Blocked Drains Tempe

Drainage solutions in Tempe involve diagnosing the cause of restricted flow, clearing the obstruction with the least disruptive method for the pipework, and confirming the system is functioning correctly before leaving. This includes blockages in kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, laundry tubs, toilets, and external sewer lines; where inspection shows damage beyond a simple blockage, the options for repair or relining are explained and scope is agreed before any structural work proceeds.

Most blockages we attend in the Inner West trace back to a handful of common causes. In kitchen lines, fats, oils, and grease (FOG) solidify as they cool inside the pipe, narrowing the diameter and trapping food scraps until flow slows to a trickle. Bathroom drains collect hair, soap scum, and personal care product residue, which binds together into a dense mass. Toilets become blocked when foreign objects, sanitary products, wet wipes labelled "flushable," or excessive paper, are flushed and lodge in the S-bend or further down the line. For external sewer pipes, tree roots are the usual suspect. Roots sense moisture from hairline cracks in aging terracotta or clay pipes, infiltrate the joint, and expand as they trap passing waste, eventually forming a dense root ball that restricts or completely blocks the line.

When you book a drain clearing in Tempe, the initial step is always assessment. We confirm the impacted area, check accessible access points like inspection openings or outdoor gullies, and insert a high-definition CCTV drain camera to locate the blockage. The camera provides real-time vision of the obstruction type and the pipe condition surrounding it, whether it's soft debris, compacted grease, root intrusion, or a collapsed section. That visual evidence determines the clearing method: high-pressure water jetting for grease and roots, or mechanical augering for solid foreign objects. Once the blockage is cleared, we test the flow to confirm normal drainage is restored, and the camera footage is reviewed so you can see the before-and-after condition of the line.

Our hydro-jetting equipment delivers water at controlled pressures between 3,000 and 5,000 PSI, using specialized rotating nozzles that scour the pipe walls and pulverise roots without damaging the pipe itself. For older or fragile pipes, we adjust pressure to match the pipe material and condition. If the CCTV inspection reveals structural damage, cracks, joint separation, or collapsed sections, we explain the repair options, which may include pipe relining (a trenchless method that inserts a resin-lined sleeve to create a new pipe within the old one) or targeted excavation and replacement where relining is not feasible. Scope and cost are confirmed before any structural work proceeds.

Ignoring a blocked drain doesn't make it go away. Water backs up into the property, pooling in sinks, showers, or overflowing from toilet bowls and outdoor gully traps. That overflow can damage flooring, cabinetry, and wall finishes, and creates conditions for mould growth if moisture soaks into structural materials. In external lines, prolonged blockages can cause sewage to seep into surrounding soil, affecting garden areas and creating odour issues. The longer a blockage sits, the more pressure builds on pipe joints, increasing the risk of cracks or separation, especially in older terracotta pipes where the joints are sealed with mortar rather than rubber gaskets.

If you're dealing with slow drainage or unusual smells coming from fixtures, a brief call is enough to schedule an assessment. We'll confirm the affected area, provide an ETA when scheduling, and arrive with the diagnostic tools needed to locate and clear the restriction. You don't need to diagnose the fault yourself—that's what the initial CCTV check is for.

Emergency drainage service in Tempe covers urgent situations where drainage failure is causing active flooding, sewage backup, or poses an immediate health or safety risk to the property. This includes toilets overflowing into living areas, sewer lines backing up through floor drains or outdoor gullies, or external stormwater drains flooding during heavy rain. For these situations, we prioritize immediate dispatch, urgent jobs are sent out first and the nearest available technician is allocated from our West Sydney hub, typically reaching Inner West locations within typical emergency response windows.

Active flooding is stressful and disruptive. The priority is getting a licensed, insured plumber onsite to make it safe, stop further damage, and restore function. When you call with an emergency, we confirm the nature of the issue (what's overflowing, where the water is going, whether it's clear water or sewage), provide an ETA based on current dispatch availability, and talk you through any immediate safety steps, such as isolating affected areas, turning off water at the mains if it's a ruptured pipe, or avoiding contact with sewage-contaminated water.

