Blocked Drain Clearing in Strathfield
Fixed Today Plumbing clears blocked drains in Strathfield by using CCTV cameras to locate the obstruction, then applying high-pressure water jetting or mechanical methods depending on what the inspection reveals. This covers typical blockages in kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, toilets, and external sewer lines where debris, grease, or roots have restricted flow; if the camera shows structural damage such as cracked or collapsed sections, repair options are explained and quoted separately before proceeding.
Drainage blockages in residential properties typically start with gradual signs, water draining slower than usual, gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet or empty the sink, or an unpleasant smell near floor drains. These symptoms indicate a partial restriction somewhere in the line. If ignored, the partial blockage becomes complete, and wastewater has nowhere to go except back up through the lowest drain point, which is often the shower, laundry trough, or an outdoor gully trap.
In practice, we see four common blockage types in Strathfield homes. Kitchen drains clog when fat, oil, and grease (FOG) solidify as they cool, trapping food scraps and forming a dense plug. Bathroom lines block when hair combines with soap scum to create a matted obstruction that grows over months. Toilet blockages occur when items that don't break down, wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, are flushed and lodge in the bend or further down the line. External sewer blockages often involve tree roots that have entered through cracks in aging clay or terracotta pipes, expanding inside the pipe and trapping debris until flow is choked off.
We start every drain blockage job with a camera inspection where practical, because identifying the cause and location changes the clearing approach. A grease blockage in a kitchen waste line responds well to high-pressure jetting, which scours the pipe walls and flushes the debris downstream into the main sewer. A root intrusion needs cutting or grinding to remove the root mass, then jetting to clear remaining fragments. If the pipe is cracked or offset, clearing the blockage restores temporary flow, but the underlying structural issue needs repair to prevent recurrence.
High-pressure water jetting fires water at 3,000 to 5,000 PSI through a specialised nozzle. The rear-facing jets propel the hose forward through the pipe while the forward-facing jets pulverise the blockage and scour buildup from the pipe walls. This method is effective for FOG, soap scum, light root intrusion, and general debris accumulation. It's safe for PVC, clay, cast iron, and most pipe materials, provided the pipe structure is intact. For foreign objects like toys or metal items, we may use an electric drain snake (also called an eel) to hook and retrieve the object rather than trying to push it through.
Clearing typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours depending on blockage severity and access. A straightforward kitchen or bathroom blockage accessible through an internal drain point is faster. An external sewer blockage requiring excavation to access a buried inspection point takes longer. We provide an estimated timeframe once the scope is finalised, and if complications arise, such as discovering additional blockages further down the line, we explain what we've found and confirm whether you want the extra work completed or prefer to address it separately.
After clearing, we run water through the system and re-check with the camera where needed to verify the line is flowing freely and no residual obstructions remain. This verification step is part of our standard process, covered by the fixed quote. You're not charged extra for confirming the repair was successful. If a structural issue is identified during the job, we photograph it and show you the camera footage so the recommendation for relining or repair isn't based on our word alone, you see the condition of the pipe yourself and make an informed decision about next steps.
CCTV Drain Inspections and Diagnostics
A CCTV drain CCTV check involves inserting a flexible cable-mounted camera into your drainage system to visually identify blockages, damage, and pipe condition without excavation. We use this diagnostic tool in Strathfield to confirm the exact location and cause of drainage problems before quoting clearing or repair work, ensuring the approach matches the actual issue rather than guessing based on symptoms alone.
The camera transmits live video to a monitor, and we can pause, rewind, or capture images of what we find. A depth counter on the cable tells us how far into the system the obstruction or damage is located, which is critical for accessing the right point if excavation or relining is needed. In older Strathfield properties with original clay or terracotta pipes, camera inspections often reveal root intrusion at pipe joints where the rubber seals have deteriorated, or offset sections where ground movement has shifted the pipe alignment.
From our experience, camera inspections frequently uncover issues the homeowner wasn't aware of. You might call us for a blocked kitchen drain, and the camera shows that while the immediate blockage is grease buildup, there's also a cracked section further down the line that will cause problems within months if not addressed. We explain what we've found, provide separate quotes for the immediate clearing and the longer-term repair, and you decide whether to proceed with both or just the urgent work.
