$0 Call-Out Fee · ★★★★★ 4.9 from 494 Google Reviews · 24/7 Emergency Drain Response
★ 4.9 · 494 reviews · $0 call-out
Blocked drain right now? We're usually there the same day.
Every clearing and relining job starts with a free CCTV camera check, so you see what's wrong before you pay. Then we clear it, or, if the pipe is cracked or full of roots, reline it without digging up your yard.
Proud sponsor of Inner West clubs
Four quick questions. Likely cause, how urgent it is and what to do next. Free, about a minute, no details needed.
From a recurring blockage to a damaged sewer pipe, Sewer Surgeon provides practical blocked drain services for homes, businesses and properties across Sydney.
Trenchless methods to repair damaged underground pipes without major excavation or unnecessary disruption to your property.
See pipe relining →Our professional blocked drain plumbers clear blocked pipes with effective methods like hydro-jetting and prevent issues from coming back.
See blocked drains →We find the cause of sewer problems and recommend effective solutions for damaged or blocked sewer lines.
Get a Quote →We remove intrusive roots that can enter underground pipes, cause blockages, and damage your drainage system.
See tree root removal →We see what's happening inside your pipes and identify root intrusion, broken pipes, or other drainage issues.
See CCTV inspections →Our high-pressure water cleaning removes roots, grease, debris, and other stubborn buildup from suitable drains.
See hydro-jet cleaning →Our local blocked drain specialists use robotic cutting to remove stubborn root growth and other obstructions from suitable pipes.
See robotic cutting →We provide practical solutions for blocked stormwater drains and other stormwater problems affecting your property.
See stormwater →When a drain overflows or a sewer backs up, our team is available 24/7 to help resolve urgent problems.
When a damaged pipe needs a lasting repair, relining can fix the problem without disrupting your property. A new liner is placed inside the existing pipe and cured in place, creating a new pipe within the old one. This approach can help reduce disruption to your garden, driveway and other areas around your property.
Our pipe relining services may be suitable for cracked pipes, damaged joints and tree root intrusion, depending on the condition of the existing pipe. We start with a free CCTV inspection before quoting to check the pipe's condition and work out whether relining is the right option.
If relining is suitable, our experienced team first cleans the pipe using high-pressure water jetting. The liner is then prepared, installed, and cured using UV technology. Once the work is complete, we carry out another CCTV inspection to check the finished result. Most residential jobs can be completed within a day, depending on the pipe and the work required. These pipes are designed to last around 50 years, and we also offer a lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Our team finds the right solution for your pipe, rather than recommending work you don't need. See how pipe relining in Sydney works, what it costs and how long it lasts
A blocked drain can be more than just an inconvenience. You might notice water draining slowly, a gurgling toilet, unpleasant smells or an overflowing drain. If the same blockage keeps coming back, simply clearing it may not be enough. There could be an underlying problem inside the pipe that needs to be addressed.
Our blocked drain solutions start with a CCTV inspection to find out what's causing the blockage and understand the source of the problem. Once we know what we're dealing with, we choose the right equipment for the job. For most blockages, this means high-pressure water jetting and robotic cutting to clear grease, tree roots, food debris, and other build-up from the pipe effectively. For certain pipe sizes and minor blockage types, we may also use an electric eel.
After clearing the blockage, we carry out a final CCTV inspection to make sure the drain is open and check for any damage or other issues inside the pipe. This prevents future problems from coming back. We provide same-day service and 24/7 emergency support, with a $0 call-out fee and upfront pricing before work begins. See how our blocked drain plumbers in Sydney clear it for good
A general plumber pushes an eel down the drain and hopes. We put a camera in first, show you the footage, then fix the cause — hydro-jetting, robotic root cutting or relining — so the same blockage doesn't come back next month.
We're Sydney Water accredited, and our 10+ technicians have 63 years' combined experience — most of it in the old clay and earthenware pipes under Inner West terraces.
