Blocked Drain FAQ's in St Peters
What are the common causes of blocked drains in St Peters?
Blocked drains in St Peters are commonly caused by grease and food scraps solidifying in kitchen lines, hair and soap scum building up in bathroom drains, and tree roots entering cracks in older terracotta pipes. Properties built before 1980 typically have clay or terracotta drainage which becomes brittle over time, allowing roots from street trees or established gardens to intrude. Newer properties with PVC pipes are less prone to root damage but still block from improper waste disposal like flushing wipes or sanitary products.
How can I prevent my drains from getting blocked?
Prevent blockages by scraping food scraps into the bin before washing dishes, using sink strainers to catch debris, and never pouring cooking oil or fat down the drain, it solidifies as it cools and traps other waste. In bathrooms, use drain guards to catch hair and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper. If you have older pipes and established trees, consider a periodic camera inspection to check for early root intrusion before it becomes a full blockage.
What should I do if my drain is blocked?
For minor blockages, a plunger can sometimes dislodge the obstruction if you create a tight seal and plunge vigorously. If that doesn't restore flow, stop using the affected fixture and call a licensed and insured plumbing technician to avoid pushing the blockage deeper or causing an overflow. We'll run a camera through the line to see what's blocking it, then clear it with high-pressure jetting or mechanical cutting depending on what the inspection shows. You don't need to diagnose it yourself, we confirm the cause onsite.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to unblock my drains?
Chemical cleaners can clear minor soft blockages but they contain harsh caustic substances that corrode pipes over time, especially older metal fittings. They're also ineffective against root intrusions or solid obstructions. If you do use them, follow the instructions exactly, never mix different products, and avoid using them repeatedly. For persistent blockages or anything involving your main sewer line, professional clearing with a jetter is safer and more effective without the risk of pipe damage.
How do plumbers clear blocked drains?
We start by running a CCTV camera through the line to see exactly what's causing the blockage and where it's located. For grease build-up and soft obstructions, high-pressure water jetting blasts away the debris and scours the pipe clean. For tree roots or solid blockages, we use electric cutting tools to break through the obstruction. Once cleared, we test the flow and show you the camera footage so you can see what was blocking it and whether there's underlying pipe damage that needs addressing.
What are the signs of a drain blockage?
Slow-draining water is usually the first sign, often starting in floor drains or shower grates. You might hear gurgling sounds from pipes when water drains elsewhere in the house, which indicates air trapped by a partial blockage. Foul smells near drains suggest organic build-up or sewage backing up. If multiple fixtures are affected at once or water backs up into the shower when you flush the toilet, that indicates a main sewer line blockage which needs immediate attention.
Can blocked drains cause damage to my property?
Yes, a drain blockage can cause water to back up into your home, leading to overflow damage, mould growth, and contamination if it's sewage. Persistent blockages can also increase pressure in the pipes, potentially causing joints to fail or older pipes to crack. In extreme cases, a completely blocked sewer line can cause waste to back up through floor drains or toilets, creating a health hazard and requiring extensive cleanup. Addressing blockages early prevents these outcomes and the associated repair costs.
How often should I have my drains inspected and cleaned?
For most St Peters homes, a CCTV check every couple of years is enough to catch early signs of root intrusion or pipe deterioration before they become blockages. If you have older drainage and large trees on or near your property, annual inspections help identify problems while they're still minor. Properties that have experienced repeated blockages benefit from more frequent preventive maintenance, including professional jetting to clear gradual build-up before it restricts flow.
Do you offer service the same day in St Peters?
Yes, standard enquiries are typically scheduled the same day, and urgent jobs are dispatched immediately. We dispatch from our West Sydney hub, so arrival times for St Peters properties are generally reliable. When you call, we'll confirm technician availability and provide an arrival window. For emergencies like sewage backups or overflowing drains, the nearest available plumber is sent straight away with an ETA update once they're on the road.
Is there a call-out fee for St Peters?
Call-out fee status is confirmed when you book, as many St Peters addresses qualify for our no-call-out policy. If a call-out fee applies to your location, you'll know upfront before we dispatch. Once onsite, the plumber assesses the issue and provides a fixed-price quote for the work. If you choose to proceed, any applicable call-out fee is absorbed into the total job cost. You're not obligated to proceed if the quote doesn't suit your budget.