Inspections are particularly valuable before purchasing a property in Strathfield. A pre-purchase drain inspection identifies hidden drainage issues that a standard building inspection might miss, giving you leverage to negotiate the sale price or request repairs before settlement. For properties built in the 1960s and 1970s, a camera inspection often reveals pipe deterioration that will need replacement or relining within a few years, which is useful information when budgeting for ownership costs.
We provide a USB copy of the inspection footage on request, suitable for insurance claims, strata records, or real estate documentation. The footage is timestamped and includes our commentary explaining what each segment shows, making it easy for non-technical viewers to understand the findings. This level of transparency builds confidence that the recommended work is genuinely needed, not a sales pitch.
Pipe Relining for Structural Drainage Repairs
Pipe relining repairs damaged drains by inserting a resin-saturated flexible liner into the existing pipe, inflating it to conform to the pipe shape, then curing it to create a seamless inner pipe that structurally reinforces the damaged section. Fixed Today Plumbing uses trenchless pipe lining in Strathfield to fix cracked, root-damaged, or corroded pipes without excavating driveways, gardens, or indoor flooring, provided the original pipe hasn't completely collapsed.
Relining is effective for terracotta, clay, cast iron, concrete, and PVC pipes. It seals cracks and joins where roots have entered, and the smooth epoxy surface prevents future debris buildup and root penetration. Once cured, the relined section has a lifespan of 50-plus years and is considered a permanent repair. In practice, relining costs less than excavation and replacement because there's no digging, no reinstatement of landscaping or paving, and the job is completed in hours rather than days.
The process starts with clearing the pipe and camera-inspecting the damaged section to confirm it's suitable for relining. If the pipe has collapsed entirely, relining won't work, the liner needs an intact host pipe to conform to. Assuming the pipe is structurally suitable, we measure the section to be relined, cut the liner to length, and saturate it with epoxy resin. The liner is inserted via an existing access point (usually a cleanout or junction), inflated with air or water pressure, then left to cure. Heat or UV light may be used to accelerate curing depending on the resin type.
In Strathfield properties where the sewer line runs beneath a concrete driveway or under the house slab, relining avoids the cost and disruption of breaking up the driveway or lifting floorboards. Excavation also affects landscaping, mature gardens, paved courtyards, and established lawn areas are expensive to reinstate. Relining leaves the surface undisturbed, which is why many homeowners prefer it even when excavation is technically feasible.
Relining does have limits. If the pipe is severely offset (shifted out of alignment), or if a large section has collapsed leaving a gap, excavation may still be required to realign or replace that segment before relining the rest. We assess each situation individually and recommend the approach that delivers a durable fix at the lowest overall cost. Manufacturer warranties on the liner material are typically provided, and our Lifetime Labour Warranty covers the installation workmanship.
Emergency Blocked Drain Response in Strathfield
An emergency blocked drain response involves immediate dispatch of a licensed plumbing professional to address urgent drainage failures that threaten property damage or make essential fixtures unusable. Fixed Today Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency drainage services in Strathfield, prioritising jobs where sewage is backing up into living areas, external drains are overflowing, or multiple fixtures are affected simultaneously.
Emergency callouts are triaged based on severity. A completely blocked toilet in a single-bathroom home is more urgent than a slow-draining kitchen sink in a multi-bathroom property. Sewage backflow through a shower or laundry is treated as immediate because of health risks and the potential for rapid water damage to flooring, walls, and furnishings. When you call, our dispatch team asks targeted questions, what symptoms you're seeing, how many drains are affected, whether water is actively pooling, so we can allocate the right technician and equipment.
From our West Sydney dispatch hub, we reach most Strathfield properties within typical emergency response windows, though exact when we arrive depends on current job load, traffic conditions, and the time of day. If you call during peak traffic hours or after a storm when multiple emergencies are underway, response times extend. We provide an ETA when booking and update you if delays occur so you're not left without information.
While waiting for the plumber to arrive, you can reduce immediate damage by stopping water use in the affected area. Don't keep flushing a blocked toilet hoping it will clear, this often causes overflow. If an external gully trap is overflowing, avoid running taps, showers, or washing machines, as all that wastewater will exit through the blocked point. If sewage is backing up inside, isolate the water supply to that fixture if you can do so safely, and move any valuable items away from the affected area. We don't recommend attempting DIY clearing with chemical products or excessive plunging during an emergency, as this can worsen the situation or create safety hazards.
