CCTV drain inspection Gold Coast
A CCTV drain inspection puts a waterproof camera inside your pipes and shows exactly what's causing the problem. You see the roots, cracks or sags yourself before deciding on any repair.
- See the footage on the day
- Finds the cause, not just the blockage
- Useful before buying a house
Free call from any Australian phone. Price agreed before any work starts.
When a CCTV drain inspection is worth it
If a drain blocks once, clearing it is usually enough. If it blocks again, something in the pipe is catching waste, and clearing it a third time won't change that.
A CCTV drain inspection shows what's inside: tree roots at a joint, a crack, a sag where water sits, or a build-up of fat. It also shows where the problem is and how deep, so any repair quote is based on what's actually there.
What the camera can find
Tree roots
Fine roots enter through cracked or loose joints and grow into a mat that catches waste.
Cracks and breaks
Common in older clay and earthenware pipes, and after ground movement.
Sags and bellies
A dip in the pipe where water and waste sit instead of draining away.
Wipes, fat and objects
Build-ups that a jetter can clear once the camera shows where they are.
Location and depth
A locator on the camera head marks the spot on the ground, so any digging is precise.
Council or private?
Shows whether the blockage is on your side or in the City's sewer main.
How a CCTV drain inspection works
Access the drain
The camera goes in through an inspection opening, overflow gully or a removed toilet.
Run the camera
The plumber pushes the camera along the line, watching live footage and noting the distance to any problem.
Locate the problem
If repair is needed, a locator marks the exact spot and depth on the ground.
Explain what it shows
You see the footage and get a plain explanation, plus a quote if a repair is needed.
What does a CCTV inspection cost?
| Job | Usual range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| CCTV inspection with high-pressure jetting | $350–$1,100 | $700 |
| Standard blocked drain clear | $150–$500 | $320 |
Ranges from 2026 Australian price guides. Your plumber confirms a firm price before starting. After-hours and weekend call-outs can cost more.
Buying a house? Check the drains first
A standard building and pest inspection doesn't look inside the sewer pipes. In older suburbs with clay pipes and mature trees, a camera inspection before you buy can reveal root damage that would otherwise be your cost after settlement.
Ask the plumber to save the footage so you can use it in negotiations or keep it for future reference.
Common questions
Do I get a copy of the footage?
Ask for it when you book. Many plumbers can save the recording or send you the key clips, which is useful for insurance claims, renovations or selling the house.
Can the camera clear the blockage?
No, the camera only looks. If the drain is fully blocked, the plumber usually jets it first so the camera can travel through.
Will a CCTV inspection show if the council should pay?
Yes. If the footage shows the blockage is in the City of Gold Coast sewer main, the plumber reports it on 1300 000 928 the same day, and the City may reimburse the cost, usually capped at $300 including GST.
How long does it take?
Most residential inspections take around an hour, including explaining the footage.
Related services
Sources: What's The Damage, blocked drain cost guide (October 2026) · City of Gold Coast, Sewer blockages
Need a plumber for this today?
Book a CCTV drain inspection on the Gold Coast and see the footage on the day. Or leave your number and they'll ring you.
Free call from any Australian phone