Blocked Drains Greenwich

Blocked drains in Greenwich properties are cleared by identifying the obstruction type and location, then removing it with the least disruptive method for the existing pipework. This covers typical internal blockages (kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, toilets) and external sewer lines; if CCTV check reveals structural damage or collapse, repair options are explained and quoted separately once the full scope is defined.

In practice, blockages in Greenwich homes usually fall into a few common patterns. Kitchen drains often clog due to fat, oil, and grease (FOG) that solidifies as it cools, trapping food scraps and creating a thick residue on pipe walls. Bathroom drains typically block from hair and soap scum buildup, which binds together over time. Toilets back up when foreign objects (wipes, sanitary products, excessive paper) are flushed and lodge in the trap or further down the line.

External sewer blockages are more common in older Greenwich streets where mature trees grow close to underground pipes. Tree roots seek moisture and enter through microscopic cracks in terracotta or clay pipes, expanding over time and trapping debris. We've cleared root masses from fig and eucalypt roots in Greenwich properties built during the 1960s and 1970s, when terracotta was the standard material for sewer lines.

Our clearing process starts with an onsite assessment. For internal blockages, we check which fixtures are affected and whether the problem is localised (one drain) or widespread (multiple fixtures backing up). For external blockages, we use a high-definition CCTV drain camera to locate the obstruction and assess pipe condition without digging. The camera provides a live feed, so you can see exactly what's causing the issue and where it's located.

Once the blockage is located, we clear it using high-pressure jetting (hydro-jetting). This method fires water at pressures between 3,000 and 5,000 PSI through a specialised nozzle, pulverising root masses, scouring grease from pipe walls, and flushing debris out of the line. Hydro-jetting is safe for most pipe materials (PVC, clay, cast iron) and restores the line to near-full capacity. For solid foreign objects (toys, metal items), we may use an electric drain snake to retrieve or break up the obstruction.

After clearing, we test the line by running water through the system and checking flow rates. If CCTV footage shows structural damage (cracks, joint separation, partial collapse), we explain the repair options, typically trenchless pipe lining or targeted excavation, and provide a separate fixed-price quote for that work. You decide whether to proceed with repairs after seeing the footage and understanding the scope.

Timing varies based on blockage severity and access. A straightforward kitchen or bathroom drain usually takes under an hour to clear. External sewer blockages with root intrusion may take longer if the roots are extensive or the line hasn't been maintained in years. We provide an estimated timeframe once we've assessed the situation onsite, and we keep you informed if anything changes during the job.

For Greenwich residents dealing with a drain blockage, the next step is simple: call us on 1800 349 338 and describe what's happening. We'll ask a few questions to determine urgency (is water backing up? Are multiple fixtures affected?), then dispatch a properly licensed plumbing technician from our West Sydney hub. You'll receive an ETA when you book, and we'll contact you if traffic or a previous job affects arrival timing.

Emergency drainage situations in Greenwich are handled by immediate dispatch of a licensed plumber to assess the issue, stop active damage, and restore safe operation. This covers urgent scenarios where water is backing up into living areas, toilets are overflowing, or a gas smell is present; non-urgent issues are scheduled for service the same day where capacity allows.

A drainage emergency typically involves risk to health, property, or safety. Water backing up from a blocked sewer into showers or sinks creates a contamination risk and needs immediate attention. A toilet overflowing onto bathroom floors can damage flooring and spread bacteria. A ruptured pipe flooding a room can affect electrical outlets and structural timbers. A gas smell anywhere in the home is a safety emergency requiring immediate isolation and inspection.

When you call us for an emergency, we ask a few questions to assess urgency: Is water actively leaking or backing up? Are multiple fixtures affected? Is there a gas smell? Can you safely access the main water or gas shutoff? Based on your answers, we dispatch a fully licensed NSW plumber from our nearest hub, typically West Sydney for Greenwich jobs, and provide an ETA. Urgent jobs are prioritised and sent out first, even outside standard business hours.

Our emergency plumbers arrive in uniform and carry full diagnostic equipment, including CCTV cameras, high-pressure jetters, leak detection tools, and a mobile workshop stocked with common parts. They confirm the problem onsite, explain what's required to make it safe, and provide a fixed-price quote before starting any permanent repair work. If the situation requires immediate action to stop damage (isolating water, clearing a backup), that's done first, then the full scope and quote are confirmed once the emergency is under control.

For blocked drains causing backups, we clear the line using high-pressure jetting or mechanical snaking, then test flow to confirm the blockage is fully removed. For ruptured pipes, we isolate the water supply, repair or replace the damaged section, and verify the system is leak-free before leaving. For gas leaks, we isolate the gas supply at the meter, locate the leak using a combustible gas detector, and repair or replace the faulty section. All gas work is pressure-tested before the system is recommissioned, and a compliance certificate is issued where required.

Emergency call-out fees apply for after-hours work (evenings, weekends, public holidays). The fee structure varies by time and day, and we confirm the call-out fee when you book. If you proceed with the quoted repair, the call-out fee is typically deducted from the total job cost. For standard business hours, many Greenwich jobs have no call-out fee, but it's worth confirming when you call.

We operate 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year. If you're dealing with a plumbing emergency in Greenwich, don't wait. Call 1800 349 338 and we'll get a licensed and insured plumbing technician to your property as quickly as possible.

Hot water system faults in Greenwich are diagnosed by checking the unit type (electric storage, gas continuous flow, heat pump), confirming the symptom (no hot water, fluctuating temperature, leaking tank), and testing the relevant components. This covers standard residential systems from major brands (Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Vulcan, Aquamax, Thermann); if the system is a solar or commercial unit, we confirm compatibility and parts availability before quoting.

The most common hot water issues in Greenwich homes are no hot water from a storage tank (usually a failed heating element or thermostat in electric units, or a faulty gas valve or pilot light in gas units), fluctuating water temperature (often a failing tempering valve or sediment buildup), and visible leaks from the tank or fittings (typically a corroded sacrificial anode or pressure relief valve).

When a water heater fails, the starting point is determining whether it's repairable or needs replacement. Electric storage tanks over 10 years old with internal corrosion or element failure are often more cost-effective to replace than repair, as the tank itself may be near the end of its lifespan. Gas continuous flow units are generally more repairable, with common faults being blocked burners, faulty igniters, or worn heat exchangers.

Our diagnostic process involves isolating the water and power/gas supply, removing covers to access internal components, and testing elements, thermostats, gas valves, and igniters as applicable. For electric units, we use a multimeter to check element resistance and thermostat operation. For gas units, we check burner operation, flame pattern, and gas pressure. If sediment buildup is suspected, we drain the tank and inspect the interior where possible.

Once the fault is identified, we explain the repair options and provide a fixed price quote. If replacement is recommended, we discuss system types (electric vs gas, storage vs continuous flow, standard vs heat pump) and help you choose a unit suited to your household size and usage patterns. We handle the full installation: removing the old unit, installing the new system in a compliant location, connecting water, power, and gas as applicable, and installing a Tempering Valve and Pressure Relief Valve as required by the National Construction Code.

Hot water installations must comply with AS/NZS 3500 standards, including tempering valve installation to limit outlet temperature to 50°C (preventing scalding), pressure relief valve installation to prevent tank over-pressurisation, and adequate clearance and ventilation for gas units. We provide a compliance certificate for all new installations, and all workmanship is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty.

For Greenwich residents with hot water issues, call 1800 349 338 to book an inspection. We'll confirm the fault, explain your options, and get your hot water running again as quickly as possible.