Once onsite, the emergency plumber assesses the situation, confirms safe access to the blockage point, and uses the available clearing method, usually jetting or snaking, to restore flow as quickly as possible. The priority is stopping the overflow and making the system functional again. Detailed diagnostics and longer-term repairs (such as relining a damaged section) can be scheduled separately once the immediate crisis is resolved. Emergency work is priced at standard rates; we don't inflate pricing for after-hours calls, though a call-out fee may apply depending on the service type and location, confirm this when booking.
Preventative Drain Maintenance for Strathfield Properties
Preventative drain maintenance involves periodic clearing and inspection of your drainage system before blockages occur, reducing the likelihood of emergency failures and extending the lifespan of your pipes. For Strathfield homeowners, an annual maintenance schedule typically includes hydro-jetting to remove early-stage grease and debris buildup, CCTV inspection to identify developing issues like minor root intrusion, and clearing of external gully traps and downpipes.
Properties with mature trees near sewer lines benefit from six-monthly maintenance, because tree roots grow year-round and can penetrate a small crack within months once they've found a water source. Preventative jetting removes fine roots before they establish a mass that fully blocks the pipe. In practice, annual maintenance costs less than one emergency callout, making it cost-effective for properties with a history of blockages or older drainage infrastructure.
Maintenance also includes checking that outdoor inspection points (inspection openings, junction pits) are accessible and not buried under soil, mulch, or paving. If an emergency occurs and we can't access the inspection point quickly, clearing takes longer and costs more. We can install additional inspection points if needed to improve future access, particularly in homes where the existing cleanout is located under a deck or in a difficult-to-reach location.
For commercial and strata properties in Strathfield, scheduled maintenance is often required to meet building management or insurance obligations. Restaurants and cafes with high grease loads need more frequent grease trap servicing and drain jetting to prevent buildup. Strata buildings benefit from whole-system inspections to identify common property drainage issues before they affect individual lots. We provide maintenance documentation suitable for compliance records, including dated camera inspection footage, service reports, and proof of clearing where required by council or Sydney Water.
Burst Pipe Repairs and Water Leak Detection
A broken pipe repair involves locating the damaged section, isolating water flow, then repairing or replacing the affected pipe to restore a watertight system. Fixed Today Plumbing handles broken pipe emergencies in Strathfield using electronic leak detection to pinpoint hidden leaks in walls, floors, or underground without unnecessary demolition, then choosing the repair method, patching, pipe replacement, or relining, based on the pipe material, location, and extent of damage.
Burst pipes in Strathfield properties occur for several reasons. Corrosion weakens galvanised steel or copper pipes in older homes, eventually causing pinhole leaks or complete ruptures. Ground movement from reactive clay soils or nearby construction stresses rigid pipes until a joint separates or a section cracks. Water hammer (pressure surges when taps are shut off quickly) can split weakened pipes. Occasionally, a burst occurs when a drain blockage causes back-pressure that exceeds the pipe's rating, though this is less common with modern PVC systems.
The first sign of a burst pipe is usually a sudden drop in water pressure, visible water pooling where it shouldn't be, or the sound of running water when no taps are open. If the leak is inside a wall cavity or under a slab, you might notice damp patches, peeling paint, or a steady increase in your water bill without explanation. In these cases, we use electronic ultrasonic leak identification equipment that listens for the acoustic signature of water escaping under pressure. The detector isolates the sound frequency of the leak, allowing us to mark its location within centimetres and minimise the area that needs opening to access the damaged pipe.
Once located, we isolate the water supply to that section (or to the whole property if isolation valves aren't available), then access the pipe. For exposed pipes under the house or in accessible ceiling spaces, repair is straightforward, cut out the damaged section, install a new length with appropriate fittings, pressure-test for leaks, then restore water flow. For pipes buried in walls or under floors, access requires cutting into the lining or flooring, completing the repair, then reinstating the surface. We take care to minimise damage during access and provide a tidy finish, though complex reinstatement (such as retiling a bathroom wall) may require a separate tradesperson.
