Plumbing / Blocked drains
Price a blocked drain callout
Enter your rates. Get an estimate. Copy or print it for free.
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Sewer drain callout
Enter callout.
How it works
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Use your own rates, times and measurements.
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It works it out as you type.
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Send it on, or keep it with the job.
What it covers: Account for included time, additional labour, camera inspection, machine clearing, jetting and after-hours charges.
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How to price a blocked drain callout
A blocked drain can be a quick clear or a long visit with a camera and jetter, so the price needs to flex. A common way to price it is a callout fee that includes a set amount of time, with extra time and equipment charged on top. This calculator builds that estimate from your own rates.
- Choose the blocked drain type, set your callout fee and enter how many minutes it includes. Enter 0 minutes if you charge all time on site separately.
- Estimate the total minutes on site, including the callout allowance. Time beyond the allowance is charged at your additional hourly labour rate.
- Choose how to charge extra time: by the minute, or in 15-minute, 30-minute or full-hour blocks.
- Add flat charges for a drain camera inspection, machine clearing or high-pressure jetting only if you expect to use them. Do not add jetting twice if it is already part of your clearing charge.
- Enter materials and disposal, your materials markup and an after-hours surcharge if the call is outside your normal hours. Leave the markup at 0 if your material prices already include it.
- Enter your tax rate, choose whether prices show before or including tax, and check the subtotal and total.
Tips and common mistakes
- Make it clear the estimate covers clearing the blockage only. If the camera shows a broken or damaged pipe, the repair needs a separate quote.
- Agree any after-hours surcharge with the customer before you attend so the bill is not a surprise.
- Enter your own labour cost per hour to see your profit on the job. It is only for you and never shows on the estimate.
- Keep track of how long similar jobs take you, so your estimated minutes on site get more accurate.
Questions
How much does a plumber charge to unblock a drain?
It depends on your local rates, how long the job takes and what equipment you need. A simple clear may fit inside the callout time, while a stubborn blockage may need a camera, a drain machine or jetting. Use the calculator with your own rates to build a fair price.
What does a plumber's callout fee include?
That is up to you. Many callout fees cover travel and a set amount of time on site, with extra time charged after that. Tell the customer what the fee includes before you go.
Should I charge for a drain camera inspection?
If the camera costs you money to buy, maintain and run, it is fair to charge when you use it. Some plumbers include it in the clearing price and others list it separately. Either way, show it clearly on the estimate.
How do I charge for extra time on a plumbing callout?
Pick a time block and use it every time, such as by the minute or in 15-minute, 30-minute or hourly blocks. Larger blocks are simpler but can feel unfair on a short overrun. The calculator applies your chosen block to time beyond the callout allowance.
Should I charge more for an after-hours blocked drain?
Many businesses add an after-hours surcharge because the work happens in the evening or at the weekend and may mean paying staff more. Set a flat fee or a percentage of the labour, and tell the customer before you go. The calculator adds a flat fee once, or works out the percentage on the additional labour.
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