If you're looking for a plumber to clear a drain clog, you can typically expect to pay between $148 and $344.

Cost to repair a clogged drain will vary according to the source and the location of the clog. The most serious type of clog occurs in your main sewer line, as opposed to one in a secondary line.

How can you tell which kind you have? It's actually pretty simple. When running any water anywhere in your home -- toilet, sink, shower or tub, dishwasher, washing machine -- causes problems, you've got a clogged main sewer line. A clog in a secondary line will cause problems only in one localized area.

Causes and Solutions for Drain Clogs

Cost Breakdown

The cost to repair a clogged drain includes:

• Labor -- Confirm with your plumber how labor costs will be calculated, by the hour or at a flat rate. Expect to pay a premium for emergency plumbing service after hours, on weekends, or on holidays.

Other costs may or may not be included:

• Supplies -- plumbing fixtures and supplies are not a part of the hourly rate for a plumber, although the flat fee for a repair job may include them. Expect the cost to vary according to the quality of materials used.

Get the Most for Your Money

Read your homeowners' policy to see which plumbing repairs are covered and whether you need to use a specified plumbing contractor.

Help prevent drain clogs in future by following these precautions:

1. Insert a drain strainer in sinks, tubs, and showers to catch hair and food particles before they are washed down the drain.
2. Avoid overloading your garbage disposal and do not use it to dispose of fibrous materials (like banana peels or celery), eggshells, or gummy foods (pasta, rice, etc.).
3. Dispose of grease in the garbage can (freeze if necessary to make it less messy to handle).
4. Clean drains regularly with baking soda and boiling water.
5. Never try to flush objects such as paper towels or feminine hygiene products.
6. Use a lid lock to keep toddlers from getting at the oh-so-fascinating toilet bowl. This is also important in preventing injury to the children themselves.