At a Glance
Clearing a blocked drain in Australia typically costs $100–$800 per job, based on Sydney baseline pricing. The final cost depends on the clearing method required. Simple rod clearing sits at the low end. CCTV inspection and high-pressure jetting push costs higher. Perth and Adelaide rates tend to run 10–15% above east coast capitals.
What's Included
A standard blocked drain job covers diagnosis, clearing the blockage, and a flow test to confirm drainage is restored. All drainage work must comply with AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage. Simple blockages are cleared with an electric eel or drain rod. Stubborn or deeper blockages require high-pressure water jetting. Where the cause is not obvious or blockages recur, CCTV camera inspection is used to identify root intrusion, pipe collapse, or bellied sections. The quote typically covers labour, equipment use, and disposal of cleared material. Pipe repairs, relining, or excavation for collapsed sections are quoted separately.
What Affects the Cost
- Clearing method. Rod clearing is the cheapest option. High-pressure jetting costs more. CCTV inspection adds a diagnostic layer.
- Blockage location. Kitchen and bathroom drains inside the house are simpler than deep sewer or stormwater lines.
- Cause of blockage. Grease and hair clear quickly. Tree root intrusion or collapsed pipes require more time and equipment.
- Recurrence. Repeat blockages within 6 months usually indicate a structural problem needing camera inspection.
- Access to drainage points. Clear access to inspection openings speeds the job. Buried or concreted-over access points add time.
- Stormwater vs sewer. Stormwater blockages often involve longer pipe runs and outdoor excavation.
A grease blockage in a kitchen drain cleared with an electric eel in a newer property sits toward $100. Recurring root intrusion in a 30-metre sewer line requiring high-pressure jetting plus CCTV investigation in a pre-1970 property pushes toward $800.
Blocked drains frequently become urgent, especially when sewage is backing up or multiple fixtures are affected. After-hours, weekend, and public holiday callouts carry premium rates. If only one drain is slow and there is no sewage overflow, scheduling a business-hours appointment saves money. If sewage is backing up into showers or floor wastes, call immediately.
City and Regional Price Comparison
Drain clearing costs vary across Australian capitals, driven by tree cover, pipe age, soil type, and trade labour pool size.
City-level differences. Sydney pricing serves as the baseline at $100–$800 per job. Melbourne rates are similar, with older inner-city properties often needing jetting due to clay pipe root intrusion. Brisbane sees higher stormwater blockage rates from tropical rainfall but generally comparable labour costs. Perth and Adelaide run 10–15% higher due to smaller trade pools.
Suburb and regional variation. Within any city, cost depends on pipe material, tree proximity, and access difficulty. Inner suburbs with mature trees and pre-1970 clay pipes, like Melbourne's Hawthorn or Sydney's Lane Cove, sit toward the high end because root intrusion is near-certain and jetting is usually required. Newer estates with PVC drainage and minimal tree cover, like Brisbane's North Lakes or Perth's southern corridor, trend toward the low end. Properties with buried or concreted-over inspection openings add cost regardless of location because the plumber has to locate and expose them before work can begin.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on current licenced plumber rates in each capital, adjusted for regional labour costs, typical property age, and common drainage infrastructure. All figures include GST. Prices cover standard residential drain clearing. Commercial properties, multi-unit complexes, or council drainage issues may fall outside these ranges.