main line, can you run a camera and show me the video?
4. What is your Indiana plumbing license number?

More Indianapolis plumbing help

All plumbing: plumber in Indianapolis. Backup flooding the basement now: emergency plumber in Indianapolis. Compare drain cleaning in Columbus and drain cleaning in Kansas City. Calls go to an independent company that serves your area and takes this kind of job (how calls work).