Sewer line cleaning Melbourne homeowners can count on
Outright Plumbing provides sewer line cleaning with fixed prices, same-day service, and lasting results. With 25+ years’ experience and 700+ five-star reviews, we keep your system healthy and clear.



Outright Plumbing’s licensed experts sort sewers before (or after) they get messy
You don’t usually think about your sewer until it makes itself known — with a smell you can’t ignore, a toilet that won’t flush, or water bubbling up in the shower drain when the washing machine runs. By the time that happens, the line is already struggling. Outright Plumbing finds the cause quickly and clears it properly, so you’re not left dealing with the same mess a week later.
- We use drain cameras to pinpoint the blockage without a second of guesswork.
- Our jetters and root cutters scrub pipes clean instead of just pushing waste further along.
- If there’s damage, we’ll explain the permanent fix and give you a fixed quote for it.

Cleaning is just the first step in keeping sewers clear
Sewer lines don’t exist on their own. They connect every bathroom, kitchen, and laundry in the house before heading out to the mains. That’s why every clean includes a check of the full system, making sure the problem won’t just come back the next time someone runs a load of washing or has a long shower.
What Melbourne homeowners say about us
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Sewer problems we see in Melbourne homes all the time
Every blocked sewer has a story. Here are the ones we’re called to most often, and how we sort them out.
The toilet that keeps backing up because of tree roots
Roots are relentless. They sniff out moisture and nutrients, then push through tiny cracks in old clay pipes. Once they’re in, they spread and act like a net that catches everything you flush. We use root-cutting heads to slice them back and jetters to flush the debris out, then talk you through whether relining or repairs are needed to keep them from returning.
The kitchen sink that feeds fat and grease into the sewer
Hot water carries grease down the line, but once it cools, it hardens on the inside of the pipe. Layer by layer, the bore shrinks until even toilet paper catches. We break down the fat with high-pressure jetting and check the line with a camera to make sure it’s fully cleared.
The section of pipe that sags and catches everything you flush
Over time, ground movement creates “bellies” in pipes where water pools instead of draining away. These low spots become traps for paper and waste. We can clear them temporarily, but if the sag is severe, we’ll show you the footage and explain your repair options.
The blockage that keeps coming back because the damage hasn’t been fixed
If you’ve had the same line cleared more than once in a short time, chances are the pipe is cracked, misaligned, or collapsing. A quick clear will never hold. That’s why we always camera the line after cleaning: so you know if it’s a once-off blockage or a bigger issue that needs relining or replacement.
What every homeowner should know about sewer line cleaning
Clearing sewers isn’t just about getting the toilet to flush again. It’s about understanding why the blockage happened, and whether it’s going to come back. Here are a few details most people don’t hear unless they ask a licensed plumber.
Roots don’t just find sewers — they chase them
Roots are drawn to moisture and nutrients, which makes sewers their perfect target. They squeeze through gaps in joints or hairline cracks in clay pipes. Once cut back, they often regrow within 6–12 months unless the pipe is repaired or relined. That’s why we don’t just cut them out; we check the pipe’s condition on camera and explain what’s needed to keep them out for good.
Grease turns into concrete inside a pipe
Hot grease looks harmless when it disappears down the sink. By the time it hits cooler pipework underground, it’s already hardening. Over months, layers of grease build up into a rock-like deposit. We’ve seen 100 mm sewer lines reduced to a 20 mm trickle hole by grease. Jetting can strip it back, but fitting grease traps or changing disposal habits is the only way to stop it returning.
Sags, cracks, and misaligned joints create “repeat offenders”
Ground movement in Melbourne’s sandy soils often causes pipes to sag (“bellies”) or joints to slip. These spots catch waste, slow the flow, and cause repeated blockages in the same place. A sewer with a belly will usually block again within months, no matter how often it’s cleared. We always show customers the CCTV footage so they can see the problem themselves and decide on permanent repairs.
