A drain cleaner's primary job is to clear blockages and restore flow — but if your pipes are broken or cracked, that's a different matter entirely. The good news is that many drain cleaning professionals in New Zealand also offer pipe repair and relining services, so you may not need to call a separate tradesperson. Here's what you need to know.
What Does a Drain Cleaner Actually Do?
A drain cleaner (sometimes called a drain technician or drainlayer) specialises in diagnosing and clearing blocked drains. Their typical toolkit includes:
- High-pressure water jetting — blasts away grease, scale, and debris
- Electric eel / drain snake — a rotating cable that breaks up blockages
- CCTV drain camera inspection — a small camera fed through the pipe to identify the problem
- Root cutting attachments — for tree roots that have invaded the drain
These methods are excellent for clearing blockages, but they won't seal a crack or rebuild a collapsed section of pipe.
When a Blockage Is Actually a Broken Pipe
This is where things get interesting. Sometimes what looks like a simple blockage is actually caused by a structural problem in the pipe. Common causes include:
- Tree root intrusion that has cracked the pipe wall
- Ground movement or subsidence (common in parts of NZ with expansive soils or seismic activity)
- Old clay or concrete pipes that have deteriorated over time
- Poorly joined sections that have separated
- Corrosion in older metal pipes
A CCTV camera inspection is the best way to tell the difference. If your drain keeps blocking in the same spot, or you notice wet patches, sinkholes, or foul smells in your yard, there's a good chance a broken pipe is to blame rather than just a blockage.
Can a Drain Cleaner Fix Broken Pipes?
Many drain cleaning companies in NZ have expanded their services to include pipe repair. The two main repair options are:
1. Pipe Relining (No-Dig Repair)
Pipe relining is a modern, trenchless method where a resin-saturated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and cured in place, forming a new pipe within the old one. It's ideal for:
- Cracked or fractured pipes
- Root-damaged sections
- Leaking joints
Relining avoids the need to dig up your driveway, garden, or floor — a big advantage in NZ homes where pipes often run under concrete paths or established gardens.
2. Pipe Replacement (Excavation)
For severely collapsed pipes or sections that can't be relined, excavation and replacement is necessary. This involves digging down to the damaged pipe and replacing it with new PVC or other approved pipe.
Restricted Work — Who Can Legally Do Pipe Repairs in NZ?
This is important. In New Zealand, drainlaying is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. This means that any work on your underground drainage system — including repairing or replacing broken pipes — must be carried out by (or under the supervision of) a licensed drainlayer registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
Simply clearing a blockage with a plunger or a basic drain snake is generally considered maintenance that a homeowner can do themselves. However, once you're cutting into pipes, relining, or replacing sections, you're in restricted work territory. Always check that your tradesperson holds a current PGDB licence.
Some drain repairs may also require a building consent, depending on the scope of work. Check with your local council before starting any significant drainage work — what's exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act can vary by situation.
For guidance on the NZ Building Code drainage requirements (particularly clause G13 — Foul Water), visit MBIE Building Performance.
What About Chemical Drain Cleaners?
Off-the-shelf chemical drain cleaners from stores like Bunnings or Mitre 10 can dissolve minor organic blockages, but they will not fix a cracked or broken pipe. In fact, harsh chemicals can sometimes accelerate corrosion in older pipes. Use them sparingly and always follow the safety instructions — they can cause serious burns.
Signs You Need More Than Just a Drain Clean
Call a professional for a camera inspection if you notice:
- Recurring blockages in the same drain
- Multiple drains backing up at once
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or floor wastes
- Wet or sunken patches in your lawn or garden
- Cracks appearing in your foundation or paths near drains
- Sewage smells inside or outside the home
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect a broken or cracked pipe, don't delay. Leaking sewage can cause serious ground contamination, structural damage, and health hazards. A qualified drain technician can carry out a CCTV inspection, confirm the problem, and advise on the best repair option — whether that's relining, spot repair, or full replacement.
For peace of mind, always use a licensed drainlayer registered with the PGDB. You can find qualified local drain cleaning and pipe repair professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
WorkSafe NZ also has guidance on safe working practices around excavations, which is relevant if your repair involves digging.
Sources & Further Reading
- Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB) — licence verification and consumer information
- MBIE Building Performance — NZ Building Code, consents, and drainage requirements
- BRANZ — building research and best practice guidance
- WorkSafe NZ — health and safety for drainage and excavation work
- Bunnings — drain maintenance products for minor DIY blockages
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