Drain Cleaning Costs for Memphis, TN 2024

We have contacted the below companies in Memphis, TN 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 58, but some of them did not reply. We contacted them using text, calling, and email, and below is the summary of the quote the plumbing 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 Results

Company	Time to Quote	Kitchen	Toilet	Shower
A	3 hours	$230	$270	$270
B	7.5 hours	$250	$250	$250
C	2.5 hours	$290	$350	$390
D	9 hours	$170	$230	$250
E	4 hours	$190	$250	$320
F	2 hours	$230	$270	$290
G	6.5 hours	$210	$230	$340
H	1.5 hours	$180	$200	$220
I	8 hours	$257	$275	$350
J	5.5 hours	$150	$190	$310
K	3 hours	NONE	NONE	$280
L	10 hours	$250	$260	$305
M	4.5 hours	$140	$170	$210
N	8.5 hours	$195	$220	$240
O	5 hours	$230	$250	$30
P	7 hours	$185	$225	$275
Q	3.5 hours	$235	NONE	$345
R	1 hour	$150	$165	$180
S	6 hours	$220	$240	$296
T	9 hours	$250	$255	$347
U	3 hours	$140	$190	$190
V	7.5 hours	NONE	$215	$240
W	5 hours	$235	$274	$290
X	1.5 hours	$120	$132	$140
Y	4 hours	$198	$260	$335
Z	2.5 hours	$156	$170	$210
AA	3.5 hours	$175	$210	$270
AB	5 hours	$250	$275	$320
AC	7 hours	$225	$245	$347
AD	4.5 hours	$215	$228	$300
AE	9 hours	$240	$265	$330

Data was collected and compiled on July 2024

Detailed Analysis of Drain Cleaning Services in Memphis, TN

This analysis evaluates the drain cleaning costs from various companies, focusing on the duration to receive a quote and the pricing for kitchen sinks, toilets, and bathtubs or showers.

The key points of the analysis include:

1. Duration to get a quote
2. Kitchen Sink Drain Cleaning Cost
3. Toilet Drain Cleaning Cost
4. Bathtub or Shower Drain Cleaning Cost

1. Duration to Get a Quote

The time to receive a quote ranges from as quick as 1 hour to as long as 10 hours. Quick quoting is generally preferred by customers needing immediate service arrangements.

Key Insights:

• Fastest Responses (1-2.5 hours):

  • Company R provides the fastest response at 1 hour.
  • Companies H, X, Z, F, and C offer quotes within 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

• Moderate Response Times (3-5.5 hours):

  • Companies like A, K, Q, U, AA, E, Y, M, W, AB, O, S, and J offer quotes within 3 to 5.5 hours.

• Longest Responses (6-10 hours):

  • Company L is the slowest, taking 10 hours.
  • Other companies such as T, AE, D, I, N, AC, V, B, and P offer quotes from 6 to 9 hours.

Summary of Quote Times:

• Fast Quotes (1-2.5 hours): R, X, H, F, Z, C
• Moderate Quotes (3-5.5 hours): A, K, Q, U, AA, E, Y, M, AD, O, S, W, AB, J
• Slow Quotes (6-10 hours): P, V, B, G, N, I, D, T, AE, L

2. Kitchen Sink Drain Cleaning Cost

The cost for kitchen sink drain cleaning spans from $120 to $290.

Key Insights:

• Lowest Price: Company X has the lowest rate at $120.
• Highest Price: Company C charges the most at $290.
• Average Cost: Many companies fall within the $175 to $250 range, including J, M, AA, S, AD, P, E, and G.

Summary of Kitchen Sink Costs:

• Low-Cost (Under $160): X, U, Z, R, M
• Mid-Range ($160-$250): H, AA, P, S, Y, K, W, AD, E, N, G
• High-Cost (Above $250): AB, D, T, L, I, O, F, B, AE, C

3. Toilet Drain Cleaning Cost

Toilet drain cleaning costs range from $132 to $350.

Key Insights:

• Lowest Price: Company X provides the service for just $132.
• Highest Price: Company C has the highest rate at $350.
• Average Cost: Prices generally fall between $190 and $275, including R, AA, AD, Y, Q, E, P, and S.

Summary of Toilet Drain Costs:

• Low-Cost (Under $175): X, Z, R, M, D
• Mid-Range ($175-$275): H, AA, U, L, V, N, S, G, O, Y, W
• High-Cost (Above $275): E, AB, I, K, F, B, AE, AC, T, C

4. Bathtub or Shower Drain Cleaning Cost

Shower or bathtub drain cleaning costs range from $30 to $390.

