Drain Cleaning Costs for San Diego, CA 2024
Published Date: 2024-09-20
We have contacted the below companies in San Diego, 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 71, 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 | 2.5 hours | $210 | $250 | $250 |
| B | 5 hours | $190 | $190 | $190 |
| C | 3 hours | $230 | $250 | $290 |
| D | 2 hours | $170 | $170 | $170 |
| E | 7 hours | $230 | $230 | $230 |
| F | 4 hours | $130 | $150 | $200 |
| G | 9 hours | $200 | $200 | $200 |
| H | 1 hour | $230 | $250 | $250 |
| I | 3 hours | $250 | $300 | $300 |
| J | 5.5 hours | $149 | $149 | $219 |
| K | 6 hours | NONE | $210 | $270 |
| L | 2 hours | $180 | $190 | $220 |
| M | 4.5 hours | $140 | $160 | $210 |
| N | 8 hours | $220 | $250 | $300 |
| O | 7.5 hours | $190 | $230 | $280 |
| P | 5 hours | $200 | $200 | $230 |
| Q | 9.5 hours | $210 | $270 | $300 |
| R | 3.5 hours | $180 | $220 | $240 |
| S | 1.5 hours | NONE | $250 | $250 |
| T | 2.5 hours | $150 | $180 | $210 |
| U | 3 hours | $190 | $200 | $230 |
| V | 4 hours | $160 | $200 | $240 |
| W | 6 hours | $130 | $170 | $210 |
| X | 8.5 hours | $250 | $270 | $300 |
| Y | 7 hours | $220 | $230 | $260 |
| Z | 2 hours | $200 | $210 | $250 |
| AA | 1 hour | $240 | $270 | $300 |
| BB | 5 hours | $170 | $180 | $210 |
| CC | 3.5 hours | $180 | $210 | $260 |
| DD | 9 hours | $190 | $220 | $280 |
| EE | 12 hours | $300 | $330 | $350 |
| FF | 2.5 hours | $280 | $300 | $300 |
Data was collected and compiled on May 2024
Detailed Analysis of Drain Cleaning Services in San Diego, CA
1. Duration to Get a Quote
The time to receive a quote from the different companies varies from as short as 1 hour to as long as 9.5 hours. On average, companies take between 2 to 6 hours to provide a quote.
- Fastest Quote: Company H, AA (1 hour)
- Slowest Quote: Company Q (9.5 hours)
Key Observations:
- Companies that provide quotes within 2 hours: D, L, S, Z
- Companies that take more than 6 hours: G, N, Q, X
2. Kitchen Sink Drain Cleaning Cost for San Diego, CA
The cost for kitchen sink drain cleaning in San Diego ranges from $130 to $270. There is a significant variation in the prices offered by different companies.
- The lowest cost is provided by Company F at $130, and the highest cost is provided by Company X at $270.
- Companies W and M also offer competitive pricing with services starting at $130 and $140, respectively.
Key Insights:
- Lowest Cost: Company F ($130)
- Highest Cost: Company X ($270)
- Common Price Range: $190 - $230
3. Toilet Drain Cleaning Cost for San Diego, CA
The cost for toilet drain cleaning spans from $149 to $300.
- Company J offers the most affordable toilet drain cleaning service at $149, while Companies I, X, and AA charge the most at $300.
- On average, prices cluster around the $200 - $250 range.
Key Insights:
- Lowest Cost: Company J ($149)
- Highest Cost: Companies I, X, AA ($300)
- Average Price Range: $200 - $250
4. Bathtub or Shower Drain Cleaning Cost for San Diego, CA
The cost of bathtub or shower drain cleaning shows more variation, ranging from $170 to $330.
- The most affordable service for shower drain cleaning is offered by Company D at $170, while Company F provides a competitive range starting at $200.
- Company F has the highest price listed at $330 for shower drain cleaning.
Key Insights:
- Lowest Cost: Company D ($170)
- Highest Cost: Company F ($330)
- Average Price Range: $200 - $250
Drain Cleaning Cost Factors in San Diego, CA
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Local Plumber Labor Cost in San Diego, CA: In 2024, the local plumber labor cost in San Diego, CA ranges from $60 to $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job, the plumber's experience, and the specific service required. This represents a moderate increase compared to previous years, where the average hourly rate ranged between $55 to $140 in 2023. The rising costs can be attributed to inflation, increased demand for plumbing services, and higher operating expenses, such as transportation and materials. While the increase is not drastic, homeowners and businesses may still notice the impact, especially for larger projects that require more labor hours.