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At Sewer Surgeon, we don't just clear the blockage and leave it at that. We first inspect the pipe to understand what is causing the problem and check its condition properly. From there, we use the right method for the job, whether that's hydro-jetting to clear the drain or pipe relining to repair damage.
We start with a CCTV drain inspection to see what's happening inside the pipe. The camera helps us locate the blockage and identify issues such as tree roots, grease, debris, cracks, damaged joints, or other pipe problems. This means we can diagnose the issue without unnecessary digging or guesswork.
The CCTV inspection is free, and you can view the footage before deciding how you'd like to proceed.
Once we've identified the cause, we choose the most suitable way to clear the drain. High-pressure hydro-jetting uses powerful water jets to remove tree roots, grease, debris, and other build-up from suitable pipes. It helps clean the inside of the pipe rather than simply pushing the blockage further along. For certain pipe sizes or blockage types, we may use an electric eel or other mechanical equipment. The method depends on what we find during the CCTV inspection.
If the inspection finds a damaged pipe that is suitable for relining, we can repair it without major excavation. A resin-saturated liner is installed inside the existing pipe and cured using UV technology, creating a new lining within the old pipe.
The process includes cleaning the pipe, preparing and installing the liner, UV curing, and a final CCTV inspection. Our pipe relining method provides a long-term repair while helping avoid the disruption of digging up your property.
We believe you should understand the likely cost before work begins. The typical cost of clearing a blockage depends on the severity of the problem, access points, nature of blockage, and whether the service call is within working hours.
We also offer:
Every drainage problem is different. CCTV inspection helps us understand the condition and scope before we provide a fixed price.
4.9★ from 494 Google reviews, mostly blocked drains and pipe relining across the Inner West.
Sewer Surgeon is based in Forest Lodge, in the heart of Sydney's Inner West. We've worked on local properties for decades, including older Victorian terraces and homes with ageing earthenware drainage systems that date back to the 1900s–1960s. Our 63 years of combined local experience has given us a solid understanding of the drainage issues that can affect older homes. We know that each property is different, so we first look at the problem before recommending the right solution.
Be it pipe relining or a blocked drain in the Inner West, we cover it all. The Inner West has its own drainage challenges. Older clay pipes, established street trees and changing ground conditions can all lead to recurring drainage problems. Tree roots can grow into old pipe joints, while ground movement can cause pipes to crack or shift. Our team uses CCTV inspections and specialist equipment to check what's happening underground and recommend the most suitable way to fix it with minimum disruption to your property.
Newtown SwansAFLNewtown JetsRugby leaguePetersham Rugby ClubRugby unionInner West Hawks FCFootballHurlstone Park WanderersFootball125 Wigram Road, Forest Lodge NSW 2037 · Family-owned · Open 24/7 for emergencies
Meet the drainage team. We're family-owned, based in Forest Lodge, and the people below are the ones who'll actually turn up to your job.
Director
Andy brings twenty-five years of credible experience in plumbing, spanning high-rise residential to strata maintenance. He oversees the business but specialises in drainage work.
With twenty-five years of well-rounded experience working across Sydney’s Inner West, Andy has developed a wide area of expertise. From high-rise residential builds to strata and real estate maintenance, covering everything from general repairs through to roof work, he has navigated the plumbing industry. This comprehensive experience equips him with the skills and confidence to solve any plumbing-related challenge.
Though Andy is versatile and has worked on most sides of plumbing, he mostly enjoys drainage work, including dig-and-replace, stormwater and sewer work, and pipe relining.
Senior Ground Work Technician, Pipe Relining
Vince has a rich background across multiple facets of plumbing. He started with roofing, now leads pipe relining, from sectional patching to full inversion rehabilitation.
Vince brings extensive experience that helps him solve complex plumbing-related issues. He started out on the roofing side of plumbing, with hands-on experience in roof replacement and maintenance. After joining Sewer Surgeon, Vince broadened his skill set, mastered underground work and now holds a senior position in pipe relining.
