If you’re experiencing a blocked drain, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “How much is this going to cost?” In most cases, clearing a blocked drain can cost from around $150 – $300 for a simple blockage to $600 or more for a more complex one. The final price depends on what’s causing the blockage, where it’s located and the equipment needed to clear it.
Here’s the thing. No two blocked drains are exactly the same. A blocked kitchen sink caused by grease is usually much quicker to clear than a main sewer drain affected by tree roots. That’s why an experienced plumber will inspect the drain, identify the cause and provide an upfront quote before any work begins.
In this guide, we’ll explain what affects the cost of clearing a blocked drain, the different methods plumbers use, and how we can help with your needs.
What Affects the Cost of Clearing a Blocked Drain?
The cost of clearing a blocked drain can vary from one property to another. And to give you an idea, here are some of the factors that affect the cost of clearing the drain.
Type of Blockage
Hair, soap scum, and grease build-up are easy to remove. Tree roots, foreign objects, or damaged pipes take longer to diagnose and clear.
Location of the Blockage
Kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and toilets are generally easier to access than underground sewer or stormwater drains. A blockage deeper in the system, or one affecting multiple fixtures, needs more time and specialised equipment.
Accessibility
Some drains are easy to reach through an existing inspection opening. Others sit beneath driveways, concrete slabs, or landscaped areas. The harder a drain is to access, the more time and equipment may be needed to complete the job.
Method and Equipment Required
Simple obstructions may be cleared using a mechanical drain machine, while grease, sludge or tree roots often require high-pressure water jetting. If the cause of the blockage isn’t immediately obvious, a CCTV drain camera can help identify the problem and determine the most effective solution.
Emergency or After-Hours Service
If you need a plumber outside normal business hours, the cost may be higher than for a scheduled appointment. Emergency call-outs are made for urgent situations where waiting isn’t an option.
Typical Price Ranges for Drain Clearing Services
| Service | Typical Cost* |
|---|---|
| Standard drain clearing (auger or plunger) | $150 to $300 |
| CCTV drain inspection | $200 to $550 |
| High-pressure water jetting | $300 to $650 |
| Pipe relining | From $100 to $300 per metre |
*Prices are indicative only and may vary depending on the condition of the pipe, the complexity of the blockage and the work required.
Whether it is a leaking tap, blocked drain, burst pipe, or gas fitting issue, our licensed plumbers are here to deliver safe, professional, and affordable support.Looking for Stress-Free Plumbing
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What’s Included in a Professional Drain Clearing Service?
When you call a plumber, their job involves more than clearing the obstruction. Their service focuses on identifying the cause of the blockage, deciding on the best solution, and ensuring your plumbing is flowing properly before the job is complete.
For instance, a professional drain clearing service typically includes:
- Initial inspection to assess what you’ve noticed and identify where the blockage is likely to be.
- Knowing the cause of the blockage, whether it’s hair, grease, tree roots, foreign objects or damaged pipework.
- Choosing the clearing method, such as a mechanical drain machine or high-pressure water jetting.
- CCTV drain inspection, if required, to locate hidden blockages, inspect the condition of the pipe and confirm the best solution.
- Testing the drain after clearing to ensure water is flowing freely and the blockage has been completely removed.
- Advice to help prevent future blockages, including practical tips and recommendations if recurring issues are identified.
Why the Method Used Can Affect the Cost
Not every blocked drain can be cleared using the same method. The equipment your plumber chooses depends on what’s causing the blockage and how severe it is, which is why the cost varies.
- Mechanical drain machine: Best for minor blockages caused by hair, soap scum or small debris.
- High-pressure water jetting: Ideal for grease, sludge and tree roots while also cleaning the pipe to help prevent future blockages.
- CCTV drain inspection: Identifies hidden issues such as cracked pipes, tree root intrusion or collapsed sections without unnecessary digging.
- Pipe relining: Recommended when damaged pipes need repair, avoiding major excavation in many cases.
Why Choose Coast to Coast Plumbing?
Coast to Coast Plumbing helps every homeowner and business with professional blocked drain services.
When you choose us, you can expect:
- Licensed and experienced plumbers who understand the drainage issues commonly found across the Mornington Peninsula.
- Advanced diagnostic equipment, including CCTV drain cameras, to accurately locate blockages and assess your pipes’ condition.
- High-pressure water jetting and professional drain-clearing equipment for efficient blockage removal.
- Honest, upfront quotes before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Clear recommendations for additional repairs, such as pipe relining or replacement, are needed.
Whether it’s a blocked kitchen sink, an overflowing stormwater drain, or a sewer blockage, our team is here to provide long-lasting solutions for your properties.
Whether it is a leaking tap, blocked drain, burst pipe, or gas fitting issue, our licensed plumbers are here to deliver safe, professional, and affordable support.Looking for Stress-Free Plumbing
Solutions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CCTV drain inspection?
Not always. It’s worth doing if the blockage keeps coming back, the cause isn’t obvious, or you’re concerned about damaged pipes or root intrusion. A camera inspection helps identify the problem without unnecessary excavation.
How much does it cost to unblock a drain?
Simple blockages may cost around $150 to $300, while more complex jobs involving CCTV drain inspections, high-pressure water jetting or pipe repairs can cost more. The best way to receive an accurate price is to have a licensed plumber inspect the drain and provide an upfront quote.
Why might my blocked drain quote increase after an inspection?
A plumber can estimate based on what you describe, but the full picture isn’t always visible until they look. A CCTV camera might turn up root intrusion, cracked pipes, or multiple blockages. If that happens, they should explain what they found and give you an updated quote before proceeding.
Can I unblock a drain myself?
A plunger or basic drain snake can handle a minor blockage. But if it keeps coming back or affects more than one fixture, call a licensed plumber. Also, don’t forget to skip the chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage some pipes and rarely fix the underlying problem.
Get an Upfront Quote Today
If you’ve got a blocked drain anywhere between Brighton and Portsea, Coast to Coast can assess it, explain the cause, and give you a reasonable price before any work begins. Contact us today!