A proper clean means jetting, cutting, and CCTV check-ups
Rodding a sewer line might punch a hole through the blockage, but it doesn’t actually remove it. Paper, grease, and roots get pushed further down, ready to block again. A proper sewer clean uses high-pressure water jetting to scour the full diameter of the pipe, root-cutting heads for tree intrusion, and CCTV to prove it’s clear and check for damage. That’s the difference between a week-long fix and a long-term result.
What Outright Plumbing’s sewer line cleaning service includes
We don’t just turn up and hope for the best. We use the right tools, the right checks, and decades of know-how to make sure the job’s done properly. Here’s how we handle it:
Sewer line inspections that pinpoint the problem
Before we touch a thing, we run a detailed inspection of your sewer line. That way, we can spot cracks, grease buildup, or early root intrusion and decide the best approach.
Cleaning methods that protect your pipes
We don’t take shortcuts. Our plumbers use controlled high-pressure water and descaling techniques designed to clear out years of buildup without damaging the pipe wall.
Preventive checks that keep your system healthy
After the cleaning, we check for signs of wear and tear, the condition of the joints, and any weak spots. We’ll let you know what to watch for and how to keep your sewer line flowing for years to come.
Call Outright Plumbing now for sewer line cleaning you can trust
Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a sewer disaster. Call us today and get your sewer line cleaned by the team Melbourne trusts.
See how we’ve solved tough plumbing jobs before
Over the years, we’ve worked on sewer lines and plenty of other tricky plumbing problems across Melbourne. Our case studies show what happens when you mix the right tools with decades of know-how.




Sewer cleaning for commercial properties and councils
When sewers fail in bigger buildings or public systems, the disruption spreads fast. From flooded car parks to multiple toilets offline, these aren’t jobs you can ignore. Outright Plumbing has the gear, reporting, and experience to keep large-scale sewer systems clear and compliant.
- Apartments and strata: Shared lines mean one blockage can back up through dozens of units. We jet and inspect the full run, then provide clear reports to help managers plan long-term maintenance.
- Industrial sites: Trade waste and heavy flows clog large-diameter pipes. Our high-volume jetters handle lines up to 225 mm and beyond, with CCTV to confirm results.
- Local councils: Public toilets, sports grounds, and street-side mains are prone to blockages from roots, debris, and heavy use. We work with councils to clear and maintain these systems, provide inspection footage, and recommend preventative upgrades to protect public infrastructure.
A closer look at our work
Browse our image gallery for examples of the plumbing work we’ve done right here in Melbourne’s southern suburbs.


Why choose Outright Plumbing for sewer line cleaning
When it comes to something as important as your sewer line, you want a plumber you can trust. Here’s why so many Melbourne locals call us first:
Local knowledge that makes the job smoother
We’ve spent years working with Melbourne’s councils, old homes, and tricky drainage setups. That experience means we know what to expect and how to get your sewer line sorted without fuss.
A guarantee that backs every clean
If there’s a problem with the workmanship after we’ve cleaned your sewer line, we’ll come back and fix it for free. That’s our promise and we stick to it.
Straight advice without the upsell
We’ll tell you what needs doing and what doesn’t, in plain language. No scare tactics or no unnecessary extras, just honest plumbing from a team with hundreds of five-star reviews.
Outright Club benefits for loyal customers
Our club members get discounts and priority call-outs, which can make a big difference if you’re managing a property or just want peace of mind for the long term.
Sewer line cleaning in Melbourne’s southern suburbs
We’re based in Bayside and work across Melbourne’s southern suburbs. Whether you’re in Brighton, Sandringham, or anywhere nearby, we’re your local plumber.
Meet the Outright Plumbing team
Here’s your chance to put faces to the names. Our team is approachable, skilled, and always ready to help with your plumbing needs.
Questions we get asked about sewer line cleaning
We’ve gathered the most common questions we hear from homeowners and given you straight answers, checked by our plumbers.
What is the best way to clean a main sewer line?
