Blocked Drains Ultimo

Drainage blockages in Ultimo homes typically result from grease solidifying in kitchen waste lines, hair and soap scum accumulating in bathroom drains, or tree roots infiltrating older terracotta sewer pipes seeking moisture. We clear the restriction by identifying what's causing it and using the appropriate method to restore full flow, high-pressure water jetting for organic build-up and root masses, mechanical clearing for foreign objects, or a recommendation for drain relining if inspection shows structural damage that will cause recurring blockages.

The first warning signs are usually slow drainage. A kitchen sink that takes longer to empty, a shower that pools around your feet, or a toilet that flushes weakly all indicate partial restriction in the line. If the blockage isn't cleared, it worsens over time until water stops draining altogether or sewage backs up into floor drains, showers, or toilets. That's when unpleasant odours appear and the risk of water damage to floors, carpets, and cabinetry becomes real.

In practice, what causes blockages varies by property age and usage. Older Ultimo terraces often have original clay or terracotta sewer lines, and tree roots from street plantings or backyard figs find their way into microscopic cracks, expanding over time until they trap debris and restrict flow. Modern apartments with PVC drainage rarely have root issues, but shared vertical stacks can accumulate grease when multiple kitchens drain into the same line, especially in buildings without adequate grease traps.

When you call, we ask about symptoms and property type so the right diagnostic equipment is brought onsite. The high-definition CCTV camera goes into the drain first. It travels through the pipe and sends live footage back to a screen, showing exactly where the blockage sits and what's causing it. You see the same footage we do. No guesswork.

Once the cause is confirmed, the clearing method is explained and a fixed-price quote provided. For most blockages, high-pressure hydro-jetting is the solution. Water is fired through a specialized nozzle at pressures high enough to pulverize roots, scour grease from pipe walls, and flush accumulated debris out of the line. The process restores the pipe to near-full capacity and doesn't damage the pipe structure when performed correctly.

If the camera shows the pipe has cracked, collapsed, or separated at a joint, clearing the current blockage won't stop it from happening again. In those situations, we explain the options; excavation and replacement in accessible areas, or trenchless pipe relining where digging isn't practical or would damage landscaping, driveways, or permanent structures. The choice is yours once scope is confirmed onsite and pricing is provided for each option.

We clean up the work area after the job is finished and test flow to confirm the line is clear before leaving. All work is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, meaning if something fails due to how the work was completed, we return and fix it at no additional cost. Manufacturer warranties apply separately to any parts or materials supplied.

When a drainage emergency happens, sewage backflowing through floor drains, a burst pipe flooding the property, or a complete blockage preventing any water from draining, time matters. Fixed Today Plumbing operates 24/7 emergency plumbing services across Ultimo, and urgent jobs are sent out first with the nearest available licensed plumber allocated from our dispatch points. An ETA is provided when you book, and arrival timing depends on current job load and traffic conditions.

Emergency calls are triaged by severity. A sewage backup or burst pipe causing active flooding takes priority over a slow drain or minor leak. When you call, we ask what's happening so the right technician and equipment are sent, and you're told upfront what to expect for arrival timing. If it's safe to do so, turn off the water supply at the main meter to stop further flooding while the plumber is on the way. Don't attempt to clear blockages with chemicals or improvised tools if sewage is backing up, as this can worsen the situation or cause personal injury.

Our emergency plumbers arrive with fully stocked mobile workshops carrying diagnostic cameras, high-pressure jetters, pipe repair materials, and leak detection equipment. The goal on an emergency callout is to make the situation safe, stop the immediate damage, and restore basic function so you can use water and drainage again. If a permanent fix requires parts that aren't stocked in the van, a temporary repair is completed to stabilize the situation, and the permanent repair is scheduled once parts are available and scope is established.

All emergency work is quoted using the same fixed-price model. You're told the cost before work starts, and the price doesn't change based on how long it takes. After-hours emergency callouts may have different pricing compared to standard business hours; the call-out fee status and any after-hours rate differences are explained when you book so there are no surprises.

Hot water system repairs and installations in Ultimo cover electric storage tanks, continuous flow gas units, and heat pump systems. When a hot water supply service fails, the usual signs are no hot water at all, inconsistent temperature, rust-coloured water indicating internal tank corrosion, or visible leaks around the unit. We assess what's failed, explain whether replacement or repair is the appropriate option based on the system's age and condition, and provide a fixed-price quote before any work proceeds.

For storage tank systems, failure often traces back to a deteriorated sacrificial anode rod that no longer protects the steel tank from corrosion, or sediment build-up that insulates the heating element and reduces efficiency. Gas continuous flow units can develop leaks in the heat exchanger or fail due to faulty control boards and sensors. When you call, we ask about symptoms and the system type so the right replacement parts are brought onsite if a straightforward repair is likely.

New hot water system installations must comply with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3500) and local authority requirements. This includes installing Tempering Valves to prevent scalding by limiting water temperature at the tap to 50°C, and Pressure Relief Valves to prevent tank over-pressurization. We handle the installation, testing, and compliance documentation so the system is safe and legal to operate before departing.