Drain Cleaning Costs for Los Angeles, CA 2024

We have contacted the below companies in Los Angeles, CA but we prefer to keep the company name anonymous so we are not indirectly promoting these companies in a bad way. The total number of companies we approached was around 54, but some of them did not reply. We contacted them using text, calling, and email, and below is the summary of the quote the companies provided us for a standard drain cleaning cost for the kitchen sink, toilet, and shower.

Note: NONE indicates that the company did not provide the cost.

Disclaimer

We would like to make this survey anonymous. Keeping company names anonymous in data analysis ensures confidentiality and objectivity, which helps prevent any bias or undue influence on the results. This approach strengthens the integrity of the analysis and avoids any legal or competitive issues that could arise from revealing company identities.

Survey Summary

Plumber	Time to Quote	Kitchen	Toilet	Shower
A	3 hours	$190	$230	$230
B	1.5 hours	$230	$250	NONE
C	5 hours	$220	$220	$220
D	2 hours	$139	$169	$199
E	4.5 hours	$180	$180	$180
F	7.5 hours	$270	$290	$330
G	6 hours	NONE	$200	$250
H	8 hours	$160	$210	$280
I	1 hour	$145	$180	$230
J	3.5 hours	$190	$210	$240
K	9 hours	$250	NONE	$310
L	4 hours	$170	$220	$290
M	2.5 hours	$140	$180	$210
N	5.5 hours	$200	$240	$260
O	10 hours	$280	$310	$340
P	12 hours	$150	$190	$230
Q	7 hours	$190	$220	$270
R	3 hours	NONE	NONE	$220
S	11 hours	$210	$250	$310
T	1 hour	$140	$160	$180
U	6.5 hours	$250	$270	$320
V	8.5 hours	$290	$300	$330
W	2 hours	NONE	$195	$240
X	3.5 hours	$170	$200	$260
Y	9.5 hours	NONE	$330	$360
Z	4 hours	$180	$230	$250

Data was collected and compiled on July 2024

Detailed Analysis of Drain Cleaning Services in Los Angeles, CA

This detailed analysis looks at the costs associated with kitchen sink, toilet, and bathtub/shower drain cleaning services offered by various companies in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to service pricing, this analysis also reviews the time it takes to receive a quote from each company.

1. Duration to Get a Quote

The time to receive a quote varies significantly among the companies in Los Angeles, ranging from a quick 1 hour to as long as 12 hours.

Overview:

• Fastest Quotes (1-2 hours):
  • The quickest response time is offered by Company I and Company T, providing quotes in 1 hour.
  • Company D and Company W also provide relatively quick quotes within 2 hours.
• Mid-Range Quotes (3-5 hours):
  • Companies like A, J, M, and L provide quotes between 2.5 to 4 hours. This range is quite acceptable for many customers.
• Slower Response (6+ hours):
  • Companies F, G, Q, U, and V have longer waiting times, ranging between 6.5 to 8.5 hours.
  • Companies Y, O, and S take the longest, with quote times exceeding 9 to 12 hours. These companies may cater to more complex or high-demand services, which could explain the delay.

2. Kitchen Sink Drain Cleaning Costs

The prices for kitchen sink drain cleaning in Los Angeles significantly vary, ranging from $139 to $290.

Key Insights:

• Lowest Price: The most affordable kitchen sink drain cleaning is offered by Company D, charging $139.
• Highest Price: The most expensive service is from Company V, which charges $290.
• Average Price: The typical price range is between $170 and $220. Companies like E, Z, L, and A fall into this mid-tier level.

Summary of Pricing Tiers:

• Low Pricing ($139 - $170): D, I, T, M, L
• Mid Pricing ($180 - $220): E, Z, C, N, A, X
• High Pricing ($250 - $290): K, U, F, O, V

3. Toilet Drain Cleaning Costs

The price for toilet drain cleaning falls between a lower bound of $160 and peaks at $330, depending on the company.

