Drain Unblocking Specialists in Christchurch

Drain unblocking in New Zealand typically costs $150 to $400 for a standard blockage. A basic drain clear using a drain snake or electric eel costs $150 to $250. High-pressure water jetting costs $250 to $500 and is more effective for stubborn blockages and grease buildup. A CCTV drain camera inspection costs $250 to $500 and is recommended if blockages recur, as it identifies the root cause — tree roots, broken pipes, or bellies in the line.

The most common causes of blocked drains in New Zealand homes are tree root intrusion (particularly from willows, poplars, and liquid ambers), grease and fat buildup in kitchen drains, foreign objects flushed down toilets, collapsed or broken earthenware pipes (common in homes built before the 1980s), and ground movement causing pipe misalignment. Older homes with earthenware drainage are particularly prone to root intrusion through cracked joints.

A CCTV drain camera inspection involves sending a small waterproof camera through your drains to identify blockages, breaks, root intrusion, and pipe condition. The footage is recorded so you can see exactly what is happening underground. CCTV inspections are recommended before buying a home (as part of a building inspection), when blockages keep recurring, and after clearing a stubborn blockage to check for pipe damage. Many Christchurch plumbers offer CCTV inspections as a standard service.

Prevent blocked drains by never pouring cooking oil, fat, or grease down the kitchen sink (let it cool and put it in the bin), using drain strainers in showers and basins to catch hair, only flushing toilet paper (no wet wipes, even those labelled flushable), keeping tree roots managed near drain lines, and getting a drain inspection every few years, especially for older homes with earthenware pipes.