Blocked Drain FAQ's in Waverley
What causes most blocked drains in Waverley?
Tree root intrusion into terracotta or clay pipes is the most common cause in older Waverley properties, where established gardens and street trees have matured over decades. Kitchen drains often block due to grease and food scraps solidifying as they cool. In bathrooms, soap residue and hair combine to form restrictions in shower and basin traps. If you're noticing slow drainage or gurgling sounds, a CCTV CCTV check will confirm the cause and location before unblocking begins.
How long does it take to clear a drain blockage?
A straightforward blockage, such as grease or hair buildup in an accessible section, can often be cleared within an hour once the technician arrives. More complex issues, like tree roots requiring high-pressure jetting or structural damage needing trenchless relining, take longer and may require a follow-up visit once materials are confirmed. The initial assessment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, after which we explain the clearing method and provide a fixed-fee quote before work starts.
Can you clear blocked drains without digging up the yard?
In most cases, yes. We use high-pressure water jetting to clear blockages without excavation, and trenchless pipe relining allows us to repair damaged sections beneath driveways or gardens without digging. A CCTV CCTV check confirms whether the pipe structure is intact enough for relining. If a section has fully collapsed or relining isn't suitable, targeted excavation may be needed, but we explain the options and confirm scope before proceeding.
Do you charge a call-out fee for Waverley?
Call-out fee arrangements vary by suburb. Check the specific call-out fee status for Waverley when you book, or refer to suburb-specific details on our website. Where a call-out fee applies, it typically covers the technician's travel and initial diagnostic time. Once we provide a fixed-price quote based on confirmed scope, you can decide whether to proceed, and the call-out fee is usually absorbed into the total job cost if you go ahead.
What should I do if my toilet is completely blocked and won't flush?
Stop using the toilet immediately to prevent sewage from backing up further. If water is rising toward the rim, don't flush again. Contact us for emergency dispatch, and we'll send a NSW-licensed plumber with CCTV and clearing equipment. In the meantime, isolate the affected bathroom if possible and avoid running water in other fixtures on the same drainage line, as this can worsen the backup.
How do you detect the location of a blockage?
We insert a high-definition CCTV drain camera into the line from an access point such as an inspection opening or cleanout. The camera transmits live vision, showing the blockage type, depth, and exact location within the property boundary. This allows us to select the correct clearing method and confirm whether the pipe structure is intact or damaged. The footage is often recorded so you can see what we're dealing with before work begins.
Can blocked drains cause sewage to back up inside the house?
Yes. If the main drainage line is fully blocked, wastewater has nowhere to go and will rise through the lowest fixture in the system; typically a floor drain, shower, or ground-floor toilet. This creates a health hazard and can cause water damage to flooring and walls. If sewage is backing up inside the home, it's an emergency requiring immediate dispatch. We'll clear the blockage to restore drainage, then inspect the line to confirm what caused the failure and whether further work is needed.
What is trenchless pipe relining and when is it needed?
Trenchless pipe relining involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into a damaged pipe, inflating it, and curing it in place to create a seamless, structurally independent pipe within the old one. It's used when CCTV inspection shows cracks, root damage, or corrosion that has weakened the pipe but not caused complete collapse. Relining is particularly useful beneath permanent structures like driveways, bathrooms, or established landscaping, where excavation would be costly and disruptive. The liner is typically cured using hot water or UV light and restores full flow capacity once set.
How can I prevent tree roots from blocking my drains again?
Once roots are cleared and the line is restored, prevention options include regular high-pressure jetting to flush out fine root growth before it becomes a blockage, or trenchless relining to seal the pipe interior and prevent roots from re-entering. If a particularly aggressive tree is the source, consulting an arborist about root barriers or tree removal may be necessary. We discuss prevention options after clearing, based on the extent of root intrusion and pipe condition observed during the camera inspection.
Do you provide a warranty on blocked drain repairs?
Yes. All our workmanship is backed by a Lifetime Labour Warranty, meaning if the same issue recurs due to the quality of our work, we'll return and fix it at no additional cost. Manufacturer warranties apply to any parts, equipment, or materials installed. Where trenchless relining is performed, the liner itself typically carries a long-term structural warranty from the manufacturer. We explain warranty coverage in plain English once the scope is confirmed onsite, so you understand what's protected and for how long.
