What Causes Blocked Drains in Fairfield Homes
Drainage blockages in Fairfield properties typically trace back to four common causes: tree root intrusion in aging pipes, grease and fat buildup in kitchen lines, foreign objects lodged in toilet waste lines, and hair or soap scum accumulation in bathroom drains. The cause determines the clearing method and whether structural repair is needed beyond the blockage itself.
Many Fairfield homes were built during the post-war expansion and the 1970s, when terracotta and clay pipes were standard. These materials develop hairline cracks over time, and tree roots seeking moisture enter through those cracks. Once inside, roots expand and trap debris, gradually narrowing the pipe until flow stops. High-pressure water jetting can clear root intrusions in intact pipes, but if the pipe has collapsed or fractured, replacement or relining may be required.
In kitchen waste lines, fat, oil, and grease (FOG) solidify as they cool, creating a waxy buildup that narrows the pipe diameter and traps food scraps and solid waste. Over time, this forms a stubborn obstruction that requires hydro-jetting to scour the pipe walls clean. Mechanical clearing alone often leaves residue behind, which allows the blockage to reform quickly.
Foreign objects, typically sanitary products, wipes, or children's toys flushed down toilets, lodge at bends or junctions in the sewer line. These items don't break down like toilet paper and create an anchor point for other waste to accumulate. We locate these obstructions with CCTV cameras and remove them using high-pressure jetting or mechanical extraction, depending on the material and location.
Hair and soap scum combine to form a dense mat in shower and basin drains, particularly in homes with long-haired occupants. This type of blockage usually sits close to the fixture and can often be cleared quickly, but recurring buildup suggests poor drainage slope or a partially collapsed section further down the line. If clearing the immediate obstruction doesn't restore full flow, we inspect the line with a camera to check for underlying structural issues.
How We Clear Blocked Drains Without Guesswork
We clear blocked drains in Fairfield by first confirming what's causing the restriction, then selecting the clearing method that removes the obstruction without damaging the pipe. This typically involves high-definition camera inspection to locate the blockage, high-pressure water jetting to clear it, and verification testing to confirm flow is restored.
The process starts with a visual inspection of the affected fixtures and access points. We confirm which drains are slow or backing up, check for external overflow, and identify the likely section of pipework involved. If the blockage location isn't obvious, we insert a CCTV drain camera through an access point (cleanout, inspection opening, or fixture trap) and trace the line until we locate the restriction. The camera shows us the blockage type, depth, and condition of the surrounding pipe.
Once the cause is confirmed, we clear the line using high-pressure water jetting in most cases. The jetter uses specialised nozzles that fire water at 3,000 to 5,000 PSI, which is strong enough to pulverise tree roots, scour grease from pipe walls, and dislodge foreign objects, but controlled enough to avoid damaging PVC, clay, or cast iron pipes. For metal objects or specific obstructions, we may use a mechanical drain snake (electric eel) to break up or retrieve the blockage.
After clearing, we run water through the system to verify flow is restored and check for any remaining restrictions. If the CCTV check revealed cracks, collapsed sections, or severe root intrusion, we explain what was found and outline the options (relining, spot repair, or replacement). You receive a fixed-price quote for any additional work, and nothing proceeds without your approval.
This approach removes the obstruction and confirms what caused it, so you understand whether it's a one-off event (foreign object) or a recurring issue (root intrusion, pipe deterioration) that may need long-term attention. We explain what we found in plain English and provide photos or footage from the CCTV check where helpful.
Emergency Drain Clearing When Water Backs Up
When drains back up and water overflows into your home, the priority is stopping the flow, containing the damage, and restoring safe drainage as quickly as possible. We dispatch emergency drainage jobs immediately from our West Sydney hub and provide an ETA when you book.
Active backflow, whether from a toilet, shower, or external gully trap, creates a hygiene risk and can damage floors, carpets, and furnishings if not contained. If you're dealing with an overflow, turn off water supply to the affected fixtures if safe to do so, and avoid using sinks, toilets, or showers until the blockage is cleared. Do not attempt to clear the blockage with chemical drain cleaners during an active overflow, as the chemicals can mix with standing water and create additional hazards.
Our emergency plumbers carry high-pressure jetters and CCTV cameras on every vehicle, so we can diagnose and clear the blockage onsite without returning for equipment. Once we've restored flow and verified the line is clear, we clean up any overflow residue and explain what caused the blockage and how to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Emergency callouts are priced the same way as standard jobs: we confirm scope onsite and provide a fixed-price quote before starting work. After-hours and weekend availability is included in our 24/7 service, so you're not charged a premium for urgent response. If the blockage reveals structural damage that requires follow-up work, we explain the options and schedule that separately, once the immediate emergency is resolved.
CCTV Drain Inspections to Confirm What's Happening Underground
We use high-definition drain inspection cameras to inspect pipework and locate blockages without excavation or guesswork. The camera is a flexible rod with a waterproof lens and LED lighting, fed through the drain line to provide a live video feed of the pipe interior. This shows us the blockage type, location, and condition of the surrounding pipe, so we can select the right clearing method and identify any structural issues.
