Blocked Drains Surry Hills

Drainage blockages in Surry Hills typically result from Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG) solidifying as it cools in kitchen waste lines, or from hair and soap scum accumulating in bathroom drains over months. In older terrace homes with original clay or terracotta pipes, tree roots from street plantings can enter microscopic cracks at pipe joints, expand over time, and trap passing debris until the line is fully obstructed. What starts as slightly slower drainage often progresses to complete blockage if the restriction isn't cleared.

FOG doesn't stay liquid once it enters the drain. It cools, hardens, and coats the pipe wall, narrowing the diameter with each meal's worth of waste. Hair binds with soap residue to form dense clumps that catch on rough pipe interiors or existing buildup. In multi-level buildings or properties sharing a common sewer line, one household's blockage can affect neighbours downstream if the restriction sits in the shared section.

We commonly see these blockage patterns in Surry Hills:

• Kitchen sink draining slowly, often with a greasy smell when hot water runs
• Shower or bath taking longer to empty, sometimes with gurgling sounds from the drain
• Toilet flushing weakly or water rising before draining, indicating a sewer line restriction
• Multiple fixtures affected at once, signalling a blockage in the main line rather than an individual trap
• Water pooling in the laundry or bathroom floor drain after washing machine use

In densely built inner Sydney areas, parking restrictions and narrow laneways can affect how we position equipment for hydro-jetting or CCTV access. We confirm access constraints when booking so the right vehicle and tools arrive. If the blockage sits beyond the property boundary in Sydney Water's section, we explain the responsibility split and can liaise with the authority if needed.

On first inspection, we locate the cleanout point (usually outside near the front or rear boundary) and feed the CCTV camera through to identify the restriction type and depth. That footage confirms whether high-pressure jetting will clear it, or if structural damage requires a different approach. The fixed-price quote covers the clearing work for typical debris blockages; if the camera reveals collapsed pipe or severe root intrusion requiring relining, those options are explained separately and quoted once the full scope is known.

A burst pipe in Surry Hills usually announces itself with a sudden drop in water pressure, a visible leak inside the property, or an unexplained spike in your water bill indicating water escaping underground. Immediate action matters because a pressurised water line can release hundreds of litres per hour, causing ceiling damage, wall saturation, or undermining foundations if the leak sits beneath the building slab.

The priority is isolating the water supply to stop further damage. If you know where your property's main shutoff valve is, closing it cuts the flow until a plumber arrives. For leaks in the hot water line, the isolation valve on the tank itself can be closed. If the leak is active and you can't locate the shutoff, call us so we can guide you through immediate safety steps while a technician is dispatched.

Burst pipe causes in older properties often trace back to corroded galvanised steel or copper pipes that have thinned over decades. Pressure surges from sudden valve closures (water hammer) or thermal expansion in hot water lines can split weakened sections. Ground movement from reactive clay soils, common across Sydney, can stress rigid pipe joints and cause fractures. Tree roots seeking moisture sometimes crush pipes in their path, particularly older terracotta sections.

Our response involves locating the burst section using electronic leak detection equipment (ultrasonic listening devices or thermal imaging) if the leak isn't visible. Once located, we assess whether the damaged section can be cut out and replaced, or if drain relining is more practical for underground pipes where excavation would disrupt tiled floors, driveways, or landscaping. Relining inserts a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe, which hardens to create a structurally independent pipe-within-a-pipe, sealing leaks without digging.

We provide a fixed-price quote once the leak location and access are confirmed. For emergency bursts affecting safety or causing active property damage, we're available 24/7. The work is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, which covers the repair itself; manufacturer warranties apply to any replacement parts or hardware.

Gas work in Surry Hills must be performed by licensed gasfitters to comply with Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 5601.1), which mandate pressure testing and compliance certification for all new installations, alterations, or repairs. Fixed Today Plumbing holds NSW gasfitting authorisation under Licence 305428C, and all technicians attending gas jobs are individually licensed for the work they perform.

Common gas services include connecting new gas cooktops or ovens, installing gas hot water systems (instantaneous or storage), relocating gas points for kitchen renovations, and detecting and repairing gas leaks. Gas leaks are identified by the distinctive "rotten egg" odour (mercaptan additive), hissing sounds near appliances or pipework, or dead vegetation over underground gas lines. Any suspected gas leak is an emergency requiring immediate isolation of the gas supply at the meter and evacuation until a properly licensed gasfitter confirms the system is safe.

Installing a new gas appliance involves confirming the existing gas supply has sufficient capacity, running the new gas line to the appliance location using compliant materials and sizing, pressure testing the entire system to verify it's gas-tight, and issuing a compliance certificate once the installation meets safety standards. That certificate is lodged with the relevant authority and provided to you for your records.

Gas hot water systems are popular in Surry Hills properties for their energy efficiency and endless hot water supply in continuous flow models. Installation involves connecting the gas line, water inlet and outlet, installing required safety devices (Tempering Valve to prevent scalding, Pressure Relief Valve to prevent over-pressurisation), and commissioning the unit. We work with major brands including Rheem, Rinnai, and Bosch, and we can advise on sizing based on household usage patterns.

Gas work is priced as a fixed quote once the scope is verified onsite. If the job requires additional compliance work beyond what was initially discussed (such as upgrading an undersized gas line), we explain the requirement and provide a revised quote before proceeding. Safety and compliance are non-negotiable, so we won't cut corners to meet a lower price point.

Booking a plumber for Surry Hills properties involves a brief call to confirm the issue, check availability, and arrange a convenient time window. We ask what fixture or area is affected, if it is urgent or can wait, and if there are any access considerations (parking restrictions, strata access, occupied rental property). That information helps us allocate the right technician and provide an accurate ETA when booking.

Our pricing model is fixed-price by the job, not hourly. Once the plumber assesses the situation onsite and confirms scope, you receive a fixed price quote before any work starts. That quote covers the labour, materials, and testing required to complete the job as scoped. If the assessment reveals a more complex problem than initially described, we explain the revised scope and provide an updated quote for your approval before proceeding. No hidden fees are added after the fact.

Call-out fees vary by location and urgency. For many service areas, there's no call-out fee for standard plumbing work. For Surry Hills specifically, confirm the call-out fee status when booking to understand the total cost structure. Emergency after-hours callouts may attract additional dispatch charges due to the premium resourcing required for 24/7 availability.

You can decide whether to proceed once the scope and price are confirmed. If diagnostic work (such as camera inspection or leak detection) is needed to determine the cause, that's quoted separately and conducted first. The findings inform the repair quote, giving you the information needed to make an informed decision. There's no pressure to proceed with repairs beyond your budget or comfort level.

We're a family-owned business that's been operating across Sydney for over 15 years. Our reputation relies on repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals, so we prioritise clear communication and honest pricing. Near-perfect 5-star ratings across 800+ verified reviews reflect that approach. If something isn't right, we make it right, backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship.

Payment is accepted after job completion via all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). We provide detailed receipts and invoices suitable for landlords, strata managers, and business records. If additional documentation is needed for insurance claims or strata compliance, we can provide job photos, before-and-after evidence, and compliance certificates where applicable.

Mention "web55" when booking to receive $55 off (limited to one per customer on paying jobs). Call 1800 349 338 or enquire online to arrange an assessment.