How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Blocked Drain in Australia (2026)?
Quick Answer
Blocked drain clearing costs $100–$600+ depending on method. Simple plunger/hand snake: $100–$200. Electric eel: $150–$300. High-pressure jet blaster: $250–$600. CCTV inspection (diagnostic): $200–$500.
Blocked Drain Costs by Method
| Method | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hand snake / plunger | $100–$200 | Simple internal blockages (hair, soap) |
| Electric eel | $150–$300 | Standard drain blockages |
| High-pressure jet blaster | $250–$600 | Tree roots, grease buildup, stubborn blockages |
| CCTV drain camera | $200–$500 | Diagnosing cause and location |
| Pipe relining | $500–$1,000/m | Cracked or collapsed pipes |
| Excavation & pipe replacement | $2,000–$10,000+ | Severely damaged sewer lines |
Pricing Tips for Plumbers
- Charge a diagnostic fee: $80–$150 call-out that covers the first 30 minutes of investigation
- Upsell CCTV: Always offer a camera inspection after clearing — it reveals the root cause and prevents callbacks
- Bundle services: "Clear + camera + report" packages ($400–$600) have higher margins than individual services
- After-hours premium: Blocked drains are often emergencies — charge 1.5x–2x for after-hours
Is Drain Clearing Notifiable Work?
No. Clearing a blocked drain is maintenance work and does not require a Form 7 in QLD. However, if you need to replace or alter pipes to fix the issue, that becomes notifiable work.
Quote Drain Jobs Professionally
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