Key Insights:

• Lowest Price: Company O offers an unusual rate of $30, indicating a possible error or specific promotion.
• Highest Price: Company C has the highest rate at $390.
• Average Cost: The majority of prices are between $210 and $320, including companies like M, L, J, T, AB, and S.

Summary of Bathtub/Shower Costs:

• Low-Cost (Under $200): R, X, M, H, Z, D
• Mid-Range ($200-$300): U, AA, J, A, W, F, P, L, E, S
• High-Cost (Above $300): I, Y, AE, K, AD, Q, V, N, G, AC, B, C

Drain Cleaning Cost Factors in Memphis, TN

1. Local Plumber Labor Cost in Memphis, TN: In 2024, the labor cost for plumbers in Memphis, TN ranges from $60 to $160 per hour, reflecting an increase from the previous year's range of $55 to $145 per hour. This approximate 10% rise in labor costs is indicative of broader economic factors influencing the industry, including inflation and increasing demand for skilled tradespeople. These adjustments are necessary to remain competitive in attracting and retaining skilled workers amidst a growing demand driven by ongoing urban development and infrastructure projects in Memphis. Despite the increase, the city's plumbing labor costs are still relatively moderate when compared to national averages, offering a balance between affordability and quality of service. Residents and businesses should consider these cost trends as part of their budgeting for renovations, new construction, or maintenance projects. Understanding this increment can help in planning effectively for necessary plumbing services while acknowledging the value of skilled labor in maintaining high service standards.

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 Memphis, 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 Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN (2014-2024)

This analysis examines the average drain cleaning costs in Memphis, TN over the period from 2014 to the projected prices for 2024. It explains year-over-year (YoY) changes, percentage increases, and broader market influences behind these pricing trends.

1. Cost Progression Overview:

Table for 2014-2024:

Year	Cost	YoY Increase	% Increase
2014	$201.00	-	-
2015	$204.80	$3.80	1.89%
2016	$205.06	$0.26	0.13%
2017	$208.09	$3.03	1.48%
2018	$213.14	$5.05	2.43%
2019	$218.36	$5.22	2.45%
2020	$221.47	$3.11	1.42%
2021	$232.41	$10.94	4.94%
2022	$251.00	$18.59	8.00%
2023	$261.34	$10.34	4.12%
2024	$270.54	$9.20	3.52%

Graph for 2014-2024:

2. Trends by Year

• Minimal Growth (2014-2020):

  • From 2014 to 2020, we see small and steady price increases in the cost of drain cleaning services in Memphis. Starting at $201.00 in 2014, the price rose to $221.47 by 2020, a total increase of $20.47 over 6 years.
  • The annual percentage increases were mostly modest, ranging between 0.13% and 2.45%. This suggests the market was primarily influenced by inflation and gradual increases in operating costs (e.g., labor, fuel, and materials).
  • The smallest increase occurred in 2016, when the price rose by just $0.26 (0.13%), while the highest came in 2019, with an increase of $5.22 (2.45%). The market during this time was quite stable, reflecting broader trends** without any major economic or supply disruptions**.

• Significant Increase in 2021 and 2022:

  • The trend changes in 2021, with drain cleaning costs jumping by $10.94 (4.94%), increasing from $221.47 to $232.41.
  • In 2022, the price surge accelerated, with costs rising by $18.59 (8%), making 2022 the year with the highest YoY percentage increase. Prices for drain cleaning services in Memphis reached $251.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic likely played a central role in driving these sharp increases due to:
    • Inflation pressures: The pandemic caused inflation around wages, labor shortages, and international supply chain disruptions, forcing service providers to pass on these higher costs to consumers.
    • Increased demand with fluctuating capacity: Shifts in homeowner habits during lockdowns increased demand for home maintenance services, while service providers faced manpower shortages and constraints on service capacity.

• Post-Pandemic Stabilization (2023-2024):

  • In 2023, prices continued to rise but at a slower pace. Prices increased by $10.34 (4.12%), reaching $261.34.
  • The projected cost for 2024 suggests a further increase of $9.20 (3.52%), with the average cost expected to rise to $270.54.
  • This slower rate of increase compared to 2021 and 2022 signals a post-pandemic market stabilization. While prices are still rising, the increases are returning to a more moderate, inflation-adjusted pace, suggesting the market has recovered from the extreme volatility of 2021-2022.

