Blocked Drain FAQ's in Shelly Beach
What causes blocked drains in Shelly Beach properties?
Blocked drains in Shelly Beach typically result from grease solidifying in kitchen pipes, hair and soap buildup in bathroom lines, or debris like leaves and dirt accumulating in stormwater grates. Tree roots seeking moisture can also invade older terracotta or clay pipes through microscopic cracks, gradually expanding and trapping debris. Foreign objects like wipes, sanitary items, or excessive toilet paper flushed down toilets are frequent contributors. The blockage develops over time as material accumulates, eventually restricting flow until water backs up.
How do you clear a drain blockage without damaging pipes?
We clear blocked drains by first diagnosing the blockage type and location using CCTV cameras where the obstruction isn't immediately accessible. For grease and organic buildup, high-pressure water jetting removes the material without harming the pipe. For solid foreign objects, mechanical augering safely breaks up or retrieves the obstruction. The method selected depends on what the CCTV inspection reveals and the pipe material, older clay or cast iron requires gentler pressure than modern PVC. After clearing, we verify flow is restored and check for any underlying structural damage that could cause future blockages.
What should I do immediately if a drain is backing up?
Stop using all water fixtures connected to the affected drain to prevent further overflow. If sewage is backing up into showers or toilets, avoid contact and keep the area ventilated. Do not pour chemical drain cleaners into a completely blocked line, as they can become trapped and create a caustic hazard. Call a fully licensed plumbing technician (NSW) to assess and clear the blockage safely. While waiting, you can place towels or a bucket to contain minor overflow, but don't attempt to dismantle pipes or use excessive force with a plunger, as this can worsen the situation or cause leaks.
Can tree roots be removed from pipes without excavation?
Tree roots can often be removed using high-pressure water jetting with specialised root-cutting nozzles that pulverise the intrusion and scour the pipe interior. This clears the immediate blockage and restores flow without digging. However, if the roots have caused structural damage, such as cracking or displacing the pipe, drain relining offers a trenchless repair option. A resin liner is inserted and cured inside the damaged pipe, sealing cracks and creating a smooth interior that roots can't penetrate. If the pipe has collapsed entirely, excavation and replacement may be necessary, which we explain and quote for once the full extent is confirmed via camera inspection.
How long does it take to clear a typical blocked drain?
A straightforward blockage in an accessible kitchen or bathroom drain usually takes 1 to 2 hours to clear, including diagnosis and flow verification. More complex situations, such as a sewer line blockage requiring extensive jetting, or a blockage deep in the system needing CCTV inspection to locate, can take 2 to 4 hours. The timeframe depends on blockage severity, pipe access, and whether underlying damage is found that requires further work. We confirm the approach and expected time once the onsite assessment reveals what's involved, so you know what to expect before we start.
What's the difference between a drain blockage and a damaged pipe?
A blocked drain means debris or buildup is restricting flow, but the pipe structure is intact. Clearing the obstruction restores normal function. A damaged pipe has structural faults - cracks, collapses, root intrusion that's compromised pipe integrity, or severe corrosion, that affect the line's ability to drain properly even after clearing. camera inspection reveals the difference by showing the pipe interior. If damage is present, we explain whether it's repairable, suitable for relining, or requires replacement, and provide a fixed-fee quote for the necessary work so you can decide how to proceed.
Do you charge a call-out fee for drain blockage issues in Shelly Beach?
Call-out fee arrangements vary by service area. When you book, confirm the call-out fee status for Shelly Beach and whether it's waived if you proceed with the quoted work. We provide a fixed-price quote after assessing the blockage onsite, and you decide whether to proceed once the cost and scope are clear. The quote includes labour, equipment use (cameras, jetters), and verification testing. There are no hidden charges added after work is complete, the price quoted is the price paid.
Can you prevent future drain blockages after clearing?
After clearing a blockage, we identify what caused it and recommend preventative measures. For grease-related kitchen blockages, avoid pouring fats down the sink and use drain strainers to catch food scraps. For hair buildup in bathroom drains, install drain guards and clean them regularly. If tree roots caused the blockage, periodic high-pressure jetting maintenance or pipe relining can prevent recurrence by removing roots before they build up or sealing pipe joints roots exploit. We explain these options based on what the camera inspection showed, so you can decide whether ongoing maintenance makes sense for your property.
Is a CCTV drain inspection always necessary?
CCTV inspection is used when the blockage location isn't immediately obvious, when symptoms suggest a structural issue, or when you want confirmation of pipe condition after clearing. For a simple surface-level blockage, like a P-trap full of hair or a clearly accessible kitchen drain clog, we often clear it directly without needing camera diagnosis. But if water backs up across multiple fixtures, if the blockage recurs frequently, or if we suspect root intrusion or pipe damage, CCTV check pinpoints the cause and shows what's happening inside the line. This ensures we address the root problem, not just the symptom, and quote accurately for any repair work needed.
What warranty covers drain clearing and repairs?
All drainage work we complete is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty, which covers the workmanship for clearing blockages, repairing or replacing pipes, and installing new drainage components. If the same blockage recurs due to incomplete clearing or a fault in our repair work, we return and resolve it at no additional charge. Manufacturer warranties apply separately to any parts or materials we supply, such as PVC pipes or relining materials. The warranty doesn't cover new blockages caused by external factors, like continued grease disposal or new root growth, but it does ensure the work we performed is done properly and lasts as intended.
