Blocked Drain FAQ's in Epping
What causes blocked drains in Epping properties?
Blocked drains in Epping typically result from fat and grease buildup in kitchen lines, hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, or tree root intrusion in external sewer lines. Older properties with terracotta or clay pipes are especially vulnerable to root damage, as mature street trees seek moisture through microscopic cracks. Foreign objects like sanitary products or wipes flushed down toilets also cause blockages, as they don't break down like toilet paper.
How do you clear a drain blockage without damaging the pipes?
We use high-pressure jetting for most blockages, which scours debris from pipe walls without damaging the pipe material. Before jetting, we run a CCTV camera through the line to confirm the pipe condition and blockage type. If the pipe is fragile or damaged, we adjust pressure or use mechanical snakes instead. The clearing method is chosen based on what the camera inspection reveals, ensuring the pipe can handle the process safely.
What should I do if a drain is backing up right now?
Stop using all water fixtures connected to the affected drain to prevent further backup. If water is overflowing, turn off the water supply at the meter or internal shut-off valve if you can safely access it. Don't attempt to force the blockage with chemical cleaners or excessive plunging, as this can worsen the situation. Call us immediately, we dispatch urgent jobs first and provide an ETA once a plumber is on the way.
Can tree roots be removed from sewer pipes permanently?
High-pressure water jetting removes tree roots from the inside of pipes, but roots will regrow over time as they continue seeking moisture. For a permanent solution, we recommend trenchless pipe relining, which creates a seamless, root-proof barrier inside the existing pipe. Relining eliminates the cracks and joints that roots exploit, preventing future intrusion without requiring excavation. We explain both options and provide fixed-price quotes so you can decide based on your property's needs.
How long does it take to clear a blocked drain?
Most straightforward blockages, like grease buildup or hair clumps, are cleared within one to two hours, including camera inspection and flow testing. More complex situations, such as extensive root intrusion or multiple blockages along the line, may take longer and require follow-up visits. We confirm the scope after the initial assessment and provide a realistic timeframe before starting work, so you know what to expect.
Do you charge a call-out fee for blocked drain jobs in Epping?
Call-out fee policies vary by service area. For Epping, check with us when booking to confirm the current call-out fee status for your specific suburb and job type. Our pricing is fixed and provided upfront once we've assessed the blockage and confirmed the clearing method required. The quote includes labour, equipment, and testing, with no hidden fees or hourly rate padding.
What's the difference between a blocked drain and a collapsed pipe?
A blocked drain involves a restriction inside the pipe, debris, roots, or foreign objects obstructing water flow. A collapsed pipe means the pipe structure has failed, usually from ground movement, corrosion, or heavy root pressure. CCTV CCTV inspection reveals the difference. If the pipe has collapsed, clearing the blockage won't restore flow, the damaged section needs repair or relining. We explain what the camera shows and provide options before proceeding.
Can you clear blocked drains under driveways or concrete slabs?
Yes, we clear blockages in pipes under driveways, slabs, and landscaping using high-pressure water jetting and CCTV camera guidance. If the pipe is damaged or structurally compromised, we offer trenchless drain relining, which repairs the pipe from the inside without excavation. Relining avoids the cost and disruption of breaking up concrete or removing established gardens, and it creates a durable, long-term solution.
How do I know if the problem is in my pipes or the council sewer main?
If multiple properties on your street are experiencing drainage issues simultaneously, the problem is likely in the council sewer main. If only your property is affected, the blockage is usually within your boundary. We can confirm this with a CCTV CCTV inspection, which shows exactly where the restriction is located. If the fault is in the council main, we'll advise you to contact Sydney Water, and we can provide camera footage to support your report.
What warranty do you provide on drain blockage unblocking work?
All our workmanship is backed by a Lifetime Labour Warranty, which covers the clearing work we perform. If a blockage recurs in the same location due to our clearing method or process, we return and resolve it at no additional cost. If the recurrence is caused by new debris, further root growth, or structural pipe issues identified after the initial clearing, that falls outside the warranty scope and is quoted separately as a new job.