Blocked Drain FAQ's in Stanhope Gardens
What causes blocked drains in Stanhope Gardens properties?
Blocked drains typically result from grease and food debris in kitchen lines, hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, or tree root intrusion in external sewer pipes. In older properties with terracotta or clay pipes, roots enter through microscopic cracks and expand to obstruct flow. Foreign objects like wet wipes and sanitary products that don't break down also cause blockages when flushed. The specific cause is identified during the CCTV inspection.
How do you clear a blocked drain without damaging the pipes?
We use high-pressure jetting with specialized nozzles that scour pipe walls and cut through obstructions without damaging the pipe material, or mechanical drain snakes for localized blockages. The method depends on the pipe type (PVC, copper, clay) and obstruction identified during CCTV inspection. For internal drains, we may start with mechanical clearing if the blockage is accessible; for external lines with root intrusion, high-pressure jetting is typically the most effective approach.
What does a CCTV drain inspection show?
A CCTV drain inspection uses a high-definition camera fed into the pipe to locate the blockage, identify the cause (debris, roots, structural damage), and assess the pipe condition. The camera reveals the exact depth and location of the obstruction, whether the pipe has cracks or collapsed sections, and the extent of any root intrusion. This footage allows us to select the correct clearing method and show you what we're seeing before work proceeds.
How long does it take to clear a drain blockage?
Most standard blockages, grease buildup, hair clogs, or minor debris, are cleared within one to two hours once the technician arrives and confirms the location. This includes diagnosis, clearing, and verification testing. Extensive root intrusion or structural damage requiring drain relining takes longer and is quoted separately once scope is confirmed. The timeframe depends on blockage severity, access to the affected line, and whether parts or additional equipment are needed.
Can tree roots be permanently removed from sewer pipes?
High-pressure water jetting cuts tree roots from the pipe interior and restores flow, but roots will regrow over time if the entry point remains. For a permanent solution, the damaged pipe section can be repaired using trenchless pipe relining, which seals cracks and prevents future root entry without excavation. We explain both options; periodic clearing or permanent relining, once the camera inspection confirms the extent of root intrusion and pipe condition.
Do you charge a call-out fee in Stanhope Gardens?
Call-out fee arrangements vary by service area. Confirm the call-out fee status for your Stanhope Gardens address when booking, as many areas have no call-out fee applied. If a call-out fee applies, it's confirmed upfront before the technician is dispatched. The fixed-price quote provided onsite includes all work, parts, and verification; no additional costs are added once scope is agreed.
What should I do if my drain is backing up right now?
Stop using affected fixtures immediately to prevent overflow or flooding. If water is actively backing up into sinks, showers, or floor drains, it indicates a complete blockage downstream. Call us on 1800 349 338 for emergency dispatch, we'll send the nearest available technician from our West Sydney hub to assess the blockage, locate it with CCTV if needed, and clear it using the appropriate method. Do not pour chemical cleaners down the drain, as they can corrode pipes and make the problem worse.
Are your plumbers licensed and insured for drainage work?
All our plumbers hold full NSW licensing for plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting (Licence 305428C) and are qualified to perform drainage diagnostics, clearing, and repairs. We carry Public Liability insurance, which protects you if accidental property damage occurs during work, and Workers Compensation insurance for workplace injuries. Technicians arrive in uniform and can confirm their identity before entering your property.
What's included in the fixed-fee quote for blocked drains?
The fixed-price quote includes onsite diagnosis, CCTV check if required to locate the blockage, clearing using high-pressure jetting or mechanical methods, verification testing to confirm flow is restored, and site cleanup. If the inspection reveals structural damage or root intrusion requiring pipe relining, that work is quoted separately once scope is finalised. The price is provided before work starts, with no hidden fees added during the job.
How often should drains be professionally inspected?
For most residential properties, an annual CCTV inspection of main sewer lines is sufficient to catch early signs of root intrusion, pipe deterioration, or sediment buildup before they cause blockages. Properties with mature trees near sewer lines, or older homes with clay or terracotta pipes, may benefit from more frequent checks. Regular inspection allows issues to be addressed while still minor, avoiding emergency callouts and more expensive repairs later.
