Drain Cleaning Costs for New York, NY 2024
Published Date: 2024-09-18
We have contacted the below companies in New York, NY 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 68, 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 me for a standard drain cleaning cost for the kitchen sink, toilet bathtub, or 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. By anonymizing the data, we can focus on trends and averages across the industry, rather than individual company performance, protecting the reputations and sensitive information of the businesses involved. Additionally, this encourages more honest and transparent participation from companies in future surveys, as they know their specific data will not be publicly disclosed. This approach strengthens the integrity of the analysis and avoids any legal or competitive issues that could arise from revealing company identities.
| Plumber | Time to Quote | Kitchen | Toilet | Shower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 5 hours | $250 | $290 | $325 |
| B | 7.5 hours | $230 | $250 | $250 |
| C | 3 hours | $250 | $270 | $300 |
| D | 4 hours | $180 | $240 | $270 |
| E | 5.5 hours | NONE | $290 | $350 |
| F | 3 hours | $190 | $220 | $250 |
| G | 2.5 hours | $180 | $220 | $240 |
| H | 14 hours | $200 | $250 | $280 |
| I | 1 hour | $220 | $230 | $250 |
| J | 5 minute | $250 | NONE | $350 |
| K | 1 hour | $170 | $250 | $270 |
| L | 4 hours | $300 | $350 | $400 |
| M | 4.5 hours | $210 | $210 | $250 |
| N | 9 hours | $300 | $330 | $370 |
| O | 23 hours | $190 | $220 | $270 |
| P | 41 hours | NONE | $250 | $290 |
| Q | 2.5 hours | $190 | $250 | $290 |
| R | 6 hours | $200 | $280 | $320 |
| S | 8 hours | $240 | $260 | $310 |
| T | 5 hours | $190 | $230 | $260 |
| U | 3.5 hours | $210 | $250 | $290 |
| V | 7 hours | $225 | $270 | $310 |
| W | 10 hours | $180 | $250 | $290 |
| X | 4 hours | $220 | $280 | $310 |
| Y | 6.5 hours | $250 | $300 | $340 |
| Z | 2 hours | $190 | NONE | $250 |
| AA | 9.5 hours | $260 | $300 | $340 |
| BB | 11 hours | $230 | $270 | $320 |
| CC | 1.5 hours | $180 | $210 | $250 |
| DD | 8.5 hours | $240 | $290 | $330 |
| EE | 7.5 hours | $210 | $270 | NONE |
| FF | 12 hours | $220 | $280 | $330 |
| GG | 2.5 hours | NONE | $210 | $250 |
| HH | 3 hours | $190 | $230 | $270 |
| II | 6 hours | $210 | $270 | $320 |
| JJ | 5.5 hours | $220 | $260 | $300 |
| KK | 4.5 hours | $240 | $280 | $310 |
Data was collected and compiled in July 2024
Detailed Analysis of Drain Cleaning Costs for New York, NY
1. Duration to Get a Quote
The duration to get a quote from the companies varies substantially, with the quickest being less than 5 minutes (Company J) and the longest taking 41 hours (Company P). The average time to get a quote is approximately 6.7 hours, calculated based on the available data.
Key Observations:
- Fastest response times: Company J (Less than 5 minutes), Company I (1 hour), Company CC (1.5 hours), and Company Z (2 hours).
- Longest response times: Company P (41 hours), Company FF (12 hours), and Company BB (11 hours).
In general, most companies respond within 5 to 7 hours, but there are notable outliers. Companies with the fastest responses may be more attractive for urgent service needs.
2. Kitchen Sink Drain Cleaning Cost for New York, NY
The cost for kitchen sink drain cleaning services ranges from $170 (Company K) to $300 (Company L and N). Most companies fall within the $190 to $250 range.
- Lowest price: Company K at $170.
- Highest price: Companies L and N at $300.
Average cost across all companies: $218.92.
Noteworthy details:
- Some companies did not offer a quote for kitchen sink drain cleaning, such as Company E and GG.
- Several companies, including T, HH, and Z, offer services at a competitive $190.
3. Toilet Drain Cleaning Cost for New York, NY
The cost to clean a toilet drain ranges from $210 (Companies M, GG, and CC) to $350 (Company L). The prices typically vary between $220 and $290, but a few companies, such as L and N, charge significantly higher.
- Lowest price: Companies M, GG, and CC at $210.
- Highest price: Company L at $350.
Average cost across all companies: $258.68.
Key Observations:
- A few companies, such as E, J, and Z, did not provide quotes for toilet drain cleaning ("NONE").
