How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Blocked Drain?

Fixing a blocked drain in Australia typically costs between $150 and $500, depending on the location of the blockage, the tools required, and the plumber’s call-out fees. Severe or hard-to-reach blockages can cost more, especially if pipe repairs or replacements are needed.

Understanding these cost factors helps you plan your budget and decide when it’s best to call a licensed plumber. In this guide, we explain what affects drain repair costs, the average price for common blockage types, and how to prevent future drainage issues to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Blocked Drains?

Blocked drains can arise from a variety of sources and show up in different areas of your home. While the exact culprit may differ from one place to the next, here are some of the most common causes:

• Hair buildup: Long strands and even short clippings can collect in bathroom drains, binding with soap or grease into dense clumps.
• Food scraps: Starchy leftovers, coffee grounds, or fibrous vegetables can easily clog your kitchen sink if they bypass your strainer.
• Grease and fats: Cooking grease poured down the drain can cool and solidify, narrowing the pipe. Over time, this residue can form layers that restrict water flow.
• Foreign objects: Toys, wipes, paper towels, and other non-flushable items create sudden blockages that often require prompt professional assistance.
• Tree roots: In older properties, tree roots can invade tiny cracks in underground drains, expanding and causing serious pipe damage.

You might notice slow-draining water, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant odours as early signs of a blockage. The faster you respond, the less likely you will face a large-scale repair. Knowing these common culprits helps you prevent both minor and expensive clogs.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Fixing a Blocked Drain?

Drain unblocking fees vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding how these can influence your final bill provides clarity and helps you chat knowledgeably with your plumber.

1. Severity of the blockage

• Minor blockages, such as hair or small debris near the drain’s surface, are usually quick and inexpensive to clear.
• Deeper or more severe blockages require additional investigation, time, and expertise. If water damage or a sewage backup has occurred, you may also face extra costs for cleaning, sanitising, or property repairs.

2. Location of the blockage

• Kitchen sinks, bathroom basins, and external drainage lines each come with different complexity levels. An easily accessible blockage is typically cheaper to fix than one that requires a crawl under your house or excavation of your yard.
• Longer pipe runs, multiple junctions, or lines located under concrete can all boost labour and equipment fees.

3. Timing of the call-out

• After-hours or emergency plumber visits often carry an added surcharge.
• If your drain trouble arises on a holiday or weekend, you may need to pay a premium unless you can safely wait for a normal business day service.

4. Hourly rate vs. fixed quote

• Some plumbers quote a fixed fee based on the job details. Others charge an hourly rate plus equipment costs.
• Always ask whether the call-out or diagnostic time is included in the stated fee.

5. Specialised tools or inspections

• Complicated cases might require CCTV camera inspections, water jetters, or pipe relining tools. Even if the basic labour is affordable, the cost of renting or using high-end gear can tip the bill upward.

Researching or asking about these variables beforehand helps you build a realistic estimate. When you call JSW Plumbing or any other service provider, outlining where you suspect the blockage is and how severe it seems will give the plumber a head start on quoting accurately.

Common Repair Methods for Blocked Drains

You have different unblocking options, each suited to particular blockage types and budgets. Before swinging open your toolbox or picking up the phone, it helps to know the most popular methods.

1. Plunging

• A plunger creates pressure and suction to dislodge blockages near the drain’s entrance. It is cost-effective and often the first step.
• You can carry out plunging yourself, though you need to be mindful of using steady, forceful strokes and ensuring the sink or tub overflow opening is covered.

2. Chemical cleaners

• Over-the-counter drain cleaners can dissolve or break up basic clogs. However, some products use strong chemicals that may damage older pipes or harm the environment.
• If you decide to use a cleaner, follow the directions carefully and keep pets and children away from the affected area.

3. Drain snake or auger

• A cable-like tool with a spiral tip that physically breaks or retrieves stubborn clogs. Manual versions are good for smaller jobs—motorised augers can tackle bigger blockages.
• While it can be a DIY solution, you should ensure you have the correct-sized snake. Using the wrong one can damage your pipes.

4. High-pressure water jetting

• A professional-grade method that uses intense water pressure to clear even deep, compacted debris or tree-root intrusion.
• Water jetting is often more expensive but highly effective, especially for persistent or repeated clogs.

5. CCTV drain camera

• CCTV drain inspection allows your plumber to see inside your pipes and identify exact blockage locations or damage.
• Typically an add-on service that can raise the cost, but it can prevent guesswork and repeated visits.

6. Pipe relining or repair

• In cases where the blockage stems from cracked or collapsed pipes, you might need relining or a full replacement. This approach carries higher costs but offers a long-term fix.

