Blocked Drains Ashfield

Blocked drains in Ashfield typically result from debris accumulation, tree root intrusion, or structural pipe deterioration. In older Ashfield properties built during the 1950s and 1960s expansion, original terracotta and clay pipes are common. These materials develop hairline cracks over time, allowing fine roots from street trees to enter and expand, trapping hair, grease, and solid waste. In kitchen lines, fats and oils cool and solidify inside the pipe, narrowing the diameter and catching food scraps. Left unaddressed, a partial blockage becomes a full obstruction, causing water to back up into sinks, showers, or toilets, and potentially leading to overflow and property damage.

We assess blocked drains in Ashfield using high-definition CCTV drain cameras to identify the blockage type, depth, and exact location within your property boundary. That visual inspection allows us to confirm whether the issue is debris buildup, root intrusion, or a structural fault like a collapsed section or offset joint. Once the cause is identified, we explain what's involved and provide an upfront fixed-price quote before starting any clearing work. You decide whether to proceed once you know the scope and cost.

High-pressure water jetting is the primary clearing method for most blockages. The equipment uses specialized nozzles that fire water at pressures between 3,000 and 5,000 PSI to pulverize roots, scour grease from pipe walls, and flush debris downstream. For metal or plastic foreign objects lodged in the line, we use mechanical drain snakes (electric eels) to break up or retrieve the obstruction. If the camera inspection reveals structural damage, such as a cracked pipe, root-damaged section, or collapsed line, we explain the repair options, including trenchless pipe relining or targeted excavation and replacement, and provide a separate quote for that work. The clearing and any follow-up repair are treated as distinct scopes, so you're never committed to additional work without confirmation.

Ashfield's mix of narrow terrace side-access, rear-lane entries, and strata common-property boundaries means access varies by property. We confirm access points and any parking or entry constraints when you book, and we use drop sheets and boot covers to protect floors and finishes inside occupied homes. After clearing, we test water flow to verify the blockage is resolved, and we clean up the work area before leaving. If the job requires coordination with strata or a property manager for common-property access, we can work within those booking windows and provide documentation for maintenance logs.

A burst pipe releases water under mains pressure, which can cause significant property damage in a short time. The immediate priority is to stop the flow by isolating the water supply at the meter or the nearest isolation valve, then arrange a licensed plumbing technician to assess the damage and make the repair safe. The burst itself is often caused by corrosion in older galvanised steel or copper pipes, ground movement that stresses rigid joints, or accidental damage during excavation or renovation work.

In Ashfield's older housing stock, we commonly see pinhole leaks in copper pipes that have corroded from the inside due to aggressive water chemistry or electrolysis. These small leaks can go unnoticed for weeks until they weaken the pipe wall enough to cause a sudden rupture. In properties with original galvanised steel pipes, internal rust buildup eventually eats through the pipe, leading to a burst or a steady leak that saturates wall cavities and subfloors.

After isolating the water supply, we inspect the affected section to confirm the extent of the damage and whether surrounding pipes are also at risk. If the burst is localised and the rest of the system is sound, a targeted repair or section replacement is usually sufficient. If the inspection reveals widespread corrosion or multiple weak points, we explain the options for partial or full repiping and provide a quote for that work. The goal is to restore water supply quickly while addressing any underlying risk of further failures.

For properties where excavation is impractical, such as pipes beneath driveways, bathrooms, or established landscaping, we offer trenchless pipe relining as an alternative to traditional dig-and-replace. The relining process involves inserting a flexible, resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe, then inflating and curing it to create a seamless, structurally independent pipe within the old one. This method is effective for PVC, clay, cast iron, and concrete pipes, provided the original structure has not completely collapsed, and it avoids the cost and disruption of excavation.

After completing the repair, we test the system for leaks and restore water pressure to confirm the fix is holding. We also check nearby fixtures and fittings for any secondary damage caused by the pressure surge or water ingress. All work is covered by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, and manufacturer warranties apply separately to any parts or fittings installed.