- The most common price points are around $250 to $270, with many companies offering services in this range.
4. Bathtub or Shower Drain Cleaning Cost for New York, NY
The cost for bathtub or shower drain cleaning ranges from $240 (Company G) to $400 (Company L). Most prices sit between $250 and $330.
- Lowest price: Company G at $240.
- Highest price: Company L at $400.
Average cost across all companies: $292.43.
Noteworthy:
- Company E and EE did not provide a quote for this service ("NONE").
- Many companies offer services between $290 and $310, suggesting a typical price range for bathtub or shower cleaning.
5. General Observations:
- Company L consistently charges the highest prices for all services (Kitchen Sink: $300, Toilet: $350, Bathtub/Shower: $400), indicating that they may target higher-end customers or provide more premium services.
- Company P takes the longest to provide a quote (41 hours) and does not offer kitchen sink drain cleaning, but its prices for other services are competitive.
- Company J provides the fastest quote (Less than 5 minutes) and offers competitive pricing for the kitchen sink and bathtub/shower categories but does not offer toilet cleaning.
- Company K stands out for offering the lowest kitchen sink cleaning cost at $170, while Company GG has competitive prices for both the toilet and bathtub drain cleaning services at $210 and $250 respectively.
In summary, depending on customer needs (speed, affordability, or premium services), there are various companies to choose from. Company J is ideal for urgent needs, while Company K and Company GG offer the most affordable options. Company L, on the other hand, caters to customers looking for high-end services.
Drain Cleaning Cost Factors in New York, NY
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Local Plumber Labor Cost in New York, NY: In New York City, local plumber labor costs for drain cleaning services typically range from $90 to $200 per hour. This variation depends on factors such as the plumber's experience, time of service (with higher rates for emergency calls), and the specific nature of the job. Given the city's high cost of living, these rates are slightly higher compared to national averages, but they reflect the expertise required for maintaining New York's complex plumbing infrastructure.
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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.
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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 New York, labor costs are billed hourly, so the longer the plumber works on the issue, the higher the overall cost will be.
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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.
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General Causes of Clogged Drains: Clogged drains in New York 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 New York (2014-2024)
Overview
This analysis examines the trends in average drain cleaning costs in New York over an 11-year period from 2014 to 2024. The data shows a consistent increase in prices throughout the years, with some periods of more rapid 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 | $371.00 | $39.00 | 11.75% |
| 2023 | $388.06 | $17.06 | 4.60% |
| 2024 | $399.48 | $11.42 | 2.94% |
Graph for 2014-2024:
Key Observations
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Steady Increase: The cost of drain cleaning in New York has increased every year from 2014 to 2024 without exception.
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Early Stability: From 2014 to 2020, the price increases were relatively small and consistent, ranging from $2 to $5 per year.
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Acceleration in 2021: The year 2021 saw a more significant jump of $10, doubling the typical annual increase of the previous years.
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Sharp Rise in 2022: The most dramatic increase occurred in 2022, with a jump of $39, representing an 11.75% increase from the previous year. This is by far the largest single-year increase in the dataset.
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Recent Moderation: While still increasing, the rate of growth has moderated in 2023 and 2024, with increases of $17.06 and $11.42 respectively.
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Total Increase: Over the 11-year period, the average cost has risen from $297 to $399.48, an increase of $102.48 or approximately 34.5%.
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Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): The CAGR over this period is approximately 3.01%, indicating a steady upward trend in costs.
Possible Factors Influencing Cost Increases
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Inflation: General economic inflation likely contributed to the steady increases, especially in the earlier years.
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Labor Costs: Increases in wages for skilled plumbers and drain cleaning technicians may have driven up prices.
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Equipment and Technology: Advancements in drain cleaning technology and equipment could have led to higher operational costs for service providers.
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Regulatory Changes: Any new regulations or licensing requirements in New York could have increased overhead for businesses.
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Economic Disruptions: The significant jump in 2022 might be related to economic factors such as supply chain disruptions or labor shortages in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Urban Development: Increased construction and population density in New York may have led to more complex drain issues, requiring more sophisticated (and expensive) solutions.
Conclusion
The average cost of drain cleaning in New York has shown a consistent upward trend from 2014 to 2024. While the increases were modest in the early years, a significant acceleration occurred in 2022, possibly due to broader economic factors. The most recent years show a continuation of the upward trend, albeit at a more moderate pace. Homeowners and businesses in New York should anticipate continued increases in drain cleaning costs, though perhaps not at the dramatic rate seen in 2022.
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.