Camera inspections are included as part of our standard blockage clearing process when the obstruction location isn't obvious from external signs. The camera enters through an access point (cleanout, inspection opening, or fixture trap) and travels along the line, recording footage as it moves. We can see root intrusions, grease buildup, foreign objects, cracks, joint displacement, and pipe collapse in real time.
For properties with recurring blockages, a camera inspection often reveals the underlying cause: a partially collapsed section, a bellied (sagging) pipe that traps debris, or severe root intrusion that will continue to obstruct flow even after clearing. In these cases, we provide footage or photos of what we found and explain the long-term options (relining, spot repair, or replacement) with a fixed-price quote for each approach.
Inspections can also be performed as a standalone service for pre-purchase building checks, compliance verification, or routine maintenance. If you're buying a Fairfield property and want to confirm the condition of the sewer line before settlement, a CCTV check provides a permanent record of what's underground and whether any work is needed.
Pipe Relining for Cracked or Root-Damaged Drains
When a drain CCTV check reveals cracks, root intrusion, or joint displacement in the sewer line, pipe lining offers a permanent repair without excavation. The process involves inserting a flexible, resin-saturated liner into the damaged section, inflating it to fit the pipe interior, and curing it to form a seamless, structurally independent pipe within the existing line.
Relining is effective for PVC, clay, cast iron, and concrete pipes, provided the original structure hasn't completely collapsed. It seals cracks, blocks future root entry, and restores the pipe to near-new condition without digging up driveways, gardens, or internal floors. In Fairfield properties where the sewer line runs beneath established landscaping or permanent structures, relining avoids the cost and disruption of traditional excavation and replacement.
The liner is made from a fibreglass or felt material impregnated with epoxy resin. Once positioned inside the damaged section, it's inflated using air pressure or water, pressing it against the pipe walls. The resin is then cured (hardened) using hot water service, steam, or UV light, depending on the pipe diameter and access. Once cured, the liner becomes a rigid, corrosion-resistant pipe that can last 50 years or more.
Relining is not suitable for completely collapsed pipes or sections with severe misalignment, as the liner requires a mostly intact structure to adhere to. If inspection shows the pipe has collapsed, we explain the excavation and replacement process and provide a fixed-price quote for both options, so you can compare cost, timeframe, and disruption before deciding.
Gas Fitting and Leak Detection
Fixed Today Plumbing provides licensed gas fitting services in Fairfield, including new gas point installation, appliance connections, and gas leak detection and repair. All gas work is performed by licensed NSW gas fitters and meets AS/NZS 5601.1 safety standards. A compliance certificate is issued upon completion where required.
Gas leaks are identified by the distinctive "rotten egg" odour (added mercaptan), hissing sounds near appliances or pipework, or dying vegetation over underground lines. If you smell gas, do not operate electrical switches, open flames, or anything that could create a spark. Ventilate the area, turn off the gas supply at the meter if safe to do so, and call us immediately. Our emergency plumbers are available 24/7 and carry combustible gas detectors and thermal imaging equipment to locate leaks behind walls or in sub-floors.
Once a leak is located and repaired, we perform a pressure loss test to confirm the system is gas-tight before recommissioning. This involves isolating the affected section, pressurising it with air or inert gas, and monitoring for pressure drop over a set period. If the pressure holds, the repair is verified and the system is safe to use. If pressure drops, we re-inspect and re-test until the system passes.
We also install new gas points for cooktops, ovens, hot water systems, and heating appliances. Installation includes running the gas line from the meter or existing point to the appliance location, fitting the appropriate valve and connection, and testing for leaks. All work is documented and compliant with local authority requirements.
Hot Water System Repairs and Replacements
We install, repair, and maintain electric, gas, and heat pump hot water systems across Fairfield. Common issues include fluctuating water temperatures, visible rust in the water, no hot water at all, or water pooling around the base of the tank. These symptoms often indicate a failing heating element, sacrificial anode rod corrosion, sediment buildup, or a leaking tank.
Storage tank systems (electric and gas) rely on a sacrificial anode rod to prevent internal corrosion. Over time, the anode deteriorates, and if not replaced, the tank itself begins to corrode, leading to leaks and eventual failure. We check anode condition during routine servicing and replace it before the tank is compromised. Sediment buildup at the base of the tank insulates the heating element or gas burner, reducing efficiency and potentially causing overheating. We flush the tank to remove sediment and restore normal operation.
Continuous flow (instantaneous) gas systems heat water on demand and don't store hot water in a tank. These units can develop ignition faults, blocked heat exchangers, or flow sensor issues, which prevent the burner from firing. We diagnose the fault using the unit's error codes and manufacturer service manuals, then repair or replace the faulty component.
When a hot water unit reaches the end of its service life (typically 8-12 years for storage tanks, 15-20 years for continuous flow), replacement is more cost-effective than ongoing repairs. We work with trusted brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Vulcan, Aquamax, and Thermann, and explain the differences between electric, gas, and heat pump systems so you can select the option that suits your household size, energy costs, and available space.
