What Causes Blocked Drains in Galston Properties
Blocked drains in Galston typically result from tree root intrusion in older terracotta or clay pipes, grease and fat accumulation in kitchen lines, or debris buildup in bathroom and laundry drains. In practice, we see fine tree roots entering microscopic cracks in aging pipes, then expanding over time to trap hair, soap scum, food scraps, and other solid waste. The restriction grows gradually until water flow slows or stops completely, often showing up first as poor drainage in sinks, showers, or toilets.
Kitchen blockages often involve Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) that solidifies as it cools inside the pipe, creating a narrowing layer that traps food particles and builds up over weeks or months. Bathroom drains collect hair, soap residue, and personal care products, while laundry lines can be affected by lint, detergent buildup, and small fabric fibres. External sewer lines are vulnerable to root intrusion from large trees seeking moisture, especially in properties built during the 1960s and 1970s when terracotta pipes were standard.
If left unaddressed, a partial blockage can escalate to a complete obstruction, causing sewage to back up into the property or overflow from external gully traps. In some cases, the pressure from a full blockage can stress pipe joints or cause existing cracks to widen, leading to structural damage that requires pipe relining or excavation and replacement.
We confirm the cause and location using high-definition CCTV drain cameras before clearing, so the scope is understood and the right method is selected. This avoids guesswork and ensures the blockage is removed without unnecessary disruption to your property.
High-Pressure Water Jetting and CCTV Drain Diagnosis
Fixed Today Plumbing clears most drain blockages in Galston using high-pressure jetting, which fires water at 3,000 to 5,000 PSI through specialised nozzles to pulverise roots, scour grease from pipe walls, and flush debris back to an access point. This method is effective for stubborn obstructions and restores the line to near-full capacity without damaging the pipe interior, provided the pipe structure is intact.
Where the blockage location or cause is unclear, we use a high-definition CCTV drain camera to inspect the line from an access point such as an inspection opening or cleanout. The camera provides a live video feed, allowing the plumber to identify the blockage type, measure the depth from the entry point, and check for structural issues such as cracks, collapsed sections, or offset joints. If the inspection reveals pipe damage, the options are explained and scope is clarified before any additional work proceeds.
Mechanical clearing using an electric drain snake (often called an "electric eel") is still used for specific blockages involving solid foreign objects or where hydro-jetting is not suitable due to pipe condition. The snake uses a rotating cable with a cutting head to break up or retrieve the obstruction, and is effective for localised blockages in accessible sections of the drainage system.
Once the blockage is cleared, we verify flow by running water through the affected fixture and checking that drainage is restored to normal speed. If the CCTV check identified underlying issues such as root intrusion points or deteriorating pipe sections, we explain the long-term options (ongoing maintenance clearing, trenchless relining, or excavation and replacement) and provide a separate quote for any additional work.
Trenchless Pipe Relining for Structural Drainage Repairs
When a blocked drain in Galston is caused by structural damage such as root intrusion, cracked pipes, or collapsed sections, trenchless drain relining offers a way to repair the line without excavating your driveway, garden, or internal flooring. The process involves inserting a flexible, resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe, then inflating and curing it using air, hot water, or UV light to create a seamless "pipe-within-a-pipe" that is structurally independent.
Pipe relining is effective for PVC, clay, cast iron, and concrete pipes, provided the original structure has not completely collapsed and the line is accessible from an entry point. It's often recommended for repairs beneath permanent structures like driveways, bathrooms, or established landscaping, where excavation would be costly and disruptive. The relined section is smooth, resistant to root intrusion, and typically carries a long-term warranty on the liner material itself.
The relining process starts with a camera inspection to confirm the extent and location of the damage, followed by high-pressure cleaning to remove debris and prepare the pipe surface. The liner is then inserted, positioned, and cured, with verification by CCTV to confirm the liner has bonded correctly and the internal diameter is sufficient for normal flow. The entire process is usually completed in a day for standard residential repairs, depending on the length and complexity of the damaged section.
If CCTV diagnosis shows that relining is suitable for your situation, we explain the process, provide a fixed-price quote, and confirm the timeline before starting. If the damage is too severe for relining, we explain the alternative (excavation and pipe replacement) and provide a separate quote so you can decide with full information.
Burst Pipe Repairs and Leak Detection
A burst pipe in Galston can result from aging galvanised steel or copper pipes, sudden temperature changes, or ground movement that stresses pipe joints. The first signs are usually a sudden drop in water pressure, visible water pooling, damp patches on walls or ceilings, or an unexplained spike in your water bill. If you notice any of these, isolating the water supply at the meter and calling a licensed plumbing specialist reduces the risk of ongoing water damage while the plumber is on the way.