Key Insights:

• Lowest Price: Company T offers the most cost-effective toilet drain cleaning at $160.
• Highest Price: The highest price comes from Company Y, charging $330.
• Average Price: Most companies charge around $200 to $250, with companies like H, X, Z, and A in this common range.

Summary of Pricing Tiers:

• Low Pricing ($160 - $200): T, D, M, P, I, W, G, H
• Mid Pricing ($210 - $250): A, J, N, S, X, L, Z
• High Pricing ($270 - $330): F, U, V, O, K, Y

4. Bathtub or Shower Drain Cleaning Costs

Pricing for bathtub or shower drain cleaning is generally higher, with rates ranging from $180 to $360.

Key Insights:

• Lowest Price: The lowest price, offering a $180 service, can be found at Companies T and E.
• Highest Prices: The most expensive service is provided by Company Y, charging $360.
• Average Price: The majority of companies charge between $230 and $290, including companies like A, M, Z, L, and J.

Summary of Pricing Tiers:

• Low Pricing ($180 - $230): T, E, D, I, A, P
• Mid Pricing ($240 - $290): N, W, F, H, L, J, Z, G
• High Pricing ($300 - $360): K, S, U, O, V, Y

Drain Cleaning Cost Factors in Los Angeles, CA

1. Local Plumber Labor Cost in Los Angeles, CA: In 2024, the local plumber labor cost in Los Angeles, CA ranges from $60 to $170 per hour, reflecting a growing disparity between different service providers and skill levels. Compared to previous years, this price range indicates a slight increase, particularly at the higher end. In 2023, labor costs typically ranged between $55 to $160 per hour, marking an approximate 9% increase in the upper limit. This modest rise can be attributed to several factors, including increasing demand for skilled labor, inflationary pressures, and the rising cost of living in the Los Angeles area, which has driven up operational expenses for plumbing businesses.

2. Severity of the Clog: The severity of a clog significantly impacts both the complexity and cost of the service. Minor clogs caused by hair or grease buildup may be relatively straightforward to address, while more severe blockages, such as those caused by invasive tree roots or collapsed pipes, may require specialized tools or techniques, including hydro jetting or pipe replacement. Severe clogs often take longer to resolve, leading to higher labor costs and sometimes additional material charges.

3. Duration for the Service: The time it takes to resolve a clogged drain varies based on factors like the location of the clog and its severity. Simple clogs in easily accessible pipes may be resolved within 30 minutes to an hour, while more complicated or hidden blockages can extend service time to several hours. In Los Angeles, labor costs are billed hourly, so the longer the plumber works on the issue, the higher the overall cost will be.

4. Number of Clogged Drains: The cost of clearing multiple clogged drains in a home will generally increase with each additional drain. If a plumber is addressing blockages in different areas, such as the kitchen sink and the bathroom shower, this will likely extend the service time, adding to the labor cost. Some plumbing services offer package deals for addressing multiple clogs, but each drain typically requires specific attention, impacting the total cost.

5. General Causes of Clogged Drains: Clogged drains in Los Angeles, CA homes are commonly caused by everyday waste and misuse. In the kitchen sink, grease, food particles, and soap scum can accumulate over time, leading to blockages. Toilets often become clogged due to flushing non-flushable items like wipes, paper towels, or excessive amounts of toilet paper. In bathtubs and showers, hair and soap buildup are frequent culprits, causing slow drainage or complete blockages that require professional attention. Understanding these common causes can help homeowners prevent recurring issues.

