Methodology / version 1.0

A planning range you can audit.

We store published facts, keep different inspection transactions separate, and expose the evidence behind every result.

What enters the model

Each observation records the provider, market, booking context, published price or range, important inclusions, source URL, and verification date. We count one current observation per provider in a selected context.

  • Published, non-promotional residential prices are eligible.
  • Add-on and standalone prices stay separate.
  • “Starting at” prices can provide context but do not determine the typical figure.
  • Temporary coupons, drain-cleaning bundles, and repair diagnostics are excluded.
  • Observations are reviewed at least every 180 days and removed from calculation if stale.

Review the current source ledger.

No invented regional multiplier

A ZIP is used in the browser to select a supported market. A local result requires at least three current, distinct provider prices matching the booking context. With fewer than three, the estimator uses a national comparison across markets with at least two matching observations.

The base local band is the observed minimum, median midpoint, and maximum. The national band compares those market-level bands so one expensive provider cannot dominate the result.

The label beside every estimate says “Local provider sample” or “National fallback,” shows the source count, and gives the last verification date.

Changes require published evidence

  • Difficult access: +$50 across the band, based on a published Seattle provider fee.
  • No cleanout or fixture access: +$50 low, +$110 typical, +$200 high, based on several published access charges.
  • One additional branch: +$75 low, +$100 typical, +$200 high.
  • Locate or depth marking: +$40 low, +$70 typical, +$100 high.
  • Rush scheduling: +$50. After-hours work uses a wider +$100 to +$300 planning adjustment.

Line length from 101 to 200 feet does not receive a fabricated percentage multiplier. It lowers evidence coverage and turns the result into a starting range. Over 200 feet or multiple laterals require a custom quote.

What this estimate never includes

The model excludes snaking, rodding, hydro-jetting, blockage removal, cleanout installation, repair, lining, excavation, replacement, permits, restoration, septic work, commercial property, and multi-building work.

It does not diagnose pipe condition, guarantee access, predict whether the camera can traverse the full line, or replace a provider quote.