Getting your property ready before a drain cleaner arrives is one of the easiest ways to keep the job efficient and cost-effective. A little preparation means the tradesperson can get straight to work rather than spending billable time clearing access or hunting for key infrastructure. Here's what to do before they knock on your door.
Locate Your Drainage Access Points
One of the most helpful things you can do is identify where your drain inspection chambers (also called manholes or cleanout points) are located on your property. These are typically round or square covers set into the ground, often in the lawn, driveway, or garden. Lift the lids carefully — they can be heavy — and check whether they're accessible and not buried under soil or overgrowth.
If you're not sure where your drains run, your local council may hold drainage plans for your property. It's worth calling them or checking their online GIS mapping tool before the tradesperson arrives.
Clear the Area Around Problem Drains
If you know which drain or fixture is blocked — say, a laundry tub, toilet, or floor waste — clear the surrounding area so the drain cleaner has room to work safely. This means:
- Moving stored items, cleaning products, or furniture away from under-sink cabinets
- Shifting pot plants, garden furniture, or tools that block outdoor drain covers
- Cutting back any overgrown grass or plants covering inspection chambers
- Removing any temporary covers or mats placed over floor wastes
The more space the tradesperson has, the faster they can assess and fix the problem.
Note Down What You've Observed
Before the drain cleaner arrives, jot down a few details about the issue. This helps them diagnose the problem quickly:
- Which fixtures are affected — just one drain, or multiple throughout the house?
- When it started — did it come on suddenly or get worse gradually?
- Any unusual signs — gurgling sounds, bad smells, slow drainage, or water backing up into other fixtures
- What you've already tried — plunging, chemical drain cleaners, or anything else
If you've used chemical drain cleaners (such as caustic soda or enzyme-based products), let the tradesperson know. Some chemicals can be hazardous when combined with drain cleaning equipment or water-jetting tools.
Ensure Safe and Easy Property Access
Make sure the drain cleaner can actually get onto your property without delays:
- Unlock any gates, including side gates and rear yard access
- Move vehicles out of the driveway if the drain runs beneath it or if the tradesperson needs to bring in equipment
- Secure pets — dogs in particular can be a safety hazard for tradespeople working with hoses and machinery
- If the work is inside, clear a path from the front door to the affected area
Know Where Your Water Toby Is
Your toby (the main water shutoff valve, usually near the boundary or footpath) may need to be turned off in some situations. Locate it before the drain cleaner arrives and make sure it's operable. If it's seized or buried, mention this when you book the job. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on understanding your home's water and drainage systems.
Protect Flooring and Furnishings Nearby
Drain cleaning can sometimes involve water spillage, especially if a blockage is severe or if water-jetting equipment is used. Lay down old towels or plastic sheeting near indoor drains or under-sink areas to protect your flooring. Move any rugs or valuables away from the work zone.
Understand What's Restricted Work in NZ
In New Zealand, drainlaying is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. This means that any work involving the installation, alteration, or repair of drains must be carried out by — or under the supervision of — a licensed drainlayer or registered plumber. Homeowners can use a plunger or basic drain snake on their own drains, but installation, alteration, or repair of drain pipes should be left to a qualified professional.
You can verify a tradesperson's licence at the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board website before they arrive.
A Quick Pre-Visit Checklist
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Locate inspection chambers / cleanout points | ☐ |
| Clear access around affected drains | ☐ |
| Note symptoms and timeline | ☐ |
| Unlock gates and secure pets | ☐ |
| Move vehicles if needed | ☐ |
| Protect nearby flooring | ☐ |
| Find your toby (water shutoff) | ☐ |
| Note any chemicals already used | ☐ |
When to Call a Professional
If you're experiencing multiple blocked drains, sewage backing up into your home, persistent bad smells, or soggy patches in your lawn above drain lines, these are signs of a more serious issue — possibly a collapsed pipe, tree root intrusion, or a problem with the public sewer connection. These situations require a licensed drainlayer with camera inspection equipment and shouldn't be left unattended.
For Healthy Homes Standards questions (relevant to rental properties), Tenancy Services is a good starting point. You can find qualified, local drain cleaning professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Master Plumbers
Certifying Plumber
SiteWise