Our team locates hidden leaks using electronic ultrasonic leak detection equipment, which identifies the sound signature of water escaping under pressure, even when the leak is behind walls, under slabs, or buried in the ground. Once the leak is located, we assess whether the pipe can be repaired with a localised patch or coupling, or whether a section needs to be replaced. For underground leaks in accessible areas, trenchless methods such as drain relining can repair the damaged section without excavating the full length of the line.
Burst pipe repairs are treated as urgent, with immediate dispatch available for active leaks causing property damage or loss of water supply. We carry common pipe fittings, couplings, and repair materials in our mobile workshops, which means most repairs can be completed on the first visit once the leak is located and the the scope is confirmed. After the repair is complete, we test the system by restoring water pressure and checking for leaks at the repair point and surrounding joints.
If the burst is caused by corrosion or deterioration in an older section of pipework, we explain whether ongoing monitoring is sufficient or whether replacing a longer section would be more cost-effective in the long term. The decision is yours, and we provide the information needed to make it with confidence.
Gas Fitting and Gas Leak Detection in Galston
Fixed Today Plumbing provides licensed gas fitting services in Galston, including new gas point installations, gas appliance connections, gas hot water system installations, and emergency gas leak detection and repair. All gas work is performed by licensed gas fitters in accordance with AS/NZS 5601.1, and a compliance certificate is issued upon completion to verify the installation meets safety standards.
If you smell gas (a distinctive "rotten egg" odour caused by an added mercaptan), hear a hissing sound near an appliance, or notice dying vegetation over an underground gas line, evacuate the area, avoid operating electrical switches or open flames, and call our emergency line immediately. Our licensed gas fitters use combustible gas detectors and thermal imaging to locate leaks behind walls, in sub-floors, or along underground lines, then isolate the affected section and repair or replace the faulty component.
New gas installations and alterations require a pressure loss test to confirm the system is gas-tight before being recommissioned. We perform this test as part of the standard process, and the results are documented on the compliance certificate provided at the end of the job. If the test identifies a leak at a joint or connection, we locate and rectify it before finalising the work.
For gas hot water service unit installations, we handle the full process: disconnecting and removing the old unit (if applicable), installing the new system with compliant gas connections and flue venting, testing for leaks, and commissioning the unit to confirm it operates correctly. We work with major brands including Rheem, Rinnai, Dux, and Vulcan, and can advise on the most suitable system for your household size, usage patterns, and budget.
Hot Water System Installation and Repair
When a hot water system fails in Galston, the usual signs are no hot water supply, inconsistent temperature, rust-coloured water, or visible leaks around the tank or connections. In older storage systems, the first sign is often rust-coloured water in the morning before the tank has had time to settle, indicating a failing sacrificial anode rod or internal corrosion. For continuous flow gas systems, fluctuating temperatures or the unit failing to ignite typically point to a faulty heat exchanger, ignition component, or gas supply issue.
We install, repair, and maintain electric storage, gas continuous flow, gas storage, and heat pump hot water supply systems across all major brands. The installation process includes disconnecting and safely disposing of the old unit (if applicable), installing the new system with compliant water, gas, and electrical connections, fitting a Tempering Valve to limit outlet temperature to 50°C (as required by AS/NZS 3500), installing a Pressure Relief Valve to prevent tank over-pressurisation, and testing the system to confirm correct operation before leaving.
For repairs, we diagnose the fault using visual inspection, pressure testing, and component testing, then explain the issue and provide a fixed-price quote before proceeding. Common repairs include replacing faulty thermostats, heating elements, sacrificial anode rods, pressure relief valves, and ignition components. If the tank itself has corroded or the heat exchanger is beyond repair, we explain whether repair or replacement is the more cost-effective option and provide quotes for both.
Emergency hot water supply repairs are available 24/7 for situations where loss of hot water creates health or safety concerns, such as homes with young children, elderly residents, or medical needs. For standard hot water issues, same-day service is available when you book early. All hot water work is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, with manufacturer warranties applying to the unit and components.
Blocked Toilet, Shower, and Laundry Drain Clearing
Blocked toilets in Galston are often caused by excessive toilet paper, foreign objects such as wipes or sanitary products, or a restriction further down the sewer line that prevents the toilet from flushing properly. A plunger can sometimes dislodge a localised blockage in the toilet trap, but if plunging doesn't restore normal flushing, the blockage is likely deeper in the line and requires professional clearing to avoid damaging the toilet or pushing the obstruction further into the system.
