Brendan Ross Doberer — Licensed Drainer (New South Wales)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 213146C |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Drainer |
| Status | Expired |
| Issue Date | 13 March 2009 |
| Expiry Date | 12 March 2025 |
| Source | NSW_FT |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with NSW Fair Trading directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Drainer Licence Means in New South Wales
Drainers install, maintain, and repair stormwater drainage, sewer drainage, and sub-soil drainage systems for residential, commercial, and civil projects across Australia. While plumbers handle water supply and internal sanitary plumbing, drainers specialise in the below-ground pipe systems that carry wastewater to the sewer main and stormwater to the street or waterway. In many states, drainage is a separate licence class from plumbing — for example, QBCC issues a "Drainer" licence distinct from the plumber licence, and NSW requires a Drainer licence from NSW Fair Trading. Homeowners most commonly engage a drainer for blocked sewer lines, stormwater drainage for new buildings, sub-soil (agricultural) drainage to manage waterlogged yards, sewer connection and disconnection, CCTV pipe inspections, pipe relining, and stormwater detention system installation as required by council.
Hiring a licensed drainer means you are protected by the state's regulatory framework. Licensed tradespersons must comply with industry standards, maintain appropriate insurance, and can be held accountable through the licensing body's complaint and disciplinary processes.
Hiring a Licensed Drainer in NSW
Before hiring any drainer in New South Wales, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Confirm they hold a specific drainage licence, not just a plumbing licence — In Queensland, NSW, and several other states, drainage work requires a separate Drainer licence. A plumber licensed only for water supply and sanitary plumbing may not be authorised to perform drainage work. Check the licence class on your state regulator's website. In some states (e.g. Victoria), plumbing registration covers drainage, but in others, it does not.
- Ask for a CCTV inspection before committing to major drainage repairs — A CCTV pipe inspection (using a camera inserted into the drain) provides video evidence of the exact location and nature of the problem — tree root intrusion, cracked pipes, joint displacement, or bellied sections. A drainer who recommends excavating and replacing pipes without first performing a CCTV inspection may be recommending more work than is needed. CCTV inspections typically cost $200–$500.
- Check whether they can provide pipe relining as an alternative to excavation — Pipe relining installs a resin-impregnated liner inside the existing pipe, creating a new pipe within the old one — without excavation. This method is faster, less disruptive, and often cheaper than traditional dig-and-replace for damaged sewer and stormwater pipes. Not all drainers offer relining. If your drainage problem can be solved with relining, ask whether the drainer is trained and equipped for it.
- Ask about council requirements for stormwater detention or OSD — Many Australian councils require new buildings and significant renovations to install an On-Site Stormwater Detention (OSD) system to limit stormwater runoff. The drainer should be familiar with your council's OSD requirements, including permitted discharge rates and detention tank sizing. Non-compliant stormwater systems can result in failed council inspections and costly rectification.
- Get clarity on the depth and location of existing services before excavation — Drainage excavation often occurs near other buried services — water mains, gas lines, electrical cables, and telecommunications. A competent drainer will request a Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) report and use a service locator before excavating. Hitting a gas main or electrical cable during drainage excavation is dangerous and expensive.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Recommends excavation without a CCTV inspection first — A drainer who jumps straight to "we need to dig up your yard" without first inspecting the pipe with a CCTV camera may be recommending unnecessary work. CCTV inspection is a standard diagnostic tool that costs $200–$500 and can save thousands by identifying the exact problem location and whether relining is a viable alternative to excavation.
- Does not hold a specific drainage licence — In states where drainage is a separate licence class (e.g. Queensland, NSW), performing drainage work without the correct licence is illegal. Unlicensed drainage work may not be covered by home warranty insurance and may not be accepted by council or your water authority for compliance certificates.
- Does not call Dial Before You Dig before excavating — Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) provides information on the location of underground services (gas, electricity, water, telecommunications). Excavating without a DBYD report is reckless and can result in hitting a gas main, electrical cable, or water main — causing service outages, property damage, and potentially fatal injuries. A competent drainer always orders a DBYD report before any excavation.
Typical Drainer Costs in New South Wales
| Hourly Rate | $85 – $135 |
|---|---|
| Callout Fee | $75 – $125 |
| Blocked drain clearing (CCTV + jet) | $210 – $630 |
| Stormwater drain installation | $1575 – $5250 |
| Sewer line repair or replacement | $2100 – $8400 |
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson describing the problem and requesting a solution within a reasonable time (14–21 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online or by calling 13 32 20
- 3 Fair Trading will assess your complaint and may contact the tradesperson on your behalf