Relining is an option for underground burst pipes where excavation would be disruptive. If the burst is in a single isolated spot and the rest of the pipe is sound, a sectional reline can seal the damaged area without digging. This is particularly useful for pipes under concrete slabs or driveways. For pipes with multiple weak points or widespread corrosion, full replacement may be more cost-effective long-term than patching individual leaks as they occur. We assess the overall pipe condition during the repair and recommend the approach that balances immediate cost with long-term reliability.
Gas Fitting and Gas Leak Repairs
Gas fitting work in Strathfield involves installation, repair, and compliance testing of natural gas and LPG systems, performed by licensed gas fitters to Australian Standards (AS/NZS 5601.1). Fixed Today Plumbing's licensed gas technicians handle new gas appliance connections, gas line extensions, leak testing and repair, and compliance certification required when altering or repairing gas installations.
Gas work is strictly regulated because the consequences of poor installation are severe, gas leaks can cause explosions, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning. All gas fitting must be completed by someone holding a gas fitting licence, and a compliance certificate (sometimes called a Certificate of Compliance) is issued upon completion for work involving new installations or repairs that affect the gas supply. This certificate is required for insurance purposes and may be requested by council or when selling the property.
A gas leak is identifiable by the distinctive "rotten egg" smell of mercaptan (an odourant added to natural gas), a hissing sound near gas appliances or pipework, or dying vegetation over an underground gas line. If you suspect a gas leak, the immediate action is to turn off the gas supply at the meter (if safe to do so), ventilate the area by opening windows and doors, avoid operating electrical switches or creating sparks, evacuate the property, and call a licensed gas fitter from a safe location. Do not attempt to locate or repair the leak yourself, gas work requires specialised tools and testing equipment.
We use combustible gas detectors and pressure-loss testing to locate leaks in gas lines. The detector identifies gas concentrations in the air, narrowing down the leak location. Pressure testing involves isolating a section of the gas system, pressurising it with air or inert gas, then monitoring for pressure drop over time. A sustained pressure drop indicates a leak in that section, and further inspection pinpoints the exact location. Once located, the faulty fitting, valve, or pipe section is replaced, and the system is retested to confirm it's gas-tight before restoring supply.
New gas connections, such as installing a gas cooktop, continuous flow hot water unit, or outdoor barbecue point, involve running an appropriately sized gas line from the existing main drain or meter to the appliance location. The line is tested for leaks, the appliance is connected and commissioned (tested for correct operation and safe combustion), and a compliance certificate is issued. Gas appliances must be installed with adequate ventilation and clearance from combustible materials as specified in the manufacturer's instructions and relevant Australian Standards.
Regular gas appliance servicing is recommended every two years to check burner condition, flame quality, ventilation, and safety cutoffs. Poorly maintained gas appliances can produce incomplete combustion, releasing carbon monoxide (an odourless, deadly gas) into your home. We service major brands including Rinnai, Rheem, Bosch, and Vulcan, checking for correct operation, cleaning burners, and confirming that safety devices are functional.
Hot Water System Repairs and Replacements
Fixed Today Plumbing repairs and replaces hot water systems in Strathfield, working with electric storage, gas continuous flow, gas storage, and heat pump systems from brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Vulcan, Aquamax, and Thermann. When your water heater fails, no hot water, insufficient hot water service, leaking tank, or unusual noises, we assess whether replacement or repair is the cost-effective solution based on the system age, fault type, and manufacturer warranty status.
Hot water system faults have several common causes. Electric storage systems develop element failures (the heating element burns out), thermostat faults (incorrect temperature regulation), or tempering valve issues (affecting temperature at the tap). Leaking tanks usually result from internal corrosion once the sacrificial anode rod has deteriorated, the anode is designed to corrode preferentially, protecting the tank steel, but once it's consumed, the tank itself starts corroding and eventually leaks. Gas systems can have pilot light failures, burner faults, gas valve issues, or flue blockages.
A typical assessment involves checking power supply or gas supply, testing the thermostat setting, inspecting for visible leaks, and listening for unusual sounds like hissing (pressure relief valve activating) or banging (sediment buildup in the tank causing overheating). For electric systems, we test the elements and thermostat with a multimeter. For gas systems, we check the pilot light and burner flame pattern, and confirm the flue is clear. If the fault is a replaceable component, element, thermostat, tempering valve, gas valve, and the system is less than 10 years old, repair is usually economical. If the tank is leaking or the system is 12-plus years old with multiple faults, replacement is typically recommended because the cost of repeated repairs approaches the cost of a new unit.