3. Average Annual Growth Rate (CAGR):

To assess the long-term growth trend, we calculate the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the entire decade from 2014 to the projected price in 2024:

CAGR = (270.54/201.00)^(1/10)-1 = 2.90%

The CAGR of 2.99% shows a moderate annual average price increase across the entire period, though this number smooths out some of the larger fluctuations seen in the post-pandemic years of 2021-2022.

4. Factors Influencing Trends:

• Inflation and Operational Cost Increases (2014-2020):

  • From 2014 to 2020, the moderate and predictable growth reflects inflationary pressures, which affect wages, materials, utilities, and fuel. This was a period of relative stability, where even if costs were rising, normal market conditions allowed for gradual price adjustments.
  • The smaller jumps each year, such as 1.89% in 2015 and 1.42% in 2020, are characteristic of cost-of-living adjustments and operational cost increases in the service industry.

• Pandemic-Induced Surges (2021-2022):

  • The sharp spikes in 2021 (4.94%) and 2022 (8%) can be attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:
    • Labor shortages: A reduced supply of labor for skilled trades in 2021-2022 due to health concerns and shutdowns caused wages and service prices to spike. Higher labor costs were passed on to consumers in the form of higher drainage service fees.
    • Supply chain disruptions: Difficulty sourcing parts and materials for plumbing and maintenance also contributed to higher costs, as worldwide logistics networks were strained by pandemic restrictions.
    • Increased demand: The pandemic resulted in more people working from home, which created more frequent plumbing issues, boosting demand for drain cleaning services while companies struggled to expand capacity due to worker shortages and restrictions.

• Market Stabilization and Slower Price Growth (2023-2024):

  • As the broader economy recovers and supply chain issues ease, service prices are beginning to stabilize, with a more moderate projected rise of 3.52% in 2024.
  • Providers may be adjusting to post-pandemic trends: After the rapid price surges of 2021 and 2022, companies are once again in a more predictable market environment, where adjustments are more likely driven by ongoing inflation than by crisis-related factors.
  • Wage and operational costs remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, but the intense volatility of prior years has waned. Future YoY increases are expected to return to an inflationary range rather than the elevated percentage changes seen during the pandemic recovery.

5. Implications for Consumers and Service Providers:

• Consumers:

  • Memphis consumers saw relatively modest price increases from 2014 to 2020, but then faced two substantial price hikes in 2021 (4.94%) and 2022 (8.00%) as the pandemic introduced widespread disruptions.
  • By 2024, drain cleaning services will cost $270.54 on average, a 34.6% increase over 2014 prices ($201.00).
  • Consumers who have budgeted for earlier prices should be prepared for continued but more moderate pricing increases over time, especially as inflation and labor costs stabilize.

• Service Providers:

  • Service providers in Memphis had to contend with significant changes in the market due to the pandemic, including labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increased consumer demand.
  • The price spikes of 2021-2022 likely helped offset these costs, but as market conditions normalize, providers will need to recalibrate their pricing strategies to remain competitive.
  • Moving forward, they will need to focus on operational efficiency to control costs while maintaining competitive pricing. Enhanced consumer experience and providing value-added services could help maintain customer loyalty in a more stable market.

6. Projections Beyond 2024:

• If current trends continue, we would expect YoY price increases between 2.5-4% moving forward, in line with inflationary pressures.
• This suggests that by 2025, drain cleaning costs may approach $277-280, and by 2027, the cost could potentially exceed $290 to $300.

Conclusion

Drain cleaning costs in Memphis, TN, have risen steadily but moderately for most of the decade from 2014 to 2020, in line with normal inflation rates. Prices surged dramatically, however, between 2021 and 2022 due to pandemic-related increases in labor costs, material shortages, and heightened demand for services.

While the CAGR of 2.99% shows moderate overall growth, it flattens more significant YoY variances during the pandemic years, when price hikes averaged 6.47% per year between 2021 and 2023. Moving forward, prices are expected to grow at a more moderate, inflation-driven pace.

By 2024, the price of drain cleaning services in Memphis is expected to reach $270.54, representing a 34.6% increase over the baseline price in 2014. Both consumers and service providers should prepare for gradual annual price increases as the market stabilizes from pandemic shocks and adjusts to steady inflationary pressure.

In Memphis, TN, 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 $175 to $250, whereas toilet drain cleaning averages $190 and $275 for most companies. Bathtub or shower drain cleaning services generally range from $210 and $320 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.