Blocked Drains Thornleigh

A blocked drain typically starts with a partial restriction that slows flow, then progresses to a complete stoppage as debris accumulates behind the initial obstruction. Common causes in residential properties include fat and grease solidifying in kitchen waste lines, soap residue and hair binding together in bathroom drains, and tree roots entering cracked or poorly sealed sewer pipes. If left unaddressed, the restriction worsens, pressure builds behind it, and you see water backing up into sinks, showers, or even through floor waste grates in severe cases.

We diagnose the blockage location and type before attempting to clear it. The plumber inserts a high-definition CCTV camera into the affected line, which transmits a live video feed showing the pipe interior, the obstruction, and the distance from the access point. That vision confirms what's causing the blockage, whether it's organic buildup, foreign objects, or root intrusion, and whether the pipe itself is damaged. Once the cause and location are confirmed, we explain what's needed and provide a fixed-price quote before starting the clearing work.

For most blockages, high-pressure water jetting is the clearing method. The hydro-jetter fires water at pressures between 3,000 and 5,000 PSI through a specialized nozzle, which scours the pipe walls and pulverizes the obstruction, flushing it downstream into the main sewer. Root masses and grease layers are broken apart and washed clear. For certain obstructions such as solid objects lodged in bends, we use an electric drain snake (also called an eel) to mechanically dislodge or retrieve the item. Both methods restore the pipe to near-full capacity without excavation in most situations.

After clearing, we verify the result by running water through the line and, where practical, performing a follow-up camera inspection to confirm the pipe is flowing freely and there's no remaining debris. The fixed-fee quote covers the diagnosis, the clearing work, and the verification. You're provided with footage or photos of the findings when helpful, and if the inspection reveals damage requiring repair such as pipe replacement or relining, that scope is explained separately and quoted once you've confirmed you want to proceed. We're available 24/7 for emergency service calls, and all work is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship.

A broken pipe in a Thornleigh property usually shows up as a sudden loss of water pressure, visible water pooling where it shouldn't be, or unexplained spikes in your water bill. Pipes burst when the material fails due to corrosion, ground movement, freezing (rare in Sydney but possible in winter cold snaps), or sudden pressure surges in the mains supply. Older homes with galvanised steel or early copper installations are at higher risk because those materials corrode from the inside over decades, weakening until a weak point gives way under normal pressure.

If you notice water stains spreading on walls or ceilings, wet patches in the garden, or the sound of running water when all taps are off, the priority is isolating the affected section to stop further water damage. Locate your property's water meter and turn off the mains valve, which stops flow to the entire house. That contains the leak until a properly licensed plumbing specialist arrives to assess the damage and confirm the repair scope.

We repair ruptured pipes using one of two methods, depending on the pipe location and the extent of the damage. For accessible sections such as under sinks, in roof spaces, or exposed garden lines, we cut out the damaged section and install a new length of pipe, reconnecting it to the existing system with compression fittings or soldered joins. For pipes buried under concrete slabs, driveways, or landscaping, we often recommend trenchless drain relining, which avoids excavation by inserting a resin-coated liner into the damaged pipe and curing it in place to form a new pipe within the old one.

Once the repair is complete, we test the system by turning the water back on and checking for leaks at the repair site and downstream connections. Water pressure is confirmed, and we verify that all fixtures are functioning normally before leaving. Burst pipe repairs are covered by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, and manufacturer warranties apply to any new pipe sections or fittings installed.

Gas fitting work in NSW must be performed by a NSW-licensed gas fitter, and all completed installations or repairs must pass a pressure loss test to confirm the system is gas-tight before being recommissioned. That's a legal requirement under AS/NZS 5601.1, and it exists because gas leaks create serious safety risks including fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces.

We're licensed for gas fitting in NSW (Licence 305428C) and handle installations of new gas points for cooktops and ovens, connection of natural gas lines to hot water systems and heating units, and gas leak detection and repair. Gas leak detection uses electronic combustible gas detectors or thermal imaging to locate leaks behind walls or under floors, which allows us to pinpoint the fault without invasive guesswork. Once located, the leaking section is isolated, the damaged fitting or pipe is replaced, and the entire system is pressure-tested to confirm it's sealed before gas is restored.

If you smell gas (a distinctive "rotten egg" odour caused by an added safety chemical called mercaptan), hear hissing near an appliance, or notice soot buildup on burners, that's a potential leak. Don't operate electrical switches, light flames, or attempt to locate the leak yourself. Open windows and doors to ventilate the area, evacuate everyone from the building, and call us from outside the property. We're available 24/7 for gas emergencies and will dispatch a licensed gas fitter immediately to assess the situation, isolate the gas supply if needed, and make the system safe.

Gas appliance installations such as new cooktops, instantaneous hot water systems, or ducted heating are quoted based on the scope confirmed during an onsite assessment. That assessment checks the existing gas supply capacity, the location of the new appliance, the route for any new gas lines, and the ventilation requirements. The fixed price quote covers the installation, connection, testing, and issue of a compliance certificate where required. All gas work is subject to council and authority approvals in some situations, and we handle that liaison as part of the service.

When you book a plumber with Fixed Today Plumbing, you're dealing with a family-owned Sydney business that's been operating for over 15 years, maintains a multi-van fleet of licensed technicians, and has completed thousands of jobs across the Sydney metropolitan area. All attending plumbers are licensed in NSW, and we complete police and background checks on our technicians so you can feel confident about who's entering your home.

We explain the scope in plain English before work starts, confirm what's included and what's not, and provide photos or video footage of the findings when it helps you understand the situation. Fixed-price quotes are provided once scope is defined, and that price is locked in, with no hidden fees or hourly rate surprises at the end. The quote is valid for one month from the date it's issued, so you have time to decide without pressure. Call-out fee status varies by service area, so confirm that when booking.

Our plumbers use drop sheets and boot covers to protect floors and finished surfaces, and the work area is cleaned up prior to leaving. Tools, debris, and offcuts are removed, and the site is left tidy. For work in occupied homes, we keep noise and disruption as low as practical, and we follow entry instructions carefully if you have specific security or access requirements. If you're coordinating with a property manager, strata committee, or tenant, we can provide job documentation suitable for maintenance logs and compliance records.

You don't need to diagnose the fault yourself. A quick call is enough to book the right technician, and we'll confirm the cause onsite, explain the next step, and provide the fixed-price quote once the scope is clear. If you're unsure whether the situation needs urgent attention, the booking team can help you assess that during the call. We're available 24/7, so whether it's a blocked drain at 2am or a leaking tap on a Sunday afternoon, we're ready to dispatch and get it sorted.