Blocked showers and floor drains typically involve hair, soap scum, and personal care product buildup in the trap or waste pipe. These blockages develop gradually, starting with slow drainage and progressing to standing water if not addressed. We clear shower and floor blocked drain issues using a combination of manual clearing, mechanical snaking, and hydro-jetting, depending on the blockage type and pipe accessibility.
Laundry drain blockages often result from lint, detergent residue, and small fabric fibres that accumulate in the waste pipe over time. If the laundry tub or washing machine waste backs up during the drain cycle, the blockage is usually in the waste pipe between the fixture and the main sewer line. We clear laundry blockages using the same methods as other internal drains, and can inspect the line with CCTV if the blockage recurs frequently to check for underlying issues such as pipe sag or root intrusion.
For all internal drain blockage issues, the process is the same: locate the blockage using manual inspection or CCTV, clear the restriction using the least disruptive method, verify flow by running water through the fixture, and explain any findings that suggest ongoing maintenance or further investigation is needed.
Stormwater Drain Clearing and Downpipe Unblocking
Stormwater drains in Galston carry roof runoff and surface water away from the property to the street, and can become blocked by leaves, debris, silt, and root intrusion in underground sections. A blocked stormwater drain often shows up as water pooling around downpipes, overflowing gully traps during heavy rain, or damp patches near the foundation where water is not draining away correctly.
We clear stormwater blockages by locating the restriction (usually at a gully trap, inspection opening, or underground junction), then using high-pressure water jetting or mechanical clearing to remove the debris and restore flow. If the blockage is caused by root intrusion or a collapsed section of stormwater pipe, CCTV inspection is used to confirm the location and extent of the damage, and options for repair (relining or excavation) are explained and quoted separately.
Blocked downpipes are usually caused by leaves and debris accumulating in the downpipe itself or at the connection to the stormwater drain. If water overflows from the gutter during rain, the blockage is likely in the downpipe or at the base where it connects to the drain. We clear downpipe blockages by removing the debris from the top or bottom access point, flushing the pipe with water to confirm flow, and checking that the connection to the stormwater drain is clear.
Regular maintenance clearing of stormwater drains and gutter cleaning before the wet season reduces the risk of blockages during heavy rain. If your property has mature trees overhanging the roof or a history of stormwater blockages, scheduling an annual inspection and clearing is a cost-effective way to avoid emergency jobs and water damage during storms.
Why Choose Fixed Today Plumbing for Blocked Drains in Galston
Fixed Today Plumbing has cleared thousands of blocked drains across Sydney's western suburbs since 2010, giving us direct experience with the clay and terracotta pipe failures common in properties built during the 1960s and 1970s expansion, as well as the FOG and debris blockages typical in modern PVC systems. We're a family-owned business with a near-perfect 5-star rating based on 800+ verified customer reviews, reflecting our commitment to clear communication, reliable workmanship, and transparent pricing.
All attending technicians are licensed NSW plumbers, and we carry current Public Liability and Workers Compensation insurance. Our plumbers arrive in uniform, can identify themselves before entry, and have completed police and background checks. We use drop sheets and protective covers to keep work areas tidy, and clean up debris generated by the work before leaving. If you have security-sensitive entry requirements or need to coordinate access with a property manager or tenant, we can accommodate those arrangements when disclosed at booking.
Our pricing model is fixed and upfront: you receive a quote based on confirmed scope before work starts, and the price quoted is the price paid. There are no hidden fees, hourly rates, or surprise costs at the end of the job. The call-out fee status varies by suburb and job type, so confirm this when booking. For paying jobs, mention "web55" to receive $55 off (limited to one use per person).
We operate 24/7 for emergencies where active leaks, sewage backups, or gas leaks require immediate attention. For standard blocked drain issues, same-day service is available when you book early. Urgent jobs are sent out first, with the nearest available technician allocated from our West Sydney hub. We provide ETA updates where possible, and arrival timing depends on current bookings and traffic conditions on the day.
All drainage work is completed to Australian Standards and backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship. If the work fails due to a workmanship issue, we return and rectify it at no additional cost. Manufacturer warranties apply to any parts or materials supplied. If you're unsure whether your drainage issue needs urgent attention or can wait, a brief phone call is enough to confirm the right approach and book the nearest available plumber.