Each method comes with a different price point, so ask your plumber which approach they recommend and why. Weighing convenience, cost, and long-term effectiveness will help you choose the best solution.

How Much Do Plumbers Charge to Unblock Drains?

Because not all blockages are equal, you might see quotes vary from plumber to plumber or even from one clogged sink to another. Here is a general framework to help you form an estimate:

Minor Blockages

• Typical scenario: A small clog in your kitchen or bathroom sink, usually near the surface.
• Possible solution: Plunging or clearing the drain with a manual or basic drain snake.
• Estimated cost: Around $150 to $250, including the call-out fee and short labour time. Some cases may be fixed at home at little to no cost.

Moderately Complex Issues

• Typical scenario: A deeper or more stubborn blockage that requires specialised equipment such as a motorised auger or water jetter.
• Possible solution: Professional drain cleaning or hydro-jetting service.
• Estimated cost: Typically between $250 and $450, depending on the time and tools required. CCTV inspections may add to the total if needed.

Major Blockages or Structural Fixes

• Typical scenario: Severe pipe damage, root intrusion, or recurring blockages that indicate a bigger underlying issue.
• Possible solution: CCTV inspection, pipe relining, excavation, or replacement of damaged sections.
• Estimated cost: Usually $800 to $2,000 or more, depending on how extensive the work is and whether excavation or re-piping is necessary.

For most homeowners, standard drain unblocking services in Australia fall within $150 to $500. Costs rise when additional diagnostics or repairs are needed, but you can avoid unexpected expenses by requesting a detailed quote before the work begins.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

A quick DIY fix might be tempting when you notice a slow-draining sink, but there are times when seeking professional plumbing support can save you from bigger expenses down the line.

• Health and safety: Blockages involving sewage backups pose health hazards that need professional-grade cleaning.
• Avoid pipe damage: Applying too much force or the wrong tools can crack brittle pipes, pushing you into a costly repair scenario.
• Proper diagnosis: Pros use cameras and other equipment to pinpoint the exact nature of the blockage, preventing repeated or incomplete fixes.
• Warranty and peace of mind: Many reputable plumbers, including JSW Plumbing, offer warranties on their work. This guarantee can cover you if the blockage recurs within a set period.

If you are uncertain about whether your skills match the severity of the clog, a professional assessment is usually a wise move. Repairs performed by an expert plumber can improve your home’s plumbing health and reduce the likelihood of further issues.

FAQs About Blocked Drains

How do I know if my drain is fully cleared?

A good rule of thumb is to run water for a minute or two and see if it drains quickly without any gurgling or bubbling. If everything flows freely, your blockage is likely gone. If water backs up again or you still hear odd noises, you might have a deeper issue that needs professional help.

Can I avoid calling a plumber if I have a plunger at home?

A plunger can resolve minor clogs near the drain opening, and it is worth trying for surface-level blockages. However, if you notice no improvement or the situation worsens, a professional will have the tools and expertise to prevent pipe damage and tackle more stubborn or hazardous build-ups.

Is it safe to use chemical cleaners regularly?

Using chemical cleaners too often can weaken certain pipe materials, especially in older houses. Some formulations can also harm the environment. If you find yourself reaching for chemical cleaners frequently, that could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. Consider bringing in a professional to investigate the root cause.

Why might a plumber charge more if tree roots are involved?

Tree roots are a tough challenge that can require specialised cutting equipment or high-pressure water jetting to remove fully. In some cases, damaged pipes need partial replacement or relining to prevent further root intrusion. Because these repairs can be more complex and labour-intensive, the cost can go up accordingly.

What to Do Next When You Have a Blocked Drain

1. Identify warning signs – Look for slow draining, bubbling sounds, or unpleasant odours to catch the problem early.
2. Try simple fixes – Use a plunger or drain snake for minor clogs, but avoid chemical cleaners that can damage pipes.
3. Request professional quotes – Contact a licensed plumber and ask if the quote includes call-out or diagnostic fees.
4. Schedule the repair – Decide whether it’s urgent or can wait until business hours to save on after-hours rates.
5. Follow up after service – Check warranty terms and monitor the drain to ensure the issue doesn’t return.

By recognising warning signs early, estimating costs accurately, and knowing when to call a professional, you can keep your plumbing system in good condition and avoid costly damage. Acting quickly prevents small blockages from becoming major repairs and helps maintain smooth drainage throughout your home.

If you need help with a blocked drain, JSW Plumbing is the trusted team for fast, reliable, and professional service across Sydney. Contact the team today at (02) 8520 3537 or email info@jswplumbing.com.au to book your inspection or repair.