Trades · Cost Guide
How Much Does Drains Cost in Ontario?
Drains costs in Ontario range from $200 – $400 per service. Prices vary by scope, city, and site conditions.
$200+
Starting price
1-5 days
Timeline
10%
Recommended contingency
Drains Cost Breakdown
| Scope | Low | High | Unit | Labour | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drain snaking (standard) | $200 | $400 | per service | 85% | 15% |
| Drain camera inspection | $300 | $500 | per inspection | 80% | 20% |
| Drain lining (trenchless repair) | $4,000 | $10,000 | per section | 45% | 55% |
| Sewer line replacement (excavation) | $5,000 | $15,000 | per project | 55% | 45% |
| Floor drain installation/replacement | $1,000 | $2,500 | per drain | 60% | 40% |
Price Ranges at a Glance
Drain snaking (standard)
Drain camera inspection
Drain lining (trenchless repair)
Sewer line replacement (excavation)
Floor drain installation/replacement
What's Included vs Not Included
Typically Included
- Camera inspection with video report
- Drain cleaning and snaking
- Root cutting (mechanical)
- Basic water jetting
- Plumbing permit (for replacements)
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Concrete cutting and restoration
- Landscaping restoration after excavation
- Backwater valve installation
- Catch basin repair on private property
- Municipal connection fees
Drains Cost by City
Prices adjusted for local labour rates and material costs across 15 GTA cities.
| City | Low | High | vs Toronto | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto City of Toronto | $200 | $400 | 0% | View |
Mississauga Peel Region | $188 | $375 | -5% | View |
Brampton Peel Region | $182 | $364 | -8% | View |
Vaughan York Region | $193 | $386 | -3% | View |
Markham York Region | $191 | $382 | -3% | View |
Richmond Hill York Region | $191 | $382 | -4% | View |
Aurora York Region | $186 | $371 | -6% | View |
Oakville Halton Region | $205 | $410 | +2% | View |
Burlington Halton Region | $191 | $381 | -4% | View |
Milton Halton Region | $182 | $364 | -8% | View |
Ajax Durham Region | $178 | $356 | -9% | View |
Pickering Durham Region | $182 | $364 | -8% | View |
Oshawa Durham Region | $173 | $345 | -12% | View |
Whitby Durham Region | $176 | $353 | -10% | View |
Hamilton City of Hamilton | $176 | $352 | -10% | View |
Permit & Engineering Costs
Plumbing permit (excavation >1.5m or backwater valve)
Local building department
Required for sewer lateral replacement and backwater valve installation in most cities
$150-$350
Road cut permit (work on city property)
City roads or public works department
Required if you dig up sidewalk, boulevard, or road to access the sewer main connection
$500-$2,000
Money-Saving Tips
Camera inspect before buying an older home — a $300 inspection can reveal $15,000 in sewer problems.
Trenchless drain lining costs more upfront but avoids excavation — saves landscaping and driveway costs.
Regular maintenance snaking ($200-$400/year) prevents $5,000+ emergency calls.
Ask about city rebates for backwater valve installation — many GTA cities cover $1,000-$2,500.
Tree roots are the #1 cause of drain blockages — remove trees within 10 ft of sewer lines.
Related Cost Guides
Drains Cost FAQs
How do I know my drains need repair vs just cleaning?
If snaking fixes the clog for 6-12 months, you just have buildup and can maintain it with occasional cleaning. If you need snaking every 2-3 months, or if multiple drains back up at once, or if you see sewage in your yard, you have structural damage and need camera inspection and repair.
What is a backwater valve and do I need one?
A backwater valve is a one-way check valve in your sewer lateral that prevents sewage from flowing backwards into your basement during heavy rain or municipal sewer overload. Toronto, Mississauga, and most Ontario cities require them for basement renovations and new builds. If you get sewage backup during rainstorms, you need one. Toronto rebates $1,250 of the install cost.
Is a camera inspection worth it before buying a house?
Yes, especially for houses built before 1975 with clay tile or cast iron laterals. A $300 camera inspection can reveal a $10,000 sewer lateral replacement that you can negotiate off the purchase price or walk away from. Sellers rarely disclose sewer problems because they do not know until it backs up.
Can I fix root intrusion without replacing the whole pipe?
Temporarily yes — snaking or hydro-jetting will cut the roots out and restore flow for 6-18 months. But tree roots grow back as long as there are cracks or joints in the pipe. Permanent fix is trenchless lining (seals the cracks so roots cannot get in) or excavation and replacement with solid PVC pipe.
Trenchless pipe lining vs excavation — which is better?
Trenchless costs 20-40% more but saves your driveway, sidewalk, and landscaping. Use trenchless if the pipe is not collapsed and you want to avoid surface destruction. Use excavation if the pipe is badly bellied, completely collapsed, or if you are already digging for foundation work. Excavation gives you a brand new pipe; trenchless gives you a liner inside the old pipe.
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