Blocked Drain FAQ's in Sylvania Waters
What typically causes blocked drains in Sylvania Waters properties?
Blockages in Sylvania Waters homes typically result from grease and food waste accumulating in kitchen drains, hair and soap scum restricting bathroom lines, or tree roots infiltrating older sewer pipes. In waterfront properties, external lines can also collect silt or debris from tidal water movement. Over time, these materials narrow the pipe diameter and eventually cause a full blockage that stops drainage.
How do plumbers locate and clear a drain blockage?
A CCTV camera is inserted into the line to locate the blockage and confirm its type. High-pressure water jetting is used to clear grease, roots, and compacted debris, while an electric drain snake handles solid obstructions. After clearing, a second camera pass verifies the line is fully open, and a flow test confirms drainage is restored. If structural damage is found, the options are explained and quoted separately.
What does the fixed upfront pricing include?
The fixed quote includes the onsite inspection, CCTV check, clearing the blockage with the appropriate method, verification that flow is restored, and site cleanup. The price is confirmed once scope is assessed and does not change unless additional work is needed. If inspection reveals structural damage requiring separate repair, that work is quoted and approved before proceeding.
How quickly can a plumber reach Sylvania Waters for an urgent blockage?
Fixed Today dispatches plumbers from nearby hubs across Sydney, with urgent jobs allocated first. When you call, we provide an estimated arrival time based on current job status and traffic conditions. Same-day service is typically available for standard blockages, and emergency calls are sent out immediately with ETA updates provided when booking.
What should I do if a drain is backing up right now?
Stop using any fixtures connected to that drain to prevent overflow. If sewage is backing up into the house, avoid contact and ventilate the area if it's safe to do so. Call a licensed plumbing specialist immediately so the blockage can be cleared and the line sanitised. We respond to emergency drainage calls 24/7 and dispatch the nearest available plumber to assess and restore flow.
Can tree roots be cleared from sewer pipes without digging?
High-pressure water jetting can cut through and flush out tree roots in most cases. The camera inspection first confirms the root location and extent. If roots have fractured the pipe or caused structural damage, trenchless pipe relining creates a new pipe inside the damaged section without excavation. The options are explained and quoted once the inspection is complete.
Is the plumber who attends licensed and properly insured in NSW?
All Fixed Today plumbers attending jobs in Sylvania Waters are licensed in NSW for plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting where applicable. Work is covered by Public Liability and Workers Compensation insurance, and a Lifetime Labour Warranty backs the workmanship. Technicians arrive in uniform, carry ID, and can confirm their credentials before starting.
What causes a drain to smell even when it's not blocked?
Odours usually come from a dry trap that's lost its water seal, allowing sewer gas to escape into the room. In some cases, a partial blockage or biofilm buildup in the pipe creates the smell. Running water through unused drains refills the trap. If the smell persists, a camera inspection can confirm whether a blockage or venting issue is causing it.
How much does it cost to clear a blocked drain in Sylvania Waters?
Pricing depends on the blockage location, type, and access. We provide a fixed quote after the onsite assessment and CCTV inspection confirm what's required. The quote covers clearing the blockage and verifying flow is restored. You decide whether to proceed once the price is explained and confirmed.
Are stormwater drains handled differently to sewer drains?
Stormwater drains carry rainwater and surface runoff, while sewer drains carry waste from toilets, sinks, and showers. Blockages in stormwater lines are often caused by leaves, debris, or silt, while sewer blockages involve grease, waste, or roots. The clearing method is matched to what the CCTV check shows, and Sydney Water compliance applies where the work affects the sewer connection to the street main.