At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we provide fast, reliable drain unblocking services—backed by a skilled team and quick response times to get things flowing again. Whether it’s a clogged kitchen sink, an overflowing gully trap, or a stormwater backup, we’ll clear it quickly, cleanly, and properly.
Blocked drains stop toilets from flushing, slow down sinks and showers, and cause foul smells around the property. During heavy rain, blocked stormwater drains can cause flooding around homes, driveways, and building entrances. If not fixed quickly, the blockage can damage pipes, lead to wastewater overflow, and result in expensive repairs.
In homes, blocked drains interfere with daily use of bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. In commercial and industrial sites, they can disrupt operations, create safety hazards, and impact staff or customers. DIY methods like plungers or chemicals often make the problem worse and don’t fix the cause—professional drain unblocking is required to resolve it properly.
Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas offers a fast, professional, and proven solution. With a large team of qualified tradesmen, the right tools, and over 110 years of industry experience, we resolve blocked drains properly the first time. Here’s how we get your drains cleared quickly, properly, and with minimal disruption:
Slow Draining Sinks, Showers, or Toilets
When water drains slowly from your sink, shower, or toilet, it’s a clear sign that something is blocking the flow. This is often caused by a buildup of organic matter, grease, hair, or foreign objects in the pipe. If ignored, the blockage can harden and lead to a complete backup—bringing your whole drainage system to a stop.
Bad Smells Coming from Drains
If you notice foul smells coming from your kitchen sink, bathroom drain, or floor drains, it’s likely due to trapped waste water. This usually happens when organic matter or sewage gets stuck in the drain or sewer pipe. The smell won’t go away on its own—and over time, it can spread through your home and cause serious hygiene issues.
Gurgling Sounds in Pipes or Drains
Gurgling sounds in your toilet, shower, or sink mean air is trapped in the pipes—often from a blockage forming in your drainage system. This can be caused by debris, grease, or tree roots interfering with the flow of waste water. The longer it goes unchecked, the higher the chance of a full blockage
or pipe damage.
Water Pooling in Your Yard or Around Outdoor Drains
If water is sitting around your gully trap, outdoor drain, or in patches in your yard, there may be a serious issue underground. Tree roots, silt, and other debris often block stormwater systems or cracked existing drains. Over time, this can lead to flooding, water damage, or erosion around your home
or building.
If you notice any of these problems, don’t ignore them. A clogged drain will only worsen over time, leading to more extensive damage and costly repairs.
At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we use high-pressure jetting, CCTV drain inspections, and hands-on expertise to locate and clear the blockage quickly – whether it’s in your sewer pipe, stormwater drains, kitchen sink, or existing drainage systems. Our experienced team handles everything from debris removal to tree root intrusions, giving you a reliable fix that stops the issue from coming back.
Getting drains unblocked early is a smart way to protect your home, avoid emergencies, and save money over time. At Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas, we use cutting-edge equipment to accurately locate and clear blockages. Our team checks the entire drainage system to ensure the problem is fully resolved and doesn’t come back.
Timely drain unblocking is a smart investment because it prevents damage, avoids costly emergencies, and keeps your entire drainage system running smoothly. With tools like CCTV inspections, water jetting, and full system checks, our team at Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas helps you fix the problem properly the first time—saving you time, money, and stress.
We follow a fast, effective process to unblock drains and restore proper flow in both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re dealing with a blocked toilet, blocked stormwater drains, or backed-up sewer drains, our team delivers reliable drainage services with minimal disruption.
With over a century of experience, Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas is the trusted choice for fast, effective, and professional drain unblocking services. We combine proven expertise with the right tools to clear blockages properly—no guesswork, no shortcuts.
Malcolm RossTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very prompt on the Friday after hours call out as Landlords we appreciate such service and very good work on a major project during the year. Very professional approach Md. HasanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. You are best plumbing service. Thank you so much for servicing David AllpressTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't praise Tuffnells enough for the quality of their work. They are utterly reliable and so prompt in dealing with anything needing urgent attention. My thanks to a superb team! Gordon FletcherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from a professional tradesman. Thank you. Annette MeadTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great people to deal with they help Us out with a water leak carol symeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very prompt and reliable service.100 percent recommend.
Sick of dealing with a blocked drain? Left too long, blockages can lead to leaks, flooding, or pipe damage. Contact Tuffnell Plumbing Drainage & Gas for fast, reliable drain unblocking before it turns into a bigger problem.
The cost to unblock a drain or blocked toilet typically ranges from $180 to $450+GST. This depends on how severe the blockage is, where it’s located, and whether basic clearing or more advanced tools are needed. If we need to access pump chambers, use CCTV inspection, or remove blockages near septic tanks or detention tanks, costs may increase.
We always inspect the issue first and provide a clear, upfront quote before any work begins. Our goal is to offer cost-effective solutions that resolve your drainage issue without unnecessary add-ons.
Most standard drain unblocking jobs are completed in 30 minutes to 2 hours. The exact time depends on how far the blockage is in the pipe and what’s causing it—such as tree roots, foreign objects, or heavy build-up. If the drain is severely blocked or if we need to do a CCTV inspection to find the root cause, the service may take slightly longer.
Our experienced drain unblockers work quickly using high-pressure water jets and the latest equipment to avoid delays. We aim to provide an efficient drain maintenance service that gets your system back to normal as soon as possible.
Our unblocking service includes a site inspection, locating the problem, and using the most suitable method to clear it. This could be mechanical rodding, drain cleaning with water pressure, or hydro excavation for more complex blockages. If needed, we’ll carry out a CCTV drain inspection to check for deeper damage or confirm that the blockage is fully cleared.
We also advise you on any further drain maintenance or drain repairs that might be needed to prevent the problem from returning. Every job is handled by skilled drain unblockers committed to delivering great service and long-term results.
No major preparation is required, but there are a few things that can help. Please make sure we have access to any outdoor drain covers, inspection points, or indoor areas like toilets or laundry sinks if they’re affected. If the blockage is located near septic tanks, detention tanks, or underground infrastructure, let us know so we can plan accordingly.
We bring all the necessary tools and equipment, including CCTV cameras and high-pressure gear, to work efficiently. Our team is trained to handle a wide range of drainage needs with minimal disruption to your property.
Yes, our team consists of certified and experienced drain unblockers who follow industry standards for safety, compliance, and quality. We use the latest drainage technology to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough unblocking services. All of our work is backed by a workmanship guarantee, and we’re happy to return if any problems persist.
Whether you’re dealing with a blocked toilet, a slow drain, or a more serious issue affecting a pump chamber, we stand behind our work. You can expect friendly service, expert support, and a comprehensive range of solutions for any drainage problem.
Providing trusted plumbing, drainage, and gasfitting solutions across the Nelson and Tasman regions for over 110 years.
Our team of licensed professionals is committed to fast, reliable service backed by industry expertise and local knowledge. Whether you need emergency plumbing, hot water repairs, or expert drainage solutions, we’re here to help — whenever you need us.