Blocked Drain FAQ's in Terrey Hills
What causes blocked drains in Terrey Hills properties?
Blocked drains in Terrey Hills are typically caused by tree root intrusion in older terracotta and clay pipes, grease and food waste build-up in kitchen lines, or hair and soap scum accumulation in bathroom drains. The suburb's established landscaping means mature root systems from Ficus, Eucalypts, and ornamental hedges often enter pipes through hairline cracks, expanding over time and trapping debris. If multiple fixtures drain slowly or sewage backs up, the blockage is likely in the main sewer line and requires camera inspection to confirm the cause and location.
How do you clear a clogged drain without damaging the pipes?
We use high-pressure water jetting to clear most blockages, which scours debris and grease from pipe walls and pulverises tree roots without damaging PVC, clay, or cast iron. A CCTV drain camera is used first to identify the blockage type and pipe condition, so the clearing method matches what's actually in the line. If the blockage is a foreign object like a toy or bottle cap, a mechanical drain snake is often more effective. The line is tested after clearing to confirm flow is restored, and if structural damage is found during inspection, repair options are explained and quoted separately before proceeding.
What should I do if my drain is blocked and backing up inside the house?
Stop using all plumbing fixtures immediately to prevent further sewage backup, then book an emergency assessment. Don't attempt to clear it yourself with chemical cleaners or tools if the blockage is in the main sewer line, as this can worsen the problem or damage pipes. Our 24/7 emergency service means a properly licensed and fully insured plumber is dispatched immediately from the nearest hub. We isolate the affected area, locate the blockage using a camera, clear the line to restore drainage, and verify the outcome. Call-out fees apply; confirm the fee when booking to avoid surprises.
Can tree roots be permanently removed from my sewer line?
High-pressure water jetting removes existing roots and restores flow temporarily, but roots will re-enter through the same cracks unless the pipe is repaired. Pipe relining seals the affected section by inserting a resin-coated liner that cures to form a seamless internal barrier, preventing future root intrusion without excavation. Relining is typically recommended for properties with recurring root blockages in the same section. Both clearing and relining are quoted separately, and you decide which approach fits your timeline and budget. Our Lifetime Labour Warranty covers the workmanship on both services.
How long does it take to clear a blocked drain in Terrey Hills?
A straightforward blockage in an accessible line is usually cleared within 1-2 hours, including inspection, clearing, and verification. Complex blockages caused by multiple restrictions, structural damage, or difficult access can take longer and may require follow-up work. The time also depends on what the CCTV camera shows during the initial assessment. We explain the expected timeframe and provide the fixed quote once the scope is confirmed onsite. If relining or excavation is needed, that's scheduled separately and quoted based on the extent of the repair required.
What is included in your fixed upfront quote for blocked drains?
The fixed quote covers the inspection (CCTV camera where needed), clearing the blockage using the appropriate method (jetting or mechanical), verification that flow is restored, and site cleanup. It does not include structural repairs if the camera shows pipe damage, which are quoted separately once the fault is confirmed. You're told exactly what's included before work starts, and the price doesn't change unless you approve additional scope. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges at the end. Confirm the call-out fee status when booking, as this varies by location and time.
Do you offer a warranty on blocked drain repairs?
Yes, our Lifetime Labour Warranty covers all workmanship on blocked drain clearing, pipe repairs, and relining. If the repair fails or the same blockage recurs due to our work, we return and fix it without additional labour charges. The warranty does not cover new blockages caused by different issues, ongoing root intrusion in unrepaired sections, or damage from misuse. Manufacturer warranties apply separately to any parts or materials used. The warranty terms are explained when the quote is provided, so you understand what's covered before deciding to proceed.
How can I prevent blocked drains in my Terrey Hills home?
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste, use sink strainers to catch food scraps and hair, and dispose of cooking fats and oils in the bin rather than pouring them down the drain. If your property has mature trees near sewer lines, periodic CCTV inspections can identify root intrusion before it causes a full blockage. Pouring boiling water down kitchen and bathroom drains weekly helps dissolve grease and soap scum before they build up. These practices reduce blockage frequency, though older pipe materials and established root systems may still require professional clearing over time.
What are the signs that my sewer line is blocked, not just a single drain?
If multiple fixtures drain slowly or gurgle at the same time (for example, flushing the toilet causes the shower to bubble), the blockage is likely in the main sewer line rather than a single fixture trap. Sewage backing up through floor drains, gully traps, or the bottom fixture in the house is another clear sign of a main drain blockage. A foul smell around external drains or wet patches in the yard near the sewer line can also indicate a blockage or leak. These situations require CCTV inspection to confirm the location and cause, which is included in our assessment before quoting the repair or clearing work.
Does Fixed Today Plumbing service Terrey Hills for emergency blocked drains?
Yes, our 24/7 emergency service covers Terrey Hills and the broader Northern Beaches region. Emergency jobs are dispatched immediately from the nearest available hub, with arrival timing depending on current bookings, traffic conditions along Mona Vale Road and Wakehurst Parkway, and the urgency triage of active jobs. You're provided with an ETA when booking and updated if timing shifts. Urgent drainage faults causing sewage backup or hygiene risks are prioritised ahead of standard bookings. Confirm the emergency call-out fee when booking, as fees vary by time and location.
