How Much Does It Cost for a Plumber to Snake a Drain? (Australia Pricing Guide 2025)

Blocked drains are a common problem in Australian households. Snaking is one of the fastest methods to clear them, but many homeowners are unsure about costs. Prices vary across the country, with Sydney often at the higher end. Labour rates, call-out fees, and the nature of the blockage all affect the total bill.

A detailed breakdown of typical charges and influencing factors helps set realistic expectations. It also assists in planning whether the job calls for urgent attention or can wait for regular hours.

What Does “Snaking a Drain” Mean?

A drain snake is a flexible steel cable designed to remove blockages from pipes. Plumbers feed it through sinks, toilets, or sewer lines until it reaches the obstruction. Rotating the cable breaks down debris, clearing the path for water to flow again.

Snaking is different from hydro-jetting, which uses high-pressure water, and from chemical cleaners, which dissolve clogs. Snakes are effective for most soft or minor obstructions, such as food particles, hair, or paper buildup. Large roots or severe grease blockages often require heavier methods.

Average Cost to Snake a Drain in Australia

Nationally, homeowners can expect to spend A$100 to A$350 for basic snaking. Kitchen sinks and bathroom drains fall at the lower end. Toilets and deeper sewer lines usually cost more.

Costs rise sharply for major blockages. Tree roots, compacted grease, or collapsed pipes often push total charges into the A$500–800 range, especially if hydro-jetting or camera inspections are involved.

A simple breakdown of typical charges across Australia:

These prices cover snaking only. Extra fees apply if additional equipment is needed.

Sydney-Specific Pricing

Sydney rates trend higher than the national average due to increased labour costs. Basic drain snaking for a single sink or toilet usually starts at A$150–200.

For blockages involving the main sewer line, prices commonly fall between A$300 and A$500. Complex jobs requiring hydro-jetting or CCTV inspection can exceed A$600.

Emergency call-outs after hours increase costs further, often adding an additional A$100–200 to the final bill.

Factors Affecting the Cost

Several variables influence how much a plumber charges for snaking a drain:

• Severity of blockage – Light debris costs less to clear than tree roots or collapsed sections.
• Drain location – Kitchen and bathroom sinks are straightforward, while sewer lines are more complex.
• Method used – Standard snake work is cheaper; hydro-jetting and CCTV inspections raise costs.
• Time of service – After-hours and weekend calls increase labour rates significantly.
• Experience and equipment – Skilled plumbers with advanced tools may charge more but complete jobs faster.
• Extra repairs – If pipe damage is found, patching or replacing sections adds to the total expense.

Cost Components to Expect

Plumbing bills for drain snaking usually combine several elements:

Call-out fee

Ranges from A$60 to A$250. Many Sydney plumbers charge toward the higher end of this range. Some include the first hour of labour in this fee.

Hourly labour

Standard rates fall between A$80 and A$150 per hour, but in Sydney, it can reach A$200 per hour for urgent work.

Flat rates

Certain plumbers offer fixed charges for common jobs, such as toilet snaking. These rates typically range from A$150 to A$300.

Additional charges

Camera inspections add A$150–300. Hydro-jetting may add another A$200–600, depending on length and complexity.

Cost Examples for Common Scenarios

Realistic scenarios provide a clearer view of what typical households might spend on drain snaking:

• Kitchen sink clog: Minor blockage cleared with a manual snake — A$120–180.
• Bathroom toilet blockage: More complex due to bends in pipework — A$200–300.
• Sewer line obstruction with tree roots: Requires mechanical snake and hydro‑jetting — A$500–700.
• After-hours emergency call: Simple toilet snaking at midnight — A$250–400, including surcharge.

Forum discussions show how costs can escalate well beyond these figures. In one Whirlpool thread, a homeowner reported paying A$500 for a drain snake that revealed significant tree root damage. Repair quotes reached A$10,000 due to the need for excavation and pipe replacement. Opinions from other users were divided. Some recommended hiring professionals to manage the entire process, citing safety and quality. Others suggested DIY excavation to cut costs, with one commenter claiming to have saved A$2,000 on a previous job by digging the trench themselves.

This contrast highlights how real-world experiences often differ from simple cost estimates. Additional damage, such as root intrusion or collapsed sections, can turn a routine job into a major repair project.

When Snaking May Not Be Enough

Snaking handles most routine clogs, but some conditions call for stronger methods. Tree roots that have penetrated a sewer line often reappear even after being cleared with a snake. In those cases, hydro-jetting becomes necessary to cut through and flush debris fully.

Grease buildup that hardens inside pipes may also resist basic snaking. Repeated blockages in the same location often point to structural damage. A plumber may recommend camera inspection to check for collapsed sections or broken joints. Costs rise, but this step prevents repeated service calls.

Tips to Save on Drain Snaking Costs

Lowering expenses without sacrificing quality is possible with straightforward planning:

• Ask for itemised quotes. Breakdowns clarify labour, equipment, and additional charges before work begins.
• Check for fixed pricing. Some plumbers charge a set fee for basic clogs, removing uncertainty.
• Schedule during regular hours. Avoid emergency surcharges whenever possible.
• Combine multiple tasks. If more than one drain is slow, address them in one visit rather than booking separate jobs.
• Prevent future clogs. Avoid pouring fats or oils down kitchen sinks and use drain strainers to catch hair and food particles.

Simple habits reduce the likelihood of frequent blockages, saving long-term costs.

Emergency vs Scheduled Drain Snaking

Blocked drains that threaten flooding or sanitation issues cannot wait. Emergency services are widely available but come at a premium. Standard after-hours surcharges range from A$100 to A$200 in addition to standard rates.

Scheduled work during normal business hours is more affordable and allows time to compare quotes. Homeowners who notice slow drainage early can often avoid the emergency rate altogether by booking a standard appointment before a full blockage occurs.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

Basic drain snakes are sold at hardware stores for around A$20–60. They work for shallow sink or shower clogs, provided the user understands how to feed and rotate the cable safely.

Professional snaking is recommended for toilets, deep sewer lines, or recurring clogs. Incorrect use of a snake can damage pipe linings or push blockages deeper into the system. Professionals also carry power augers and inspection cameras, which clear larger obstructions more effectively than manual tools.

Conclusion

Plumber costs for drain snaking in Australia generally range from A$100 to A$350 for basic blockages and rise to A$500 or more for severe cases involving sewer lines. Sydney pricing tends to be higher due to labour rates and call-out fees, with simple work starting at A$150–200.

Factors like blockage severity, method used, and timing of service influence the final price. Early action, clear quotes, and preventive care reduce costs over time. For ongoing or severe issues, professional snaking remains the safest and most effective solution.