Blocked Drain FAQ's in Warrawee
What typically causes drainage blockages in Warrawee properties?
Blockages in Warrawee often trace back to tree root intrusion in older terracotta or clay sewer lines, fat and grease buildup in kitchen waste pipes, or hair and soap scum accumulation in bathroom drains. Properties built before the 1980s commonly have clay pipes that develop cracks over time, allowing roots to enter. Once roots establish inside the pipe, they trap debris and expand until the line is fully obstructed. Kitchen blockages usually result from fats solidifying as they cool and coating the pipe interior. Assessment with a CCTV camera confirms the cause and shows whether the pipe structure is intact or requires repair beyond clearing.
How long does it take to clear a drain blockage in Warrawee?
Most standard blockages, grease buildup, hair clumps, or light debris, are cleared within one to two hours once the plumber arrives and begins work. This includes CCTV inspection to locate the obstruction, high-pressure water jetting to break it apart and flush it through, and testing to confirm flow is restored. If the camera reveals structural damage such as a collapsed section or severe root intrusion, the clearing work may be completed the same day, but repair or relining is quoted separately and scheduled once you confirm. Timing depends on blockage severity, pipe access, and whether parts or additional equipment are needed.
Do you provide upfront pricing before starting drain clearing work?
Yes. After assessing the blockage using a CCTV camera and confirming what's causing it, we provide a fixed-fee quote before any clearing work begins. That quote includes the inspection, jetting or mechanical clearing, and flow testing. If inspection reveals damage requiring additional work, such as drain relining or sectional replacement, we explain the options and provide a separate quote for that work. You decide whether to proceed after the scope and price are confirmed. The fixed price applies to the job, not hourly, and there are no hidden costs added once work is underway.
Can tree roots be removed without digging up the garden?
In most cases, yes. High-pressure water jetting can cut through and flush out tree roots that have entered a pipe, restoring flow without excavation. If the roots have caused structural damage, cracks, joint separation, or collapsed sections, trenchless drain relining can repair the damaged section from inside the pipe without digging. A resin-saturated liner is inserted, inflated, and cured to form a new pipe wall. This method works for most residential sewer and stormwater lines, provided the pipe hasn't completely collapsed. If a section is fully collapsed, targeted excavation may be required to replace that segment, but the rest of the line can often be relined without further digging.
What should I do if a drain backs up outside business hours?
If water is backing up through a shower, sink, or floor waste, stop using any plumbing fixtures connected to that drain to prevent further overflow. If the backup involves sewage, avoid contact and ventilate the area. Fixed Today Plumbing operates 24/7 emergency dispatch, call us, and we'll allocate the nearest available plumber to your Warrawee address. We'll provide an ETA once the job is assigned. You're not expected to attempt clearing the blockage yourself or diagnose the cause. The plumber will assess the issue onsite, explain what's required, and provide a fixed quote before starting work.
Is a CCTV camera inspection always necessary for blocked drains?
For recurring blockages, slow drainage that doesn't respond to basic clearing, or properties with older pipe materials, a CCTV inspection confirms the underlying cause and shows pipe condition. This prevents repeat callouts and identifies structural issues early. For simple, isolated blockages, such as a bathroom sink clogged with hair, a camera inspection may not be required if standard clearing resolves the issue. We recommend it after clearing work if the blockage was severe, took longer than expected to clear, or if you've had multiple blockages in the same line. The inspection is included in most drain clearing quotes where it's necessary to locate the obstruction.
What happens if a blockage is caused by damaged pipes rather than debris?
If the CCTV inspection reveals cracks, joint separation, or root intrusion causing structural damage, we explain what was found and provide options. Minor damage may only require root cutting and ongoing maintenance. More severe damage, where the pipe is at risk of collapsing or will cause repeat blockages, usually requires trenchless pipe relining or sectional replacement. Relining creates a new pipe inside the damaged one without excavation. Replacement involves digging up the damaged section and installing new pipe. We provide a separate fixed-price quote for structural repairs, and you decide whether to proceed after the options and costs are explained. The original blockage clearing can often be completed first, with repair work scheduled separately.
How can I reduce the risk of future clogged drain issues?
Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down kitchen sinks; dispose of them in a sealed container in the bin once cooled. Use drain strainers in showers and basins to catch hair before it enters the pipe. Don't flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste; wipes labelled "flushable" don't break down quickly enough and commonly cause blockages. If your property has mature trees near sewer lines, periodic CCTV inspections can identify root intrusion early, before it causes a full blockage. For older properties with clay or terracotta pipes, trenchless relining prevents roots from re-entering once the line is cleared. Regular maintenance and awareness of what enters your drains significantly reduces blockage frequency.
