Wondering what a blocked drain is going to cost is one of the more stressful parts of dealing with one. Here are real Melbourne prices in 2026, plus what should not be on the bill.
Basic blocked drain clearing
Single fixture (kitchen sink, bathroom basin) blocked drain: $180 to $280. Done with a small electric eel or by hand-clearing the trap. Quick job, usually 20 to 30 minutes on site.
Main drain clearing with electric eel
Main line blockage cleared with an electric eel: $250 to $400. This works for most simple blockages but does not necessarily clear tree roots fully.
High-pressure water jetting
For tougher blockages including tree roots: $400 to $700 for the clear, depending on time required. Lasts longer than eel clearing because the jet actually cuts through the root mass.
CCTV inspection
Standalone CCTV inspection: $250 to $400. Often included or discounted when bundled with clearing work.
Repair work after clearing
If the CCTV reveals collapsed pipes or significant damage:
Drain relining: $300 to $500 per metre, plus $500 to $1,500 setup. For a typical 5 metre section: $2,000 to $4,000.
Excavation and pipe replacement: highly variable. $4,000 to $15,000 for typical residential jobs.
After hours pricing
Most plumbers charge 1.5x to 2x rates for after hours emergency callouts. A $300 daytime clear becomes $450 to $600 after hours. Genuine emergencies (sewage backing up, multiple fixtures unusable) are worth this. Slow-draining single fixture can wait for morning.
What pushes price up legitimately
Travel to outer Melbourne suburbs (Sunbury, Pakenham, Werribee). Hard-to-access drains (under decks, in tight courtyards). Particularly stubborn blockages requiring multiple attempts. Properties with old or non-standard pipework.
What to be careful of
A plumber who quotes a low base price on the phone and adds many small fees on site. Get the total quoted upfront before they start.
A plumber who insists on excavation or replacement without doing a CCTV first. Most blockages do not need replacement.
Surcharges for things that should be standard (callout, basic equipment, basic chemicals). These should be in the quoted price.