Gas fitting work in Ashfield must be performed by a licensed and fully insured gas fitter and comply with AS/NZS 5601.1, the Australian Standard for gas installations. Fixed Today Plumbing holds a current NSW gas fitting licence (305428C), and all attending technicians are licensed for gas work. Any new installation, alteration, or repair to a gas system requires a compliance certificate to be issued upon completion, verifying that the work meets safety standards and has passed a mandatory pressure loss test.

We provide a range of gas fitting services across Ashfield properties, including new gas point installations for cooktops and ovens, gas hot water system installations and repairs, gas heater installations and servicing, and gas leak detection and repair. For new connections or appliance installations, the process involves confirming the existing gas supply capacity, running the new gas line to the appliance location, installing the isolation valve and appliance connection, and pressure-testing the system to ensure it is gas-tight before commissioning. We explain each step before starting and provide an upfront fixed-price quote once scope is established onsite.

Gas leaks are identified by the distinctive "rotten egg" odour added to natural gas as a safety signal, or by other indicators such as a hissing sound near appliances, dying vegetation over underground lines, or unusual soot buildup on burners. If you suspect a gas leak, the immediate action is to isolate the gas supply at the meter, ventilate the area by opening doors and windows, avoid operating electrical switches or ignition sources, and call a duly licensed gas fitter to attend. We use combustible gas detectors and thermal imaging to locate leaks behind walls or in subfloors, then isolate the affected section, repair or replace the faulty component, and conduct a full pressure test to confirm the system is safe.

For Ashfield homes with older gas installations, we commonly see corroded brass fittings, perished rubber hoses on appliances, and poorly sealed joints that allow minor gas seepage. These issues are identified during routine servicing or when investigating a suspected leak, and we explain the options for repair or replacement once the fault is confirmed. All gas work is tested and certified before the system is recommissioned, and a compliance certificate is provided for your records.

Gas hot water systems in Ashfield properties are typically continuous flow (instantaneous) units or storage tank systems. Continuous flow units heat water on demand and are preferred for their energy efficiency and compact size, while storage systems provide a buffer of hot water and are suited to properties with higher simultaneous demand. We install and service major brands including Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, and Bosch, and we can advise on the most suitable system for your household size and usage patterns. If your current system is failing or undersized, we assess the existing gas supply and water pressure, explain the options, and provide a fixed-price quote for the new installation.

If you're dealing with a plumbing issue in Ashfield and need an assessment, call us on 1800 349 338 or use the online enquiry form. When you call, we confirm the nature of the issue, provide an ETA based on current bookings and traffic, and allocate the nearest available properly licensed NSW plumber. For urgent jobs, such as active leaks, sewage backups, or gas leakages, we dispatch immediately and provide arrival updates where possible.

Our pricing model is fixed and upfront, quoted by the job once scope is confirmed onsite. That means no hourly rates and no surprise additions at the end. The call-out fee (where applicable) and any diagnostic work are itemised separately from the repair quote, and you decide whether to proceed once you know the full cost. If the first visit uncovers additional issues beyond the original call-out reason, we explain what's involved and provide a separate quote before proceeding with any extra work.

We operate 24/7 for emergency plumbing across Ashfield, with same-day service available for most standard enquiries. After-hours and public holiday rates apply outside business hours, and we explain the pricing when you book. All work is completed by licensed and insured plumbers in NSW, and every job is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship. We're fully insured with Public Liability and Workers Compensation, and we can provide documentation for landlords, agents, strata, or insurance claims where required.

For non-urgent enquiries, such as quotes for renovations, new installations, or planned maintenance, we can schedule a convenient time for the assessment and provide a detailed written quote once we've confirmed the scope. We're familiar with Ashfield's mix of older terraces, mid-century brick homes, and recent unit developments, and we can work around access constraints like narrow side passages, rear-lane entries, and strata common-property boundaries. If you're unsure whether your issue needs immediate attention or can wait, a brief phone call is enough to confirm urgency and book the right response.