Blocked Drains Brisbane
A blocked drain needs clearing by a licensed drainer, then a camera run to find out why it blocked. We'll find it, show you, and fix it: we clear what we can on the day and quote any repair as a separate, itemised line.
Why drains block
Urban Utilities names four main causes: fats and solids, wet wipes and sanitary products, tree roots, and stormwater getting into the sewer (Urban Utilities). Downpipes must not run into the sewer, and overflow relief gullies (the grated outlet outside that lets sewage spill outside rather than inside) should be kept clear (Urban Utilities).
Unblocking a sanitary drain (the pipe carrying toilet, shower and sink waste) is regulated minor work that must be done by a licensed person (QBCC). Urban Utilities says not to try clearing a suspected sewer blockage or sewage overflow yourself.
Signs you need it
- Water rising in the shower or bath when the toilet flushes
- Gurgling sounds from drains or the toilet
- Slow sinks that clear, then slow again
- The overflow relief gully outside holding water or overflowing
- A sewage smell in the yard or bathroom
Step by step
- We ask what is happening and where, so we bring the right gear.
- We find the access point and clear the blockage.
- We run the camera through to see what caused it.
- We show you the footage and explain what we found.
- If a repair is needed, you get an itemised fixed quote, separate from the clearing.
The rules in Queensland
Unblocking a sanitary drain is regulated minor work that must be done by a licensed person (QBCC).
Call Urban Utilities on 13 23 64 (24/7) for a confirmed blockage in its pipes, sewage flooding in public areas, several properties affected, an overflowing maintenance hole, or an overflow relief gully holding water or overflowing (Urban Utilities). See who fixes the sewer pipe.
Fast quote
Get a fast quote
Send us a few details and we'll be in touch within 30 minutes.
How it works. Easy as.
Fill out the quick form
A name, a number and what the drain is doing. Photos help if you have them.
We'll be in touch within 30 minutes
We ask a few questions and book a time that suits you.
We come out, clear what we can and run a camera through the pipe
If it is blocked, we get it flowing first. Then the camera goes in to find the cause.
We show you the footage and explain what is wrong
You watch it with us. We point out the crack, the roots or the sag, and roughly where it sits in the yard.
Itemised fixed quote, inspection and repair costs shown separately
Every line on its own, so you can see what the inspection cost and what the fix would cost.
Say yes, flexible payment options if cash flow's tight
No pressure to decide on the spot. If you go ahead, we can talk through ways to spread the cost.
Fixed and checked on camera again, so you can see it's done
Once the work is finished, the camera goes back in and you see the result for yourself.
What changes the cost
Blocked drain cost depends on where the blockage is, how we get in, and what's causing it. Our guide prices are shown below. Any repair found on camera is a separate item.
Questions people ask us
Can I see the camera footage?
Yes. That's the whole point of how we work. You watch the footage with us on the day, we point out what we're seeing, and we explain where the problem is before we talk about any repair.
Should I pay for a camera inspection first?
Usually, yes. Older homes can have original drains, replaced drains or a mix of materials, so the actual pipe has to be checked before anyone recommends a fix. Without footage, a quote for relining or digging is a guess. We show the inspection as its own line, separate from any repair.
Who fixes the sewer, me or Urban Utilities?
The property owner is responsible for private pipes up to the sewer connection point. Urban Utilities is responsible for its sewer property connection and mains. The connection point is not necessarily the property boundary (Urban Utilities). If a plumber finds the fault is on Urban Utilities' side, homeowners can submit reasonable costs for consideration, but that is not automatic.
Can I clear a blocked sewer drain myself?
We don't recommend it. Urban Utilities says not to try clearing a suspected sewer blockage or sewage overflow yourself (Urban Utilities), and unblocking a sanitary drain is regulated minor work for a licensed person.
Is this price typical?
Our guide prices aren't averages, and every job differs. If a quote looks high or low, ask what each line covers. Ours separate inspection, clearing, relining, junctions, digging and restoring, so you can compare like with like.
Will jetting fix roots in clay pipes?
Jetting can clear roots out and get water flowing, but it doesn't close the gap or crack the roots came in through. That's why we film after jetting: if the footage shows open joints or cracks, we'll explain whether relining that section is worth it, and price it as a separate item.
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