Analysis of Average Drain Cleaning Costs in Los Angeles, CA (2014-2024)

Overview

This analysis examines the trends in average drain cleaning costs in Los Angeles, California over an 11-year period from 2014 to 2024. The data shows a consistent increase in prices throughout the years, with some variations in the rate of growth.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Table for 2014-2024:

Year	Cost	YoY Increase	% Increase
2014	$297.00	-	-
2015	$299.00	$2.00	0.67%
2016	$302.00	$3.00	1.00%
2017	$307.00	$5.00	1.66%
2018	$312.00	$5.00	1.63%
2019	$317.00	$5.00	1.60%
2020	$322.00	$5.00	1.58%
2021	$332.00	$10.00	3.11%
2022	$346.00	$14.00	4.22%
2023	$362.07	$16.07	4.64%
2024	$372.42	$10.35	2.86%

Graph for 2014-2024:

Key Observations

1. Consistent Increase: The cost of drain cleaning in Los Angeles has increased every year from 2014 to 2024 without exception.

2. Early Stability: From 2014 to 2020, the price increases were relatively small and consistent, ranging from $2 to $5 per year, mirroring the pattern seen in New York during this period.

3. Acceleration from 2021: The year 2021 saw a more significant jump of $10, doubling the typical annual increase of the previous years. This trend of larger increases continued in the following years.

4. Peak Growth in 2023: The largest increase occurred in 2023, with a jump of $16.07, representing a 4.64% increase from the previous year.

5. Recent Moderation: The rate of growth has moderated slightly in 2024, with an increase of $10.35 or 2.86%.

6. Total Increase: Over the 11-year period, the average cost has risen from $297 to $372.42, an increase of $75.42 or approximately 25.4%.

7. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): The CAGR over this period is approximately 2.29%, indicating a steady upward trend in costs, though less steep than New York's 3.01%.

Comparison with New York

1. Similar Starting Point: Both cities had the same average cost ($297) in 2014.

2. Divergence Over Time: While both cities show consistent increases, Los Angeles's costs have risen less dramatically than New York's, especially in recent years.

3. 2024 Difference: By 2024, the average cost in Los Angeles ($372.42) is about $27 lower than in New York ($399.48).

4. Peak Growth Year: Los Angeles saw its highest percentage increase in 2023 (4.64%), while New York's peak was in 2022 (11.75%).

Possible Factors Influencing Cost Increases

1. Inflation: General economic inflation likely contributed to the steady increases, especially in the earlier years.

2. Labor Costs: Increases in wages for skilled plumbers and drain cleaning technicians may have driven up prices, though potentially less sharply than in New York.

3. Regional Economic Factors: The more moderate increases in Los Angeles compared to New York might reflect differences in local economic conditions, cost of living adjustments, and market competition.

4. Environmental Regulations: California's stringent environmental regulations might influence service costs, particularly if they affect disposal methods or equipment requirements.

5. Water Conservation Measures: Los Angeles's focus on water conservation due to frequent drought conditions could impact drain cleaning practices and costs.

6. Urban Development: While both cities are large urban areas, differences in infrastructure age, urban density, and development patterns could contribute to the cost disparity.

Conclusion

The average cost of drain cleaning in Los Angeles has shown a consistent upward trend from 2014 to 2024, but with a less dramatic rise compared to New York. While both cities started at the same point in 2014, Los Angeles has maintained a more moderate growth rate, resulting in lower overall costs by 2024. The most significant increases in Los Angeles occurred from 2021 to 2023, possibly reflecting broader economic trends or local market factors. Despite the recent moderation in growth rate, homeowners and businesses in Los Angeles should anticipate continued gradual increases in drain cleaning costs in the coming years.

In Los Angeles, CA, pricing for drain cleaning services shows vast disparities across companies, especially for toilet and bathtub/shower drain cleaning. The average cost range for kitchen sink services hovers around $180 - $220, whereas toilet drain cleaning averages $210 - $250 for most companies. Bathtub or shower drain cleaning services generally range from $240 - $290 for many companies, with a few extending beyond this price range.

Data Accuracy

In conclusion, we continually update our cost data to ensure that the average pricing remains accurate and up-to-date. By regularly collecting and analyzing new information, we can provide reliable insights that reflect current market conditions. This ongoing process helps ensure that our estimates are always relevant and useful for those seeking to understand the latest trends in drain cleaning costs. If you have had your house drain cleaned recently, please share the cost by filling in the Feedback Form.