How Much Does it Cost to Clear a Blocked Drain?

Any number of issues can cause blockages within your pipes, however some of the more common causes include –

• Toilet paper
• Grease
• Foreign objects
• Tree roots
• Cracked, damaged or broken pipes
• Incorrect installation

Toilet paper

This is probably one of the most common causes, due to young children overloading the toilet with too much toilet paper. Thankfully this is usually a minor job that can be fixed quickly and easily.

Grease

Grease blockages are caused over time as the reas and fat builds up and solidifies in the catchment or within the drain itself. Again, not an expensive or complicated job, but for commercial kitchens and restaurants, it can mean heavy fines imposed by local Councils.

Foreign objects

Here at Superior Plumbing, we’ve literally seen it all. You’d be amazed at what we’ve cleared from blocked drains. Some items include beer cans, childrens toys, socks, silicone tubes, tools, air fresheners, tampons and even underpants.

Clearing blocked drains that are obstructed with foreign objects often involves the use of a CCTV drain inspection camera to firstly identify the blockage, then of course work out the best way of removing it.

Tree roots

Tree roots are definitely one of the most common causes of blockages. Tree roots seek water, and as they do so, they literally destroy anything in their path to get it. often pushing over retaining walls, and bursting pipes beneath the ground as they grow and expand. Again, using a drain camera we can inspect the drain or pipe and provide the best possible advice and make appropriate suggestions on both initial clearing and ongoing prevention.

Cracked, damaged or broken pipes

As pipes age, they can become more susceptible to cracking, or damage due to weakness of the material, the ground shifting, tree roots, or of course damage caused by digging or earthworks. Cracked or damaged pipes are often best replaced instead of repaired. Infact most plumbers recommend replacing old clay type piping with newer, PVC style plumbing as part of the upgrade.

Incorrect installation

Blockages may also occur if drains are installed without enough grade or “fall”.

Australian Standards stipulate that are minimum 20mm fall within a 1m length of piping is compulsory to ensure waste is effectively transferred to its intended destination. Piping installed without a sufficient fall are prone to build up, which over time causes blockages. When drains are laid this way, the only corrective measure is to re-lay them, which can be costly exercise, especially if the job requires trenching and digging.

How much does it cost to unblock a clogged drain?

Of course costs to clear blocked drains vary depending upon the nature of each job, the complexity of what’s involved and how bad the blockage is. However having said that, there are basic pricing standards we apply.

Here are some of the most common.

• Basic blockages (eg blocked toilet) – These jobs can typically be corrected quickly – $150-$200
• Entry level blockages – Drain machine, electric eel or plumbers snake $200-250 for more severe blockages. $250 for 1st hour, then $24.75 each 15 minutes after that.
• Drain snake with CCTV high def camera – Great for detection and identificiation before digging, performing corrective work – $300
• Extreme or severe blockages – Hydro-jet (high pressure clearing system typically used for commercial purposes) – $350

Of course, it’s always best to get a quote before assuming costs. We charge a fixed rate here at Superior Plumbing, and with no call out fees, it makes sense to give us a call and have us take a look at it for you.

Other obstructions can cause a blockage.

Rule of thumb – if you haven’t eaten it and its not toilet paper it shouldn’t go down the toilet.

Some things we’ve found – silicon tubes, beer cans, air fresheners, toys, underpants and socks.

Drain blockage prevention tips

Of course, being mindful of what you put down the drain is obviously one of the best ways to prevent a slow or clogged drain in your home or place of business.

For eg, cooking grease, hair, toothpaste, soap scum and food scraps are certainly things you want to avoid going down your drains.

When it comes to cooking oil, fat or grease, you should always filter it out into a glass jar and dispose of it in the rubbish, as opposed to simply “pouring it down the sink”. Grease and cooking fat solidifies as it cools, which causes blockages in your drains.

Hair can be a difficult one, but it may be worthwhile brushing out your hair over the bathroom floor before stepping into the shower (especially for women) and for men, not allowing large amounts of facial hair to go down the sink when shaving.

Toothpaste much like grease can cause blockages over time too, so it pays to simply run the hot tap for a moment once you’ve finished brushing your teeth.

Food scraps is definitely a big cause of blocked drains. You’ll want to make an effort to scrape off any food scraps into the bin before washing your dishes.

As for toilets, the rule of thumb is this – if you didnt eat it, and its not toilet paper, then it shouldnt be going down the toilet.

Got a blocked drain? Call Superior Plumbing

Over the past 10 years, Superior Plumbing has cleared more than 9,000 drains and pipes.

Here’s why you should call us –

• Fixed price jobs, so you know exactly what its going to cost before we start
• No call out fees
• 100% Guaranteed
• We clean up when we’re done
• We’re fully insured and licensed

If you have issues with your plumbing and have a blocked drain or pipe, then be sure to give us a call and we’ll come out and take a look at it for you.

We look forward to hearing from you.