Blocked Drain FAQ's in Claymore
What are the common causes of blocked drains in Claymore?
Blocked drains in Claymore typically result from tree root intrusion (common in older suburbs with mature trees near clay or terracotta sewer lines), grease and fat buildup in kitchen drains, hair and soap scum accumulation in bathroom lines, and foreign objects like sanitary products or wipes flushed down toilets. Roots enter microscopic cracks in aging pipes, expand over time, and trap debris until water flow is restricted or stopped.
How can I prevent drains from blocking?
Avoid pouring cooking fats and oils down the sink; dispose of them in the bin once cooled. Use drain guards in showers and sinks to catch hair and food particles. Flush only toilet paper and human waste; wipes and sanitary products should go in the bin even if labelled flushable. Periodically pour boiling water down drains to help dissolve soap scum and grease buildup before it hardens.
What should I do if my drain is blocked?
For minor blockages, try a plunger first to create pressure and dislodge the obstruction. If that doesn't work, avoid using chemical drain cleaners repeatedly as they can corrode pipes over time. Contact a licensed and insured plumbing technician for a CCTV inspection and professional clearing. Attempting to force the blockage with makeshift tools can damage pipes and make the problem worse.
Do you charge a call-out fee for blocked drains in Claymore?
Call-out fee policies vary by service area. Many Claymore jobs do not incur a separate call-out fee, but it's worth confirming when you book. Either way, we provide a fixed-price quote after assessing the blockage onsite, so you know the full cost before we start. The price quoted is the price paid, with no hidden fees or hourly rate surprises.
How do plumbers clear blocked drains?
We start with a CCTV CCTV inspection to locate the blockage and confirm the cause. For most obstructions, high-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) is used to pulverise roots, scour grease from pipe walls, and restore full flow. For foreign objects or certain metal obstructions, a mechanical drain snake may be used. After clearing, we verify flow and explain what was found, including any signs of structural damage that may need attention.
What are the signs of a blocked drain?
Slow-draining water in sinks, showers, or toilets is the most common early sign. Gurgling sounds when water drains indicate air trapped by a partial blockage. Unpleasant odours from drains suggest organic matter is decomposing inside the pipe. Water backing up into other fixtures (such as the shower running when you flush the toilet) indicates a blockage in the main sewer line.
Can blocked drains cause damage to my property?
Yes. Severe blockages can cause sewage to back up into the home, creating health hazards and contamination. Prolonged pressure from blocked drains can crack or burst pipes, leading to water damage in walls, ceilings, and subfloors. Tree root intrusion can cause structural pipe failure over time. Addressing blockages early prevents these outcomes and reduces repair costs.
How often should drains be inspected and cleaned?
For most homes, an annual inspection and cleaning is sufficient to maintain healthy drainage. Properties with mature trees near sewer lines, older clay or terracotta pipes, or a history of recurring blockages may benefit from more frequent maintenance. Regular professional inspections using CCTV cameras can identify early signs of root intrusion or pipe deterioration before they cause complete blockages.
What is pipe relining and when is it needed?
Pipe relining is a trenchless repair method where a resin-saturated liner is inserted into a damaged pipe, inflated, and cured in place to create a seamless internal lining. It's used when pipes are cracked, root-damaged, or corroded but not completely collapsed. Relining is particularly useful for repairs beneath driveways, slabs, or established gardens where excavation would be disruptive and expensive.
How quickly can you respond to blocked drains in Claymore?
Urgent drainage jobs are sent out first, with the nearest available licensed plumbing specialist allocated from our local dispatch points. We provide an ETA when you book and update you if traffic or current jobs affect arrival timing. For non-urgent work, we can schedule a time that suits your availability, including evenings and weekends where needed.