This is where you separate amateurs from pros. The plumber sends a camera down the drain to your property boundary (or to the council main). They will show you the screen: roots cracking the pipe, a collapsed section, or a displaced joint. Cost: $200–$350. Always get the video file emailed to you.
The plumber should ask where the blockage is (kitchen sink, toilet, outside gully trap). A good one will immediately check the gully trap (the outdoor grate). In my experience, 50% of “internal blockages” are just a full gully trap from garden debris. blocked drain plumber auckland
Auckland’s preferred method. They insert a hose with a spinning nozzle that blasts water at 3000–5000 PSI. This cuts roots, blasts away grease, and scours the pipe clean. Expect to pay $250–$500 depending on pipe length. Note: Do not use a standard water blaster yourself—you can burst old clay pipes. This is where you separate amateurs from pros
For soft blockages (wipes, fat), they’ll use a hand or electric auger. Cost: $150–$250. This is a temporary fix for root intrusion. Cost: $200–$350
A blocked drain is stressful, but Auckland has no shortage of skilled plumbers. Just don’t call the first number on Google—call a local with a real physical address and recent Google Reviews mentioning “CCTV” or “roots.” This review was last updated in April 2026 based on first-hand experiences and verified customer feedback from Auckland property owners.