Drain Cleaning Cost in Australia (2026)

A blocked drain is annoying; the cost is the second question. Here are indicative Australian ranges for common drain-cleaning jobs and what drives the difference between a cheap fix and a big one.

Indicative price ranges

As a rough guide in Australia: a simple sink, tub or shower clog runs about $150–$450; a main-line clearing $400–$900; and jobs needing camera inspection or hydro-jetting cost more. Severe, inaccessible or recurring blockages sit at the top of these ranges.

Why a main-line clog costs more

A main drain needs a larger machine to reach it and often a camera to locate the blockage and check the line's condition. That equipment and time is what makes it a bigger job than a kitchen sink.

When you need a camera

If the same drain keeps blocking, there's a bad smell, or multiple fixtures are slow, a camera inspection finds the root cause (roots, a collapsed pipe, grease build-up) rather than just re-clearing the symptom.

Getting an accurate quote

Tell the plumber which fixture, how long it's been slow, and whether it's happened before. That lets them quote the right method and give you a realistic total rather than a ballpark.