Pricing Guide · Adelaide, SA
Blocked Drains Cost in Adelaide (2026)
Real ranges from real jobs — and what actually drives the number up or down. No surprises, no lowball bait.
Typical cost ranges
Every job is different — these are honest planning ranges for the Adelaide market.
| Scenario | Typical range |
|---|---|
| CCTV drain survey | AUD $250 – $550 |
| Drain unblocking / high-pressure jetting | AUD $200 – $600 |
| Pipe relining (per metre, structural section) | AUD $500 – $1,200 |
| Full excavation & pipe replacement | AUD $4,000 – $15,000+ |
A written, itemized estimate comes with every free inspection or camera survey — no work begins until you've approved the scope and price.
Red flags in cheap bids
- No camera footage or photos before quoting a fix — if it isn't documented, you're buying a guess
- "We don't need to inspect first" for anything beyond a simple clear — structural damage needs a camera pass
- Pressure to sign for full excavation before a trenchless option is even discussed
- Door-knockers right after a storm with no fixed local address — verify local presence first
Common questions
ResponsibilityWho's responsible for a blocked drain — me or the water utility?
You're generally responsible for the private drain within your property boundary; the water utility maintains the public sewer main under the street. Where the two connect is exactly what a CCTV survey establishes before anyone starts work.
DiagnosisWhat does a CCTV drain survey actually show?
A waterproof camera head runs the length of the pipe live on a monitor, showing tree root intrusion, fat and grease buildup, cracked or collapsed sections, and misaligned joints — so the quote matches the real problem instead of a guess.
MethodJetting or an electric drain snake — what's the difference?
A snake or auger physically breaks through a blockage but can miss material stuck to the pipe walls and occasionally scores the pipe. High-pressure jetting scours the full internal diameter clean, which is why it's the standard approach for grease and scale buildup.
RepairWhat is pipe relining and when do I need it?
Relining installs a resin-impregnated liner inside the existing damaged pipe, curing it into a smooth new pipe-within-a-pipe. It's the option when the camera survey shows structural damage — cracks, root ingress, or a collapsing section — rather than just a blockage.
PricingWhy is there such a wide range?
Scope drives cost: how much of the line is affected, how severe the blockage or damage is, and whether trenchless repair or excavation is needed. That's why every job starts with a free camera inspection — you get a real number for your situation, not a guess.
InsuranceWill insurance pay for this?
Check your policy's endorsement list — flood cover varies by policy; strata/body-corporate angle — before assuming coverage either way. We provide the documentation carriers require if a claim applies.
Request a free inspection
Tell us what happened — a local coordinator will follow up quickly.