At a Glance
Simple rod clearing of a kitchen or bathroom drain in Sydney sits at the lower end of the $100–$800 per job range. High-pressure jetting and CCTV camera inspection for recurring or deep blockages push costs toward the top.
What's Included in the Price
A standard blocked drain job covers attendance, diagnosis of the blockage location and cause, clearing using an electric eel or drain rods, and a flow test to confirm the drain is running clear. All drainage work must comply with AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage. For stubborn blockages, particularly tree root intrusion or grease buildup in long runs, high-pressure water jetting is used. CCTV camera inspection is a separate service used to diagnose recurring blockages or confirm pipe condition after clearing. Pipe repairs, relining, or excavation for collapsed drains are quoted separately. The callout fee is included in the base price.
What Affects the Cost
- Clearing method. Rod clearing is the most affordable. High-pressure jetting costs more. CCTV inspection adds a diagnostic component.
- Blockage depth and location. A basin trap is quick. A blockage 15 metres down a sewer line takes longer equipment setup.
- Tree root intrusion. Roots require jetting to cut through and often return within 12 to 18 months without pipe repair or relining.
- Shared drainage. Terraces and semis often share drain runs, complicating access and responsibility.
- Access to inspection openings. Clear, accessible overflow relief gullies (ORGs) speed the job. Buried or concreted-over access points add time.
- Stormwater vs sewer. Stormwater runs are typically longer with more bends, taking more time to clear.
A grease blockage in a kitchen drain cleared with an electric eel in a newer Rouse Hill property sits toward $100. Recurring root intrusion in a 20-metre sewer line under a Mosman garden, requiring high-pressure jetting and CCTV investigation, pushes toward $800.
Blocked drains can escalate quickly when sewage backs up into showers or floor wastes. After-hours, weekend, and public holiday callouts carry premium rates. If only one drain is slow and there is no overflow, scheduling during business hours saves money. If sewage is backing up or multiple fixtures are affected, call immediately.
Sydney-Specific Considerations
Sydney's established suburbs are heavily planted with Moreton Bay figs, Port Jackson figs, and large eucalypts. These trees have aggressive root systems that seek out moisture in sewer joints. Suburbs like Mosman, Lane Cove, Willoughby, and the Inner West have high rates of root intrusion in older vitrified clay pipes. If you are getting a blockage every 6 to 12 months, the pipe joints are compromised. A camera inspection is worth the upfront cost to assess whether relining or replacement is needed.
Sydney's inner-city terraces, particularly in Paddington, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, and Glebe, often share drainage systems between adjoining properties. A blockage in one terrace can back up into a neighbour's drains, and responsibility for the shared section can be disputed. Check your sewer service diagram (available from Sydney Water) to understand where your private drain ends and the shared or Sydney Water main begins.
Report main sewer blockages to Sydney Water on 13 20 90. Main sewer issues are identified by multiple properties being affected or overflow at the Sydney Water maintenance hole. Sydney Water clears main sewer blockages at no cost to the property owner.
Hiring a Licensed Plumber in NSW
All drain clearing and plumbing work in NSW must be done by a licenced plumber. Verify licences through NSW Fair Trading. For work involving sewer connections or stormwater, ensure the plumber holds the appropriate endorsements. Ask for their licence number before booking, confirm public liability insurance, and request a written quote. Avoid anyone who diagnoses and quotes over the phone without inspecting the access points first.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on current licenced plumber rates in the Sydney metropolitan area, adjusted for typical property age and drainage infrastructure in NSW. All figures include GST. Prices cover standard residential drain clearing. Commercial, strata common property, or council drainage issues may fall outside these ranges.