Blocked Drain FAQ's in Glebe
What usually causes blocked drains in older Glebe properties?
Tree root intrusion is common in older terrace homes with original terracotta or clay sewer pipes. Fine roots enter through microscopic cracks, expand over time, and trap debris. Kitchen lines often clog from grease buildup, while bathroom drains block due to hair, soap scum, and items like wipes or sanitary products. We use CCTV cameras to locate the blockage and confirm whether it's an obstruction or structural pipe damage.
How do you clear blocked drains without digging up the property?
We use high-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) to clear most blockages. Water is fired at high pressure through specialized nozzles to pulverize roots, scour grease, and flush debris from the line without damaging the pipe. For blockages caused by structural damage, trenchless drain relining may be an option. We confirm the approach after inspecting the line with a CCTV camera.
Do you provide a fixed price before starting drain clearing work?
Yes. We assess the blockage onsite, confirm the scope using a CCTV camera where needed, and provide a flat-rate quote before work starts. The price is by the job, not by the hour, and there are no hidden costs. If inspection reveals structural damage or additional work is needed, options are explained and quoted separately before proceeding.
What should I do if water is backing up inside the property?
Stop using all water fixtures immediately to prevent further overflow. If the backup is severe or contains sewage, arrange an emergency assessment. We dispatch urgent jobs first and provide ETA updates where possible. Once onsite, we locate the blockage, clear it, and verify flow is restored. If the backup caused internal damage, we explain what's needed for cleanup and prevention.
Can you clear blocked stormwater drains in Glebe?
Yes. Stormwater drains often block from leaf litter, silt, or debris entering through grates. We clear the obstruction using water jetting or mechanical tools, then verify the line drains freely. If the blockage is on the council side of the boundary, we advise on reporting it to Sydney Water or the local council for resolution.
How do you handle blocked drains in strata properties?
We coordinate with building managers and follow site requirements such as inductions and sign-in procedures. We confirm whether the blockage is in a lot-specific line or common property, then explain responsibility boundaries where relevant. Job documentation and receipts suitable for strata maintenance logs are provided after completion.
Is there a call-out fee for drain unblocking in Glebe?
For many service areas, there is no call-out fee. Confirm the call-out fee status for Glebe when booking. If a call-out fee applies, it's disclosed upfront and may be offset against the quoted work if you proceed. There are no hidden fees added at the end of the job.
What happens if the blockage is caused by damaged pipes?
If the camera inspection shows cracked pipes, collapsed sections, or significant root damage, we explain the repair options. This may include trenchless pipe relining or targeted excavation. The scope is verified and quoted before any additional work proceeds, so you can decide based on the full picture. All repairs are backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship.
Can you clear blocked drains during evenings or weekends?
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency service for urgent drainage issues, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Urgent jobs are dispatched first from our local hubs. For non-urgent work, we can schedule around your availability and access constraints when booking.
How do you verify the drain is fully cleared before leaving?
After clearing, we test the line by running water through the affected fixtures and confirming flow is restored. For sewer lines, we may use the CCTV camera again to verify the obstruction is gone and the pipe is in good condition. If the blockage was caused by an underlying issue like root intrusion or pipe deterioration, we explain what contributed to it and provide options for long-term prevention.