He handles the full range: sectional patching and targeted repairs where only part of a line has failed, through to complete inversion rehabilitation where a pipe needs end-to-end pipe relining solutions. It's precise work that involves repairs without any excavation, and demands high-level expertise.
Senior Plumber, Strata & Residential Maintenance
Jarrad is a seasoned plumber with nine years of extensive experience. From new builds, ageing building maintenance, blocked drains and leak investigation, he can handle it all.
Jarrad is a senior plumbing specialist who specialises in all kinds of plumbing challenges across residential and commercial strata properties. From new builds to the ongoing maintenance of older buildings, he has a broad skill set in plumbing.
Blocked drains and leak investigations are areas where most of his time is dedicated. Older strata stock throws up both constantly. These have decades-old drainage lines, shared services, and leaks that need thorough inspection. Jarrad diagnoses the cause rather than clearing the symptom and offers long-term solutions.
Junior Pipe Relining Specialist
A skilled plumbing technician, Ayman has expertise in blocked drains, excavation, and pipe relining. With an experience of five years, he has worked across old and new residential properties.
It has been five years since Ayman joined the plumbing industry, but he has quickly picked up skills across many aspects of the trade. He started with new residential builds before mastering drainage work. He now specialises in blocked drains and has gained a strong edge in two ways of fixing them: traditional dig-and-replace where a line is beyond saving, and pipe relining where it can be rehabilitated in place without tearing up a driveway or garden. Knowing which job calls for which situation is a major skill. This truly aligns with Ayman’s core strength.
Most older Sydney homes still have original sewer pipes that have been underground for decades. These pipes rarely fail overnight. Small problems develop over time until a blockage, smell, or slow drain finally makes them noticeable.
Understanding what happens at each stage can help you work out whether you're dealing with a simple blockage or a bigger problem inside the pipe.
Your sewer pipe was installed when your home was built. In many older Inner West properties, that could mean almost 60 to 100 years ago. Older homes often have earthenware or vitrified clay pipes made from short sections joined together with mortar.
When the pipe is in good condition, you don't think about it. Waste flows away, the pipe stays underground, and everything works as it should. The important thing is knowing what is underneath your property. An older pipe may still be working well, but its age can make it more vulnerable to problems later.
Over time, the mortar between sections of an older clay pipe can deteriorate. Small gaps can form around the joints, allowing moisture to escape into the surrounding soil.
Tree roots are naturally drawn to that moisture. Figs, camphor laurels and plane trees can grow towards the damaged joint and find their way inside. Once a root enters the pipe, it can continue to grow and spread. From above ground, your garden may look completely normal. But the problem lies underneath.
This is usually when you first notice something is wrong. The shower may drain more slowly. You might hear gurgling sounds from the toilet when the washing machine runs. You may notice unpleasant, smelly drains near an outside gully.
The drain gets cleared, and everything seems fine again. But if roots or another obstruction are still inside the pipe, clearing the blockage may only solve the immediate problem. The damaged section is still there. If the same blockage keeps returning, it is worth finding out why before it becomes a bigger issue and getting blocked drain repairs from experts.
At this point, guessing is no longer useful. A CCTV drain inspection lets us see what is actually happening inside the pipe and helps us offer the best drain solutions. This is an effective method for blocked drain diagnosis that can show roots, cracks, damaged joints, misalignment or sections of pipe that have started to collapse.
It can also help locate the affected section and show how extensive the problem is. We, at Sewer Surgeon, use CCTV inspection to understand the problem before recommending a solution. The inspection is free, and you keep the footage. For many homeowners, this is the point where the uncertainty finally goes away, and they get to make an informed decision.
When the pipe is suitable for relining, the old pipe does not need to be dug up and removed. A resin liner is installed through an existing access point and cured inside the old pipe. It creates a new, jointless pipe within the existing one.