Our emergency technicians carry fully stocked mobile workshops with the diagnostic and clearing equipment needed to resolve most drainage failures on the first visit. That includes high-pressure water jetters for clearing blockages, CCTV drain cameras for locating restrictions, and mechanical augers for solid obstructions. For ruptured pipes or structural failures, we carry pipe fittings, compression couplings, and sealing materials to make temporary or permanent repairs depending on access and the extent of damage. Where a full structural repair requires follow-up work, such as excavation or relining, we make the system safe and functional, then schedule the detailed work once scope and cost are confirmed.

Pricing for emergency work follows the same fixed-price model: the job is scoped onsite, a fixed quote is provided before work starts, and the price is by the task rather than by the hour. That means you're not watching the clock while the work is underway. For call-out fee details specific to Tempe during emergency hours, confirm the current policy when booking, many Inner West areas have no call-out fee, but it's worth checking at the time of booking to avoid surprises. There are no hidden costs; the quoted price includes the work described, and any additional work beyond the original scope is explained and quoted separately before proceeding.

We operate 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. If a drainage emergency happens outside business hours, the same dispatch process applies: immediate allocation of the nearest available technician, with ETA updates provided where possible when scheduling. Our technicians arrive in uniform, can confirm their identity on arrival, and follow entry instructions carefully, this is particularly important for emergency calls where the property may be in a stressful or vulnerable state. Boot covers and drop sheets are used to protect floors during the work, and the affected area is cleaned up before departing.

If you're dealing with sewage backup, overflowing fixtures, or active water damage from a drainage failure, a quick call is enough to arrange emergency dispatch. You don't need to diagnose the cause—that's confirmed onsite during the initial assessment. We'll make it safe, restore function where possible on the first visit, and explain the options if follow-up work is needed.

When a hot water service fails in Tempe, the usual signs are no hot water at taps, fluctuating temperatures during use, visible rust or discoloration in the water, unusual noises from the tank or unit, or water pooling around the base of the system. Most failures trace back to component wear, sacrificial anode rods that protect the tank from corrosion eventually deplete, heating elements or gas burners fail from sediment buildup, or thermostats lose calibration and stop regulating temperature correctly. For older storage tank systems, the first sign is often rust-colored water in the morning before the tank has had time to settle, which indicates the tank lining has corroded through and the unit is nearing the end of its serviceable life.

Hot water systems in Australian homes are typically electric storage, gas continuous flow (instantaneous), or heat pump systems. Electric storage tanks heat water using immersed elements and store it at temperature until needed, making them simple and reliable but slower to recover after heavy use. Gas continuous flow units heat water on demand as it passes through a heat exchanger, providing endless hot water without a storage tank, but requiring adequate gas supply and proper venting. Heat pump systems extract heat from ambient air to warm the water, offering high energy efficiency but requiring more space for the outdoor compressor unit. Each system type has different failure modes and maintenance requirements, and the choice often depends on household size, available energy sources, and space constraints.

When you book a hot water assessment in Tempe, we confirm the system type, age, and current fault symptoms. For electric systems, we check element resistance, thermostat operation, and anode rod condition where accessible. For gas systems, we test burner ignition, flame quality, and flow rates through the heat exchanger. For all systems, we check pressure relief valve operation (a safety device that releases pressure if the system over-pressurizes) and inspect for leaks at pipe connections or around the tank base. That assessment identifies whether the fault is repairable, such as replacing a failed element, thermostat, or gas valve, or whether the system has reached end-of-life and replacement is the more cost-effective option.

We supply and install major brands including Rheem, Dux, Rinnai, Vulcan, Aquamax, and Thermann, with sizing based on household hot water demand (number of occupants, number of bathrooms, and usage patterns). New installations include removal and disposal of the old unit, supply and fitting of the new system with compliant pipe connections and electrical or gas work as required, installation of a new tempering valve set to 50°C to prevent scalding at taps, and commissioning with testing to confirm correct operation. A compliance certificate is issued for gas installations, and electrical work is certified by a licensed electrician where required. All installations are backed by manufacturer warranty on the unit itself and our Lifetime Labour Warranty on the installation work.

For urgent hot water failures, such as a tank leaking and flooding a laundry or bathroom—we prioritize dispatch and can often provide service the same day for emergency situations. If the fault is caught early, such as reduced hot water output or temperature fluctuations, repairs are usually straightforward and completed within a standard service visit. If you're dealing with no hot water, unusual noises, or visible leaks, a quick call is enough to arrange an assessment. We'll confirm the fault, explain the replacement or repair options, and provide fixed pricing before any work proceeds.