When should I call a tradie instead of DIY?

Call a licensed tradie if the job is outside your skill level, involves regulated work (electrical, gas, plumbing past the tap), or you're unsure about safety.

Plumbing · Plumbing

Unclog a Slow Bathroom Sink

Q: How much does a tradie charge for unclog a slow bathroom sink?

Estimated tradie cost: $150–$280.

Bathroom sinks block with toothpaste, hair and soap. Remove the pop-up plug, fish out the hair with a drain snake, then flush with hot water and bicarb followed by vinegar.

Likely issue

Hair tangled around the pop-up plug

DIY difficulty

1/5

Estimated DIY cost

$0–$10

Estimated tradie cost

$150–$280

Tools required

Drain snake
Rubber gloves
Bucket

Materials required

Plastic drain hair snake$8

Step-by-step instructions

Lift the pop-up plug straight out or unscrew the retaining nut behind the trap.
Bathroom sinks block with toothpaste, hair and soap. Remove the pop-up plug, fish out the hair with a drain snake, then flush with hot water and bicarb followed by vinegar.

Safety warnings

Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, safety glasses), isolate power or water where relevant, and stop work if anything looks unsafe or unfamiliar.

When to call a tradie

Call a licensed tradie if the work is outside the scope of this guide, involves regulated trades (electrical, gas, structural, waterproofing), or if you discover hidden damage. A professional will typically charge $150–$280.

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