Drainlaying

The cost to unblock a drain depends on where the blockage is, what is causing it and how long it takes to clear. Drain unblocking at Optiplumb starts from $230 + GST, which includes our drain jetting unit and CCTV camera inspection. If the drain is damaged or blocked by tree roots, we’ll show you the camera footage and provide a written quote for repairs before any further work begins. New drainage for builds, septic tanks and water tanks is quoted per job.

In most cases, the property owner is responsible for the private drains on their property, up to the point where they connect to the public sewer. The council or local water services provider is responsible for the public mains. If your neighbours are also having drainage problems, the blockage may be in the public sewer and you should contact your council. If it's only affecting your property, call a licensed drainlayer such as Optiplumb to find and clear the blockage.

Common signs include sinks, showers or toilets draining slowly, gurgling sounds from plugholes, sewage smells inside or outside the house, and water overflowing from the gully trap outside. Wet or sunken patches in the lawn, or lush grass growing over the drain line, can point to a broken pipe underground. If more than one fixture is affected at once, the blockage is likely in the main drain rather than a single pipe.

The most common causes are tree roots growing into pipe joints, fat and grease poured down the kitchen sink, and wet wipes, sanitary products and paper towels flushed down the toilet. Older homes with earthenware or clay drains are more prone to cracks, root intrusion and collapse as the pipes age or the ground moves. To reduce the risk, only flush toilet paper, wipe grease into the bin before washing dishes, and avoid planting trees over drain lines.

Yes. Optiplumb uses a CCTV drain camera to inspect the inside of your pipes and find blockages, cracks, root intrusion or collapsed sections without digging. A drain inspection is useful for recurring blockages, before buying an older property, or before building over or near existing drains. We'll show you the footage and explain what we found and what repairs, if any, are needed.

Yes. Optiplumb installs septic tanks and on-site wastewater systems for rural and lifestyle properties across the Waikato. Installing a septic system usually requires a building consent from your district council, and the system must meet Waikato Regional Council rules for on-site wastewater discharge. We handle the consent process for you, including working with a geotechnical engineer and designer where required. We’ll advise on the right system type and size for your household and site, then install the tank and drainage field.

Most household septic tanks need pumping every three to five years, depending on the tank size and how many people live in the house. Optiplumb can arrange pump-outs for you. Signs your tank needs attention include slow drains, sewage smells, gurgling pipes and wet or soggy ground around the tank or drainage field. Avoid putting fats, chemicals, wipes or food scraps down the drain, as these can upset the system and shorten its life. 

Yes. Optiplumb installs water tanks for drinking water, rainwater collection and stormwater detention on residential and rural properties. We connect the tank to your roof guttering and downpipes, install overflow drainage, and can connect a pump and filtration to supply the house. Some councils require stormwater detention tanks on new builds and infill developments, and we can advise whether this applies to your property.

Most new drainage work, such as laying drains for a new build, adding a new connection to the public sewer or installing a septic tank, requires a building consent. Some repairs to existing drains may be exempt. Drainlaying must be done by a licensed drainlayer, and an as-built plan showing the location of the new drains is usually supplied to the council. Optiplumb can advise whether your job needs consent.

No. In New Zealand, drainlaying is restricted work and must be carried out by a drainlayer authorised by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Unauthorised drainlaying can lead to fines, problems with council sign-off and difficulties with your home insurance. Poorly laid drains can also leak, block and cause damage to your property and your neighbours'.