Pipe relining means no excavation and no disruption to gardens, driveways and other areas around your home. The damaged joints that allowed roots to enter are no longer exposed. Relining gives the old sewer line a much longer working life.
Not sure which stage you're at? Run the Drain Problem Checker
A yearly CCTV check of your main line, priority call-outs and member pricing on any drain work.
Enjoy access to exclusive discounts and deals.
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Upfront Pricing
Transparent ProcessesUp to 50-yr WarrantyA basic blocked drain clear usually costs around $450–$650. The final price depends on what is causing the blockage and how difficult it is to fix. We identify the issue through a CCTV inspection and then provide a fixed price before starting any approved work.
Pipe relining usually costs around $400–$1,200 per metre. The price depends on the pipe's condition, length, access, and the extent of damage. A blocked drains expert can inspect the pipe and explain whether pipe relining is suitable.
Many residential relining jobs can be completed in one day. Larger or more difficult jobs may take longer, depending on the pipe's length, condition, and access. Our fully licensed plumbers will inspect the pipe first and explain the expected timeframe.
Usually, no. Pipe relining allows many damaged pipes to be repaired through an existing access point without extensive digging up your garden or driveway. However, excavation may still be needed if the pipe has collapsed. Our professional plumbing services team will inspect the pipe and explain the best option.
Yes. We provide a free CCTV inspection as part of our drainage service. CCTV drain cameras let us see inside the pipe without unnecessary digging. They can identify tree roots, cracks, damaged sections, and items such as baby wipes causing blockages in your drains.
A professionally installed relined pipe can last around 50 years. Its lifespan depends on the existing pipe, preparation, and installation quality.
Usually not the blockage itself, but many policies cover sudden damage it causes, like a burst or collapsed pipe flooding the house. We give you the CCTV footage and a written report to send to your insurer.
You're responsible for the pipes on your property up to the point they join Sydney Water's main. If our camera shows the blockage is in their main, we'll show you the footage so you can report it to Sydney Water on 13 20 90.
Same-day service in every suburb below, from our Forest Lodge base. View all service areas
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Pipe relining AbbotsfordPipe relining AnnandalePipe relining AshfieldPipe relining BalmainPipe relining BirchgrovePipe relining CamperdownPipe relining CroydonPipe relining Dulwich HillPipe relining EnmorePipe relining ErskinevillePipe relining Forest LodgePipe relining GlebePipe relining HaberfieldPipe relining Hurlstone ParkPipe relining LeichhardtPipe relining LewishamPipe relining LilyfieldPipe relining MarrickvillePipe relining NewtownPipe relining PetershamPipe relining RozellePipe relining St PetersPipe relining StanmorePipe relining Summer HillPipe relining SydenhamPipe relining TempeBlocked drains AbbotsfordBlocked drains AnnandaleBlocked drains AshfieldBlocked drains BalmainBlocked drains BirchgroveBlocked drains CamperdownBlocked drains CroydonBlocked drains Dulwich HillBlocked drains EnmoreBlocked drains ErskinevilleBlocked drains Forest LodgeBlocked drains GlebeBlocked drains HaberfieldBlocked drains Hurlstone ParkBlocked drains LeichhardtBlocked drains LewishamBlocked drains LilyfieldBlocked drains MarrickvilleBlocked drains NewtownBlocked drains PetershamBlocked drains RozelleBlocked drains St PetersBlocked drains StanmoreBlocked drains Summer HillBlocked drains SydenhamBlocked drains TempeLet us take a look.
At Sewer Surgeon, we use CCTV to identify what's happening inside the pipe and take a close look at the signs before recommending the right solution. You get clear information about the problem and what your options are.
For emergency plumbing, please call 1300 734 677 for our 24/7 service or fill out our online form to book our services.
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Saved us from disaster by relining our ancient, root infested & hard to access sewer line. Also replaced piping under house. Skilled dedicated & trustworthy I can't thank them enough. Great team.
1300 734 677