The best way to clean a main sewer line is with professional equipment designed for drain cleaning. DIY methods like plungers or chemicals might ease a clog temporarily, but they don’t remove the real cause of the problem. A professional sewer cleaning company can access the line properly and make sure it’s cleared for the long term.
At Outright Plumbing, we use high-pressure water jetting and CCTV cameras to identify issues and remove grease, grit, oil, and foreign objects. This approach protects the pipe wall and restores smooth flow through the system.
If you’re noticing repeated toilet blockages, gurgling traps, or slow drains, it’s best to contact us as soon as possible. Acting early can reduce the risk of major causes of sewer overflows and protect your home’s health.
How often should a sewer line be cleaned?
For most residential properties, sewer lines should be cleaned every 18 to 24 months. Regular maintenance helps reduce the risk of clogs and keeps things running smoothly.
In some homes, more frequent cleaning makes sense:
- Older houses with original pipe materials.
- Properties with trees near sewer lines, where roots can intrude.
- Large households where toilets, showers, and sinks see heavier use.
- Kitchens with frequent fat or oil disposal down the sink.
The best way to understand your system’s needs is with a CCTV drain camera inspection. This lets us identify potential problems and recommend a cleaning schedule that fits your property.
How much does sewer line cleaning cost in Melbourne?
Sewer line cleaning in Melbourne generally costs between $250 and $600. The price depends on factors like the length of the line, how easy it is to access, and the cause of the blockage.
Costs are usually influenced by:
- Line length: longer runs take more time and work.
- Type of blockage: fat, grit, or foreign objects can require extra effort to remove.
- Tools required: jobs needing high-pressure water or specialist gear cost more.
At Outright Plumbing, we’ll always give you a clear quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises. If you’re facing an urgent overflow or backup, our emergency plumbing services can get a plumber to your site fast.
What are the signs my sewer line needs cleaning?
Your sewer line usually gives you warnings before a major overflow. Signs to watch for include:
- Multiple fixtures backing up at once, like toilets, showers, and sinks.
- Slow drainage even after you’ve tried basic clearing methods.
- Gurgling sounds coming from toilets or traps.
- Persistent bad odours near drains or outside access points.
- Unusually green patches of lawn caused by sewage seeping into the ground.
If you notice these problems, it’s time to call a sewer cleaning company. Early action helps identify the cause and prevent major damage. For long-term solutions, we also offer blocked drains expertise to address recurring issues at the source.
Do you provide a report after sewer line cleaning?
Yes. Every sewer line cleaning job includes a report so you know exactly what was found and what was done. This usually covers:
- Images or video from a drain camera inspection.
- Notes on the condition of the pipe, including any cracks or wear.
- Practical recommendations for follow-up maintenance.
These reports give you peace of mind and act as a record of the work. They’re also useful if you need to show a facility manager, your insurer, or even the city council that proper action was taken.
Is sewer line cleaning covered by insurance?
In most cases, routine sewer line cleaning is classed as maintenance, which means it isn’t covered by insurance. Policies often only cover sudden damage, such as issues caused by tree roots, ground movement, or major overflows.
That said, it’s worth checking the fine print of your policy. If a serious plumbing emergency occurs, your provider may cover some of the cost. Outright Plumbing can provide detailed reports and documentation from our site visits to support any claim.
Insurance or not, the best protection is preventative care. Regular maintenance and scheduled cleaning reduce the risk of costly damage and help keep your plumbing network in good health.
Helpful plumbing advice from our blog
Want to learn more about looking after your plumbing? Check out these blogs:
Our pipes are cleaner than your feed
If your algorithm’s full of cats and cooking videos, add some sewer lines into the mix. Follow us on Instagram for oddly satisfying cleans and real plumber jobs.
Book your sewer line cleaning today
Sewer problems only get worse the longer you wait. Call Outright Plumbing now or use the form below and we’ll get back to you fast.



















