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Pipe cleaning: avoiding rip-offs

  • Writer: Martin Schlaffer
    Martin Schlaffer
  • Oct 15
  • 3 min read

When the water stops draining, the question quickly arises: How much will it cost? The truth is that there are no fixed prices for all cases. Nevertheless, there are typical price ranges and clear warning signs that indicate whether a company is reputable (or not).


From my own experience, I can report that I have been to many customers who have told me that they were billed over 800 € or even 1,000 € and more for a simple blockage removal. I can tell you: these are not fair prices. And on top of that, the blockage was often not even cleared. With this article, I would like to explain the usual prices and protect you from rip-offs.



✅ If you need help quickly, you can find all the information about our Berlin drain cleaning emergency services on our AAA-Abfluss homepage.



Typical services & usual price ranges (guidelines)


Note: Prices vary depending on the region, urgency (ermegency service), scope, and provider. All information is provides as a rough guide.

  • Travel costs/basic charge: approx. 35–100 € (some providers do not charge travel costs, others charge flat rates)

  • Removing and cleaning the siphon (short job): approx. 60–140 €

  • Normal unblocking (sink/washbasin/shower): approx. 100–250 €

  • High-pressure flushing (simple job): approx. 250–350 €

  • TV camera inspection: approx. 120–350 € (depending on length & documentation)

  • Milling technology/root removal (complex use): approx. 200–800 € or more, depending on the work involved

  • Emergency service/use outside business hours: +50–100% (at night, on holidays, on weekends) According to the law, the surcharge may only be applied to the working hours, not to the entire bill!!!


Rohrreiniger steht vor Firmenwagen von AAA-Abfluss in Berlin

What factors influence the price?


  • Depth, severity, and location of the blockage (siphon vs. main pipe)

  • Accessibility (easily accessible = cheaper)

  • Required technology (coil vs. high pressure vs. milling machine vs. camera)

  • Weekend surcharge/holiday surcharge


How are customers often “ripped off”? - Warning signs to avoid being ripped off when having your pipes cleaned


Watch out for these red flags — they are typical rip-off methods:


  • No price information in advance: Reputable companies will at least give a rough price range over the phone.

  • Extremely low price in the offer, then additional costs on site: “technical surcharge,” “cleaning agents,” “duration surcharge,” etc. — always ask for a written explanation.

  • Cash only / pressure to pay immediately in cash: ask for a receipt; it is better to pay by card or bank transfer.

  • Urgent pressure to act without a precise diagnosis: Warning signs if you are rushed into costly repairs before the cause is clear.

  • Unprofessional appearance / lack of documentation: No invoice, no description of the work, no photos (if a camera is used).

  • “Special tool” tricks: Claim that an expensive special part is absolutely necessary — ask for alternatives and an explanation.


How to avoid hidden costs — a practical checklist


  1. Ask for a price range in advance by phone.

  2. Request a cost estimate (often, an exact final price can only be given on site, as it is impossible to estimate what needs to be done—nevertheless, reputable companies will give you a price range).

  3. Ask questions: What method will be used? Is there a minimum charge? Are there emergency service surcharges?

  4. Obtain a second quote for larger jobs

  5. Ask for a receipt/invoice—with a specification of services.

  6. Do not agree to “more work” without consulting us first.

  7. Check reviews (Google, etc.).

  8. Ask to see their ID card/tradesman's license—an honest tradesman will have no problem showing you their ID. At the same time, you will have a name if it turns out to be a rip-off.

  9. If you feel uncomfortable or are pressured to pay, call the police immediately — unfortunately, such cases have been reported to me. Never pay before you have an invoice in your hand or in your email inbox!


Example: Professional procedure on site


  1. Arrival & brief visual inspection

  2. Statement: Cause (siphon, pipe depth, roots) + suggested method

  3. Provide preliminary cost estimate (e.g., “approx. $150–300”)

  4. Execution with brief explanation, documentation if necessary (pictures, camera video)

  5. Final invoice with individual items


Conclusion


Pipe cleaning can range from inexpensive, simple procedures to complex repairs with higher costs. Good preparation protects you: get informed, ask questions, put everything in writing, and, if in doubt, get a second quote. Reputable companies work transparently, provide estimates in advance, and issue a comprehensible invoice at the end. Protect yourself and avoid being ripped off when it comes to pipe cleaning.


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✅ You can find more information about our services in our service area.


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Do you need help? Please feel free to contact us at any time on +49 (0) 1577 499 54 47

or send an e-mail to service@aaaabfluss.de. Your pipe cleaning Berlin AAA-Abfluss will be happy to help you!


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