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Drain Cleaning & Sewer Line in Chicago, IL

Compare 5 local drain cleaning & sewer line pros. Typical service: $188–$563.

Top Drain Cleaning & Sewer Line Companies in Chicago

  1. 1.All Pro Plumbing

    4.7★ (165 reviews)

    4.7★ from 165 reviews

    +13125399184Website

  2. 2.O'Bannon Plumbing & Sewer

    4.8★ (60 reviews)

    4.8★ from 60 reviews

    +17738625112Website

  3. 3.United Sewer & Drains, Plumbing Services

    4.7★ (43 reviews)

    4.7★ from 43 reviews

    +17732504197Website

  4. 4.Rooter Flush Sewer and Plumbing

    4.4★ (19 reviews)

    4.4★ from 19 reviews

    +17735634543Website

  5. 5.Drain King

    5.0★ (6 reviews)

    5.0★ from 6 reviews

    +17732384801Website

Drain Cleaning & Sewer Line Cost in Chicago

Local ranges, adjusted for area wage and cost-of-living data.

ServiceTypical range in Chicago
Drain clearing$188–$563/job
Main sewer line snaking$250–$625/job
Hydro jetting$438–$1,125/job
Sewer camera inspection$156–$750/job

Drain Cleaning & Sewer Line prices in Chicago run about 25% above the national average, based on what this trade earns in the metro area — so neighbouring cities in the same metro see similar rates.

Quotes on this page come from 5 companies serving Chicago, rated 4.7★ on average across 293 customer reviews.

Chicago Climate & Seasonal Timing

What Chicago's weather means for scheduling drain cleaning & sewer line.

Last spring frost
April 11
First fall frost
October 27
Annual precipitation
39.09"
Heating degree days
5,989
Cooling degree days
1,045
MonthLowHighPrecip
Jan18.2°31.5°2.06"
Feb21.7°35.8°1.94"
Mar30.9°46.8°2.72"
Apr41.7°59.2°3.64"
May51.6°70.2°4.13"
Jun62.1°79.9°4.06"
Jul67.5°84.2°4.01"
Aug66.2°82.1°3.99"
Sep57.5°75.3°3.31"
Oct45.7°62.8°3.24"
Nov34.5°48.6°3.42"
Dec22.7°35.3°2.57"

NOAA station data 5.14 miles from Chicago.

Permits & Regulations in IL

Permit typically required

  • Illinois plumbers are licensed by the Department of Public Health under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320), not by a contractor board
  • A license requires four years as a licensed apprentice plumber plus a state examination, and annual continuing education to maintain
  • Plumbing contractors register separately from the individual plumber license

License required: IDPH Illinois plumber license plus plumbing contractor registration

Sources: dph.illinois.gov

Drain Cleaning & Sewer Line FAQs for Chicago

How much does drain cleaning cost in Chicago?

Clearing a clogged drain in Chicago typically runs $188-$563; main sewer lines and hydro jetting cost more.

How many drain cleaning companies serve Chicago?

We track 5 drain cleaning and sewer specialists serving Chicago.

Is drain cleaning in Chicago more expensive than average?

Drain cleaning in Chicago runs about +25% versus the national average.

Why do sewer lines back up in Chicago after heavy rain?

Chicago gets about 39.09 inches of precipitation a year. Groundwater entering cracked or root-invaded sewer lines is a common cause of backups after storms.

Can pipes freeze and clog in Chicago winters?

With lows near 18F in Chicago, exposed drain and vent lines can freeze; grease also hardens faster in cold pipes, which is why kitchen drain clogs rise in winter.

Do I need a permit for sewer line work in Chicago, IL?

In IL, Illinois plumbers are licensed by the Department of Public Health under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320), not by a contractor board. Clearing a clog needs no permit, but excavating or replacing a sewer line in Chicago generally does.

Should I get a camera inspection in Chicago?

For repeat clogs, yes: a camera inspection in Chicago shows whether roots, a belly or a collapse is the cause before paying $188-$563 for another clearing.

When do tree roots cause the most drain problems in Chicago?

Roots grow toward sewer lines most actively in the growing season, which in Chicago runs roughly from April 11 to October 27.