All hot water installations include a Tempering Valve (to limit outlet temperature to 50°C and prevent scalding) and a Pressure Relief Valve (to prevent tank over-pressurisation), as required by AS/NZS 3500 and the National Construction Code. We test both valves after installation to confirm they operate correctly, and provide a compliance certificate where required.
Burst Pipe Repairs and Water Leak Detection
Burst pipes create immediate water damage risk and require urgent response to isolate the leak, stop the flow, and repair the damaged section. Common causes include aging pipe material (galvanised steel, copper), ground movement, freezing (rare in Fairfield but possible during cold snaps), or external impact from construction or root pressure.
If a pipe bursts inside your home, turn off the water supply at the meter if safe to do so, and move belongings away from the affected area. We dispatch broken pipe repairs as emergency callouts and carry pipe repair materials, fittings, and cutting tools on every vehicle, so we can isolate and repair the damaged section onsite.
For leaks that aren't immediately visible, we use electronic ultrasonic leak detection and thermal imaging to locate the source without invasive investigation. Ultrasonic detectors pick up the sound of water escaping under pressure, even through walls, floors, or slabs. Thermal imaging shows temperature variations caused by water flow, which helps pinpoint the leak location. Once located, we expose the damaged section, repair or replace the pipe, and test the system to confirm the leak is resolved.
In Fairfield properties with older galvanised steel or copper pipework, recurring leaks often indicate systemic corrosion rather than isolated damage. If inspection shows widespread deterioration, we explain the options for partial or full repiping and provide a fixed-price quote for both approaches, so you can decide based on cost, disruption, and long-term reliability.
Stormwater Drain Clearing and Downpipe Unblocking
Stormwater drains carry roof runoff and surface water away from your property to the street or council system. When these drains block, water pools around the building, which can cause foundation damage, internal flooding, or erosion. Common causes include leaf litter, silt buildup, and debris washed in during heavy rain.
We clear stormwater drains using high-pressure water jetting to remove accumulated debris and restore flow. If the blockage is caused by a collapsed or damaged section, we inspect the line with a CCTV camera to confirm the location and extent of the damage, then explain the repair options (relining, spot excavation, or replacement).
Downpipes that drain into underground stormwater lines can block at the entry point, particularly if the leaf guard is missing or damaged. We clear downpipe blockages by flushing the line from the roof outlet or accessing the underground connection point, depending on the layout. If the blockage is caused by root intrusion or structural damage, we identify the cause with a camera inspection and provide a fixed price quote for repair.
In older Fairfield properties, stormwater and sewer lines were sometimes connected (an illegal configuration under current standards). If inspection shows this cross-connection, we explain the separation requirements and provide a quote to bring the system into compliance with Sydney Water regulations.
Toilet Repairs and Unblocking
Blocked toilets are typically caused by excessive toilet paper, foreign objects (wipes, sanitary products, toys), or a restriction further down the sewer line. We clear toilet blockages using a closet auger (a short, flexible snake designed for toilet traps) or high-pressure jetting if the blockage is beyond the fixture.
If the toilet continues to block after clearing, the issue is often further down the line: root intrusion, a partially collapsed pipe, or a bellied section that traps waste. We inspect the sewer line with a CCTV camera to locate the underlying cause and provide a fixed-price quote for the required repair (clearing, relining, or replacement).
Toilets that run continuously, refill slowly, or don't flush properly usually have a faulty cistern mechanism: a worn flapper valve, a stuck float, or a failed inlet valve. We carry common replacement parts on our vehicles and can repair most cistern faults onsite. If the cistern is cracked or the flush mechanism is obsolete, we source and install a replacement cistern or complete toilet suite, depending on the condition and age of the fixture.
Why Fairfield Residents Call Fixed Today Plumbing
We've operated across Western Sydney since 2010, clearing thousands of blocked drains, repairing ruptured pipes, and installing hot water systems in homes and businesses throughout Fairfield and surrounding suburbs. Our team is family-owned, locally based, and familiar with the housing stock, pipework materials, and access constraints common to the area.
All attending technicians are licensed NSW plumbers (Licence 305428C) and carry current Public Liability and Workers Compensation insurance. Public Liability covers accidental property damage during work. Workers Compensation relates to workplace injuries on the job. We arrive in uniform, confirm our identity at the door, and explain what we're doing before starting work.
We protect floors and surfaces with drop sheets, wear boot covers when requested, and clean up the work area before leaving. If the job involves access to multiple rooms or confined spaces, we isolate the work area where practical and keep noise and disruption as low as possible.
Pricing is fixed and provided upfront once scope is confirmed onsite onsite. The price is by the job, not by the hour, so you know the cost before we begin. If inspection reveals additional issues beyond the original scope, we explain the options and provide a separate quote, and nothing proceeds without your approval. All completed work is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, and manufacturer warranties apply to parts and appliances.
We operate 24/7 for emergency plumbing and drainage, with immediate dispatch for urgent jobs from our West Sydney hub. You receive an ETA when booking, and we update you if traffic or prior jobs affect arrival timing. For non-urgent work, we schedule appointments within booking windows that suit your availability, and we coordinate with property managers, strata, or tenants for access where needed.
