Blocked Drain FAQ's in South Wentworthville
What usually causes blocked drains in South Wentworthville properties?
Blocked drains in South Wentworthville are typically caused by accumulated grease and food scraps in kitchen lines, hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, or tree root intrusion in external sewer pipes, particularly in properties built during the 1960s and 1970s with clay or terracotta drainage. Once roots enter through hairline cracks, they expand and trap debris until the line backs up. We use CCTV cameras to confirm the blockage type and location before recommending the clearing method.
How do you clear a blocked drain without digging up the yard?
Most blockages are cleared using hydro jetting, which fires water at controlled pressure to pulverize roots, scour grease, and flush debris downstream without damaging the pipe structure. A CCTV camera locates the restriction first, allowing us to position the jetting nozzle accurately and restore flow without excavation. If the pipe structure is damaged, trenchless relining can reinforce the line without digging, but that is quoted separately once inspection confirms it is needed.
What should I do if my toilet is overflowing or drains are backing up?
If wastewater is actively backing up or overflowing, stop using all plumbing fixtures to prevent additional water entering the system, and contact us immediately for emergency dispatch. Do not attempt to force the blockage with chemical cleaners or excessive plunging, as this can worsen the issue or damage pipes. We prioritize urgent callouts, arrive with diagnostic equipment, and clear the restriction to make the situation safe before explaining what caused it.
Can tree roots be removed from sewer pipes permanently?
Tree roots can be cleared from sewer lines using high-pressure water jetting, which cuts through the root mass and restores flow. However, if the pipe has cracks that allowed the roots to enter, they will eventually return unless the pipe is structurally repaired. Trenchless pipe relining seals those cracks and prevents future root intrusion by creating a smooth, seamless pipe interior that roots cannot penetrate, providing a long-term solution without removing the tree.
How long does it take to clear a blocked drain?
Clearing a typical internal blockage caused by grease, hair, or soap buildup usually takes one to two hours once the plumber arrives, including diagnostic camera inspection, jetting or mechanical clearing, and verification testing. External sewer line blockages involving tree roots may take longer depending on the root density and pipe condition. We confirm the likely timeframe once the camera inspection shows what is causing the blockage and where it is located.
Do you charge a call-out fee for South Wentworthville?
Call-out fee status varies by suburb and service type. When booking, confirm whether a call-out fee applies to your specific location in South Wentworthville and whether it is absorbed into the final job cost if you proceed with the quoted work. Our pricing is fixed by the job once scope is established onsite, not by the hour, so there are no surprises once the work is completed.
What if the blockage comes back after you've cleared it?
If a blockage recurs shortly after clearing, it typically indicates either a structural pipe issue, such as bellied sections, collapsed joints, or ongoing root intrusion, or improper waste disposal habits that reintroduce the problem. We return to reassess the line using CCTV inspection, confirm what is causing the repeat blockage, and recommend the appropriate long-term solution, which may include drain relining or replacement. Recurring blockages caused by our work are covered under our Lifetime Labour Warranty.
Can you fix blocked drains in strata properties?
We regularly service strata properties across South Wentworthville, including clearing blockages in common property drainage lines and coordinating access through strata managers where required. We provide documentation suitable for maintenance logs and compliance records, explain the boundary between lot owner responsibility and common property where relevant, and follow site entry protocols such as inductions or sign-in procedures. Invoicing can be directed to the strata committee or managing agent as needed.
How can I tell if the blockage is in my property or in the council sewer main?
If only your property is affected and neighboring properties are draining normally, the blockage is almost certainly within your private drainage line. If multiple properties in the street are experiencing drainage issues simultaneously, the blockage may be in the council-owned sewer main. We can confirm the blockage location using CCTV inspection, which shows whether the restriction is within your property boundary or downstream in the public system, and advise on the appropriate authority to contact if it is a council responsibility.
What's included in your fixed-price quote for blocked drains?
The fixed-price quote includes the CCTV CCTV inspection to locate and identify the blockage, the clearing process using high-pressure jetting or mechanical removal as appropriate, and verification testing to confirm flow is restored. The price is provided before work starts once the scope is confirmed onsite, and there are no hidden fees or hourly rate charges. If the inspection reveals additional issues such as structural pipe damage requiring separate repair, that work is quoted separately and explained before proceeding.
