What stack cleaning typically costs
| One stack | $489–$889Depends on height and how it is reached. |
|---|---|
| A whole building | Quoted for the buildingPriced on the number of stacks and the access needed. |
Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.
When you need it
- Ground and second floor units get backups from the kitchens above
- Gurgling sinks and slow drains through one tier of the building
- It has been more than two years since the stacks were last cleaned
What changes the price
| Number of stacks and floors | Priced by the stack, and taller buildings take longer. |
|---|---|
| Access | Roof vents and cleanouts are quick. Going through individual units takes scheduling. |
| Method | Cable cleaning suits most stacks. Heavy grease may need hydro jetting. |
What the job involves
- Review the building's drawings and its backup history, and agree a schedule with the strata or manager.
- Notify residents and arrange access where a stack can only be reached through a suite.
- Clean each stack from the roof vent or cleanouts with cable machines or jetting.
- Clean the horizontal mains the stacks drain into, then report what was found in each tier.
- Time on site
- Usually one to several days for a building
How pricing works for this job
There is no one price for stack cleaning, because the factors above change it from one home to the next. It starts with an on-site estimate for $269. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber looks at the job and gives you a price in writing, good for 30 days. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit. Anything found once work has started is priced and approved before it is done.
Call 1-800-604-0631.
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Questions people ask
How much does stack cleaning cost in Metro Vancouver?
One stack: $489–$889. A whole building: quoted for the building. Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.
How often should stacks be cleaned?
Kitchen stacks every one to two years in most buildings. Bathroom stacks less often. Buildings with a history of backups need a tighter schedule.
Do residents need to do anything?
Avoid using the affected drains during the posted hours. Some suites need to provide access.
Why do the lower floors flood?
Every kitchen above drains into the same stack. Grease settles low down, and when it blocks, the next sink of water comes out at the lowest suite.
Is the estimate free?
No. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber comes out, looks at the job and gives you a written estimate. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit.
What if you find something unexpected once work starts?
The estimate is based on what can be seen. Anything found once a wall, floor or the ground is open is shown to you, priced and approved before it is done.
