Blocked Drain FAQ's in Waverton
What are the common causes of blocked drains?
Most residential drainage blockages result from accumulated debris like hair bound with soap residue, grease and food scraps in kitchen lines, or foreign objects flushed into toilet lines. In older properties with terracotta or clay pipes, tree roots seeking moisture enter through cracks and grow inside the line, trapping passing debris. The initial restriction is often small but worsens over time as more material catches on the obstruction until flow is significantly reduced or completely blocked.
How can I prevent my drains from getting blocked?
Prevention focuses on controlling what enters the drainage system. Dispose of cooking oils and fats in the bin rather than washing them down the sink, use drain guards to catch hair in showers and basins, and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste down toilets. For properties with mature trees near drainage lines, periodic CCTV check can identify early root intrusion before it causes a complete blockage, allowing relining to seal the entry point.
What should I do if my drain is blocked?
If water is draining slowly or backing up, avoid using the affected fixture to prevent overflow. A plunger can sometimes dislodge minor blockages in sink or toilet traps if used with a tight seal and vigorous action. For blockages that don't clