How Much Does it Cost to Clear a Blocked Drain?

A blocked drain can cause all sorts of problems in the Aussie home. We’ve all been there- from the slow-draining kitchen sink (cue the plunger!) to the toilet that worryingly fills (and fills, please stop!), the cost to unclog a blocked drain will depend on the cause and severity of the blockage. Most blocked drains can be cleared for $75 - $500 if they don't require a severe overhaul.

Unlike replacing a toilet, the costs involved in clearing a blocked drain will depend on the cause. Finding that cause may require specialised equipment, resulting in extra costs. Fixing the source of the problem may not be as easy as clearing the kitchen pipe.

How much should it cost to clear a blocked drain?

Image credit Silver Water Plumbing

The cause of the blockage will dictate the cost to unblock the drain. At the low to medium end, causes of a blocked drain that you’ve probably encountered commonly include:

• Food & kitchen waste
• Hair
• Paper
• Grease buildup

More serious blockages could involve:

• Solidified grease/food
• Sanitary items/baby wipes
• Tree roots
• Broken pipes
• Backed-up sewer systems

We’ve sourced some prices below to give you an idea of what an average blockage might cost to repair. Pricing to clear a blocked drain along with job difficulty level and equipment potentially used:

How long does it take for a plumber to clear a blocked drain?

Image credit Sven's Plumbing and Gas

Simple or smaller blockages, such as the kitchen sink, can usually be unblocked in less than half an hour with minimal impact. Serious blockages are more expensive to fix because finding the cause can take time, prior to the actual repairs taking place. If digging or camera equipment is required, the costs will also increase.

Due to the nature of any blockage, drainage work will possibly incur emergency or out-of-hours service fees. A blocked or backed-up toilet or sewer system is a plumbing emergency, as is a burst pipe due to the potential for further property damage.

Most local plumbers should be able to provide a free quote over the phone, including an ETA on the work or impact on household activities. If the job is a quick fix, a minimum charge or call-out fee will likely apply.

Licencing and warranty

Any drainage or sanitary work must be done by a licensed professional in your state. In addition to the relevant licences, your plumber may be a member of the state’s Master Plumbers Association- a sign the plumber meets and adheres to industry standards.

Each plumbing business offers its own warranty on work and parts, usually 3-12 months.

Compare reviews on licensed plumbers

Need to book a plumber to investigate a blocked drain? Browse and compare reviews of top-rated plumbers in your area to find the right plumber for your job! Word of mouth and highly-rated reviews are a great place to find a fast quote.

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