Blocked Drains Arncliffe

A drainage blockage stops water flowing freely through the pipe. When debris accumulates or roots intrude, water slows, pools in fixtures, or backs up into sinks and showers. In Arncliffe's older streets, where many homes still have original terracotta or clay pipes, root intrusion from established street trees is a recurring pattern. Fine roots enter microscopic cracks, expand over time, and trap passing debris until the line is partially or fully obstructed.

In kitchen drains, fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are the primary culprits. As hot water service cools, FOG solidifies on pipe walls, narrowing the diameter and catching food scraps and soap residue. Over months, this buildup hardens into a dense mass that resists water flow. In bathroom lines, hair combines with soap scum to form clumps that cling to pipe joints and bends. Toilet blockages usually involve excessive paper, wipes marketed as "flushable" (which don't break down in Australian plumbing), or foreign objects accidentally flushed.

We start every job with a visual inspection and, where needed, a CCTV drain camera to confirm the blockage location and type. Once we've identified the cause, we explain what's involved and provide a fixed-price quote before starting. For soft blockages like grease or hair, high-pressure water jetting at controlled pressures pulverises the obstruction and scours the pipe walls clean. For harder obstructions or foreign objects, we use electric drain snakes with specialised cutting heads. If the camera reveals structural damage, collapsed sections, severe root intrusion, or corroded pipe, we explain the repair options and confirm scope before any additional work proceeds.

After clearing the line, we test flow rates and, where practical, run the camera through again to verify the obstruction is fully removed. You'll see the before-and-after footage if requested. We also explain what caused the blockage and, if it's a recurring issue, discuss prevention measures or longer-term solutions like drain relining to seal cracks and prevent future root intrusion.

When a drainage emergency occurs, a toilet overflowing into the bathroom, a burst pipe flooding the laundry, or a sewer backing up into the shower, the priority is stopping the damage and making the situation safe. We're available 24/7 for emergency callouts across Arncliffe and the broader Bayside Council area, and urgent jobs are sent out first from our West Sydney dispatch hub.

If it's safe to do so, isolate the water supply at the meter or turn off the affected fixture to reduce flooding while you're waiting. Don't attempt to clear a blockage with chemical drain cleaners during an active overflow—they can splash back and cause burns, and they won't resolve structural blockages or root intrusion. If you smell gas near a water heater or gas appliance, evacuate immediately, don't operate any switches or flames, and call us from outside the property.

When we arrive, we assess the situation, confirm the affected area, and explain what's needed to make it safe and stop the immediate problem. If it's a blockage, we'll use high-pressure jetting or drain equipment to restore flow. If it's a burst or leak, we'll isolate the damaged section and provide temporary or permanent repair options depending on access and the extent of damage. Once the emergency is under control, we'll explain what caused it and provide a fixed-price quote for any additional work required.

We arrive in uniform, confirm our identity, and explain what we're doing before starting. We use drop sheets to protect floors, and we clean up the work area before leaving. You'll receive documentation of the work completed, suitable for insurance claims, landlords, or strata records if needed.

A hot water supply unit failure usually announces itself with rust-coloured water, fluctuating temperatures, or no hot water at all. In storage tank systems, the sacrificial anode rod, which protects the tank from corrosion, eventually depletes, allowing rust to form inside the tank. Sediment buildup at the bottom insulates the heating element or gas burner, reducing efficiency and eventually causing the element to burn out or the tank to corrode through.

We install, repair, and replace electric storage, gas continuous flow, and heat pump hot water systems across Arncliffe. If your current system has failed, we'll assess whether repair is viable or whether replacement is the more cost-effective option. For older tanks showing rust or leaks, replacement is usually recommended, once a tank starts leaking, it can't be reliably repaired. For newer systems with failed elements, thermostats, or gas valves, repair is often straightforward and completed the same day where parts are available.

All hot water installations must comply with AS/NZS 3500 plumbing standards and include a Tempering Valve (which limits outlet temperature to 50°C to prevent scalding) and a Pressure Relief Valve (which prevents tank over-pressurisation). We install systems to manufacturer specifications, test all safety devices, and verify correct operation before leaving. You'll receive documentation of the installation and the manufacturer's warranty on the unit itself, plus our Lifetime Labour Warranty on the installation workmanship.

If you're replacing an existing system, we'll explain the differences between electric storage, gas continuous flow, and heat pump options, including upfront costs, running costs, and space requirements. Gas continuous flow systems are popular in Arncliffe's smaller homes and apartments because they're compact, energy-efficient, and provide endless hot water. Electric storage remains common in properties without gas supply. Heat pumps offer the lowest running costs but require adequate outdoor space and airflow.