Blocked Drains Sydney

When a drain stops flowing properly, the usual cause is an obstruction somewhere between the fixture and the sewer connection. In Sydney homes, common blockage culprits include grease and fat that solidifies as it cools, hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, tree roots that enter cracks in aging clay or terracotta pipes, and foreign objects like wipes or sanitary products that shouldn't have been flushed. Over time, these materials accumulate and narrow the pipe diameter until water can't pass.

We start with a high-definition CCTV drain CCTV check to locate the blockage, identify what's causing it, and check for any structural damage to the pipe. The camera feeds live footage, so you can see exactly what we're looking at. If the line is simply blocked but the pipe structure is intact, we use high-pressure water jetting to clear the obstruction. The jetter fires water at 3,000 to 5,000 PSI through a specialized nozzle, pulverizing roots and scouring grease from the pipe walls.

For kitchen drains, we often find a thick layer of fat, oil, and grease coating the inside of the pipe. That buildup traps food scraps and creates what the industry calls a "fatberg." Jetting breaks it apart and flushes it through to the sewer. In older suburbs with mature street trees, root intrusion is common. Fine roots enter microscopic cracks, then expand over time, eventually causing structural failure if left unchecked.

Where CCTV inspection reveals a cracked, collapsed, or severely corroded section of pipe, jetting alone won't solve the problem. In those cases, we explain the structural issue, outline the repair options (excavation or trenchless relining), and provide a fixed quote before proceeding. You decide whether to proceed once you understand what's involved and what it costs. No surprises.

An emergency drainage blockage means sewage or wastewater can't exit the property safely, causing overflow into sinks, showers, toilets, or external grates. That creates an immediate health risk and potential water damage to floors, walls, and furnishings. If a toilet backs up or a drain overflows, the priority is getting a properly properly licensed plumber onsite to isolate the problem area, stop the overflow, and restore safe drainage.

Our 24/7 emergency plumbing service operates year-round, including weekends and public holidays. When you call, we dispatch the nearest available plumber from our local hubs. Urgent jobs are sent out first. We provide an ETA when you book and update you if traffic or prior jobs affect arrival timing. Our plumbers carry high-pressure jetters, CCTV cameras, and drain snakes in fully stocked mobile workshops, so most blockages can be cleared on the first visit.

We start by confirming the location of the blockage. Is it isolated to one fixture, or are multiple drains affected? If only one sink or shower is slow, the blockage is usually in the trap or branch line serving that fixture. If all fixtures in the house are backing up, the blockage is in the main sewer line. CCTV inspection pinpoints the exact location and cause, so we're not guessing.

Once located, we clear the blockage using the appropriate method. High-pressure jetting is standard for grease, roots, and debris. For foreign objects (a child's toy, a phone, a clump of wipes), we may use a mechanical drain snake to retrieve it without pushing it further into the system. After clearing, we test flow by running water and checking that drainage is normal. If inspection shows underlying structural damage, we explain that finding and outline the next step before you commit to additional work.

If sewage has already overflowed inside the property, we contain the affected area, remove standing water where practical, and advise on sanitization. Sewage contains bacteria and pathogens, so contaminated areas need proper cleaning. We don't perform full remediation (that's a specialist cleaning service), but we'll isolate the source, stop further overflow, and restore drainage so cleanup can begin.

Hot water systems in Sydney homes are typically electric storage, gas continuous flow, or heat pump units. Each type has different maintenance needs. Electric storage tanks accumulate sediment at the bottom over time, which insulates the heating element and reduces efficiency. That sediment also accelerates corrosion of the sacrificial anode rod, which protects the tank lining. Once the anode is consumed, the tank itself starts corroding, leading to leaks and eventual failure.

Gas continuous flow systems (also called instantaneous or tankless) don't store water, so there's no sediment buildup. But they rely on a heat exchanger that can scale up in hard water areas, reducing flow and efficiency. The burner and ignition system also require periodic inspection to ensure reliable operation.

We service all major brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Vulcan, Aquamax, and Thermann. A standard hot water service service involves draining the tank (for storage systems), inspecting the anode rod, checking the pressure relief valve, testing the thermostat, and confirming the heating element or gas burner is operating correctly. For gas systems, we also check for gas leaks and verify correct combustion.

Signs your hot water service service needs attention include fluctuating water temperature, rust-coloured water, reduced water pressure, unusual noises (rumbling or banging), or visible corrosion around the tank or fittings. If the system isn't delivering enough hot water supply for your household, it may be undersized, or the heating element may be failing.

For new installations, we confirm the required capacity based on household size and usage patterns, ensure compliance with the National Construction Code and AS/NZS 3500 standards, install mandatory safety devices (tempering valve to prevent scalding, pressure relief valve to prevent tank over-pressurization), and test the system before handover. All installation work is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, with standard manufacturer warranties covering the hardware.