When replacing a hot water service, the choice between electric, gas, or heat pump depends on your existing setup, energy costs, and available space. Gas continuous flow systems are popular for their energy efficiency and unlimited hot water supply, but they require a gas connection and adequate outdoor or indoor-ventilated space for installation. Electric storage systems have a lower upfront cost but higher running costs in most situations. Heat pumps are the most energy-efficient option but have a higher purchase price and need adequate outdoor clearance for the compressor unit.
Installation involves disconnecting and safely removing the old system, installing the new unit with appropriate mounting (ground-level concrete slab, wall bracket, or indoor enclosure), connecting water supply (usually with isolation valves and tempering valve as required by AS/NZS 3500), connecting power or gas, filling and testing the system, and confirming correct temperature output. A tempering valve is mandatory on new installations to limit tap temperature to 50°C, preventing scalding. For gas installations, a compliance certificate is issued.
We provide manufacturer warranty registration on new systems, and installation workmanship is covered by our Lifetime Labour Warranty. Typical manufacturer warranties are 5 to 10 years on the tank and 1 to 5 years on components, depending on brand and model. Keeping your receipt and warranty documentation is important for future claims. Regular servicing (checking the anode rod condition, flushing sediment from the tank, testing the pressure relief valve) extends system lifespan, and we offer servicing for existing systems as part of preventative maintenance.
Why Strathfield Residents Choose Fixed Today Plumbing
Strathfield residents book Fixed Today Plumbing because we combine transparent pricing, licensed expertise, and local dispatch reliability with a family-owned service approach that prioritises clear communication and accountability. Our process, assess the situation, confirm the scope, provide a fixed-price quote, complete the work to Australian plumbing standards, verify the outcome, removes the uncertainty that makes people hesitant to call a plumber when something goes wrong.
We've been operating across Sydney since 2010, building our reputation through repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals in suburbs like Strathfield where people talk to their neighbours about which tradesperson did a good job. Our near-perfect 5-star rating from over 800 verified reviews reflects consistent delivery: we show up when we say we will, explain what needs doing in plain English, quote the price upfront, and stand behind the work with our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship.
Our technicians are licensed, police-checked, and background-checked for your safety and greater reassurance when letting someone into your home. They arrive in uniform, carry identification, and behave respectfully in occupied homes, using drop sheets to protect floors, wearing boot covers when requested, keeping noise and disruption as low as practical, and cleaning up the work area before leaving. These aren't optional extras; they're how we train our team to work because we understand that plumbing problems are stressful enough without adding poor conduct or a messy job site.
Pricing is fixed by the job based on confirmed scope, not an open-ended hourly rate where costs escalate if the job takes longer than expected. You're told the price before work starts, and that's what you pay, no surprise additions for "unforeseen complications" unless the scope genuinely changes (such as discovering additional damage once access is gained), in which case we explain what's changed and get your approval before proceeding with extra work. Call-out fees are handled transparently: confirm the call-out status for your specific job type and location when booking so there's no confusion.
Our multi-van fleet and localised dispatch from hubs including West Sydney mean we allocate jobs based on technician location and specialisation, reducing travel time and improving response reliability. For emergency work, immediate dispatch means the job is sent out first, and we provide an ETA based on the nearest available technician's current location and job load. Arrival timing depends on traffic and how many urgent jobs are underway, and we update you if delays occur so you're not left waiting without communication.
We're fully insured with Public Liability insurance (protection if accidental property damage occurs during our work) and Workers Compensation (protection related to workplace injuries on the job). These aren't just paperwork compliance items—they're your protection if something goes wrong. Our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship means if an issue with the installation or repair workmanship occurs after we've completed the job, we'll return and make it right at no additional charge. Manufacturer warranties on parts and appliances are registered and documented at the time of installation.
For strata and rental properties, we provide documentation suitable for agent, landlord, and strata records: itemised invoices, dated photos, compliance certificates where required by regulation, and detailed service reports. We can coordinate with property managers for access and follow site-specific requirements such as parking permits, induction processes, and sign-in procedures for commercial buildings.