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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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA (2014-2024)
Overview
This analysis examines the trends in average drain cleaning costs in San Diego, California over an 11-year period from 2014 to 2024. The data shows a consistent increase in prices throughout the years, with a notable acceleration in recent years.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Table for 2014-2024:
| Year | Cost | YoY Increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $297.00 | - | - |
| 2015 | $298.00 | $1.00 | 0.34% |
| 2016 | $302.00 | $4.00 | 1.34% |
| 2017 | $308.00 | $6.00 | 1.99% |
| 2018 | $315.00 | $7.00 | 2.27% |
| 2019 | $319.00 | $4.00 | 1.27% |
| 2020 | $321.00 | $2.00 | 0.63% |
| 2021 | $335.00 | $14.00 | 4.36% |
| 2022 | $352.00 | $17.00 | 5.07% |
| 2023 | $366.49 | $14.49 | 4.12% |
| 2024 | $378.63 | $12.14 | 3.31% |
Graph for 2014-2024:
Key Observations
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Consistent Increase: San Diego has seen a year-over-year increase in drain cleaning costs for the entire period from 2014 to 2024.
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Gradual Early Increases: From 2014 to 2020, the price increases were relatively small and varied, ranging from $1 to $7 per year.
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Acceleration Starting 2021: The year 2021 saw a more substantial increase of $14, representing a 4.36% rise from the previous year. This accelerated growth continued in subsequent years.
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Peak Growth in 2022: The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2022, with a $17 (5.07%) jump in average costs.
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Sustained Higher Growth: While the rate of increase has slightly moderated since 2022, the annual increases remain higher than the pre-2021 period.
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Total Change: Over the 11-year period, the average cost has risen from $297 to $378.63, a net increase of $81.63 or approximately 27.48%.
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Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): The CAGR over this period is approximately 2.46%, indicating a steady upward trend over the long term.
Comparison with Other Major Cities
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Similar Starting Point: All analyzed cities had the same or very similar average cost (around $297) in 2014.
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Divergence Over Time: San Diego's pattern shows consistent growth without the decreases seen in some Texas cities or the dramatic spikes observed in cities like Chicago or Philadelphia.
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2024 Comparison:
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Overall Growth: San Diego's total increase (27.48%) is higher than Houston (8.95%), Phoenix (1.26%), and San Antonio (6.44%), but lower than Chicago (49.1%), Philadelphia (48.58%), and New York (34.5%). It's very close to Los Angeles (25.4%).
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California Trend: San Diego's trend is similar to Los Angeles, suggesting possible California-specific market dynamics.
Possible Factors Influencing Cost Trends
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Local Economic Factors: The steady increase might reflect the overall economic trends in Southern California, including rising costs of living and doing business.
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Labor Costs: California's higher minimum wage and overall labor costs could contribute to the consistent price increases.
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Regulatory Environment: California's stringent environmental and business regulations might influence service costs.
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Climate Impact: San Diego's climate, while mild, could have unique effects on plumbing systems, potentially influencing service needs and costs.
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Population Growth: San Diego's steady growth could lead to increased demand for services, potentially influencing prices.
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Cost of Living: The higher overall cost of living in San Diego compared to many U.S. cities might contribute to higher service costs.
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Water Conservation Measures: California's focus on water conservation due to recurring drought conditions could impact drain cleaning practices and costs.
Conclusion
The average cost of drain cleaning in San Diego has shown a consistent upward trend from 2014 to 2024, with an acceleration in growth starting in 2021. By 2024, San Diego's average cost is the fourth highest among the eight analyzed cities, closely following New York and significantly higher than some other major cities like Houston or Phoenix. The steady increase without dramatic spikes or drops suggests a stable but growing market for drain cleaning services in San Diego.
The factors behind San Diego's trend, especially the acceleration since 2021, warrant further investigation as they could provide insights into local and state-wide market dynamics and economic conditions specific to California. The similarity to Los Angeles's trend further reinforces the possibility of state-specific influences on these costs.
Homeowners and businesses in San Diego should anticipate continued gradual increases in drain cleaning costs in the coming years, reflecting the city's overall higher cost of living and the persistent upward trend observed over the past decade. While the costs are higher than in some other major cities, they remain more stable and predictable compared to cities that have experienced more volatile price changes.
In San Diego, 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 $190 - $230*, whereas toilet drain cleaning averages $200 - $250 for most companies. Bathtub or shower drain cleaning services generally range from $200 - $250 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.