Your sewer is clogged, and you want to know the cost of clearing it. This is understandable, as you don't want any surprises. However, the question "what does sewer clearing cost?" cannot be answered with a single amount. The price depends on the type of blockage, its location in your pipe system, and the method required.
In this article, we provide an honest overview of the costs in 2026. We explain where price differences come from, what you can expect with various types of blockages, and why a fixed rate can ultimately be more cost-effective for you.
Average Costs for Sewer Clearing in 2026
In the Netherlands, the costs for clearing a sewer range from approximately €90 to over €350, depending on the situation. Here is an overview of the most common scenarios:
| Type of Blockage | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Unclogging a sink or washbasin | €80 – €250 |
| Unclogging a toilet | $90 – $250 |
| Unclogging a shower or bath | $90 – $250 |
| Unclogging the main sewer | $150 – $350 |
| Unclogging the outdoor drainage | €150 – €350+ |
| Sewer camera inspection | €150 – €250 |
Please note: these amounts are estimates. Many companies also charge call-out fees (€30 to €75), a starting fee, and an hourly rate. As a result, the final bill can be significantly higher than expected.
What determines the costs?
Four factors determine how much you ultimately pay for unclogging your sewer:
1. The location of the clog
A clog in your sink's U-bend is quickly fixed. If the problem is deeper, in the main sewer line or outdoor drainage, it will require more time and heavier equipment. The deeper and harder to reach the clog, the higher the cost.
2. The cause of the clog
A buildup of grease or hair can be resolved relatively quickly with a high-pressure jet. However, if tree roots have penetrated your sewer pipe or there's a break, specialized work is needed. Root cutting, camera inspection, or even a repair will increase the costs.
3. The timing
Do you call a sewer service during the day on a weekday? Then you pay the standard rate. On weekends, public holidays, or at night, many companies charge a surcharge of 25% to sometimes 100% on top of the basic rate.
4. The company's pricing model
This is perhaps the biggest factor. The difference between an hourly rate and a fixed rate can save hundreds of euros, especially for more complex clogs. We'll get back to this shortly.
Hourly rate vs. fixed rate: the difference can be significant
Most sewer companies work with an hourly rate, usually between €60 and €120 per hour. This is in addition to call-out fees, a starting fee, and possibly material costs. On paper, €60 per hour doesn't sound like much, but in practice, a job can take two to three hours. Add the call-out fees, and you can quickly exceed €300.
The issue with hourly rates is that you don't know the total cost beforehand. The technician has no incentive to finish quickly. And if the blockage turns out to be more difficult than expected, the meter just keeps running.
With a fixed rate, you know exactly what you'll pay upfront. This is regardless of how long the job takes or how difficult the blockage is. Does it take half an hour? Same price. Does it take three hours? Same price. This provides certainty.
Cost Example
| Cost Item | Hourly Rate Model | Fixed Rate (RBNL) |
|---|---|---|
| Call-out Fees | €45 | €0 (included) |
| Starting Fee | €87 | €0 (included) |
| Labor (2.5 hours × €75/hour) | €187,50 | €0 (included) |
| Materials/Equipment | €35 | €0 (included) |
| Total | €354,50 | From €165 |
At RBNL, you pay a fixed all-inclusive rate starting from €165. There are no call-out fees, no starting fee, and no material costs. And if we don't solve the problem? Then you pay absolutely nothing. That's our no cure, no pay principle.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Besides the basic rate, there are costs that companies don't always mention upfront:
- Call-out fees: €30 to €75, regardless of whether the problem is solved.
- After-hours surcharge: 25% to 100% extra on weekends or evenings.
- Material costs: the use of a camera, high-pressure sprayer, or special tools is charged separately.
- Diagnosis fees: some companies charge separately for identifying the cause.
- No solution, still pay: without a “no cure, no pay” guarantee, you still pay even if the blockage isn't fixed.
Therefore, always ask for a quote that includes all costs beforehand. Or choose a company with fixed rates directly.
Saving Costs on Drain Unblocking
A few tips to reduce costs:
- Call promptly: the longer you wait, the worse the blockage becomes. A small problem is cheaper to solve than a completely clogged main pipe.
- Choose a company with fixed prices: you'll know what you're paying upfront and avoid any surprises on your bill.
- Schedule during the day and on weekdays: avoid surcharges by not calling on weekends or at night (unless it's truly unavoidable).
- Invest in prevention: have your sewer system cleaned every two to three years. This costs less than an emergency call for an urgent blockage.
- Compare quotes: request a price estimate from at least two companies and focus on the overall cost, not just the hourly rate.
Who pays for a blockage: the tenant or the landlord?
This is a frequently asked question. The main rule is:
- The tenant pays if the blockage is caused by improper use (such as flushing wipes, pouring grease down the drain, etc.).
- The landlord or Homeowners Association (VvE) pays if the cause is related to the condition of the pipe itself, such as wear and tear, a sag, or tree roots. This falls under property maintenance.
In practice, it can sometimes be difficult to determine who is responsible. A camera inspection can identify the cause and, therefore, who is responsible for the costs.
Are you a Homeowners Association (VvE) board member or property manager? Then check out our page on sewer maintenance for property managers for information on maintenance contracts and volume discounts.
What does it cost at RBNL?
At Rioolbeheer Nederland, we use fixed, all-inclusive rates. No call-out fees and no hourly rates. You know what you pay upfront.
- Sewer Unblocking: fixed rate from €165, all-inclusive
- Main sewer unblocking: fixed rate €296, including post-service camera inspection
- Camera inspection: fixed rate €180, including visual report
- No cure, no pay: If we don't solve the problem, you pay nothing.
- 3-Month Warranty: if the blockage returns within 3 months, we'll come back free of charge.
- 24/7 availability: also on weekends and evenings.
- Our Own Technicians: we do not use subcontractors.
Request a no-obligation quote →
Frequently Asked Questions about Sewer Unblocking Costs
What is the average cost of sewer unblocking?
The average costs range from €90 to €300, depending on the type of blockage and the company's pricing model. At RBNL, you pay a fixed, all-inclusive rate starting from €165.
Are there call-out fees?
Many companies charge €30 to €75 for call-out fees. At RBNL, call-out fees are included in our fixed rate.
What if the problem cannot be solved?
With companies that don't offer a guarantee, you still pay even if the blockage isn't fixed. RBNL operates on a 'no cure, no pay' basis, meaning no solution, no cost to you.
Can I claim these costs with my insurance?
That depends on your policy and the cause. Sudden damage (for example, a break) is more often covered than blockages caused by daily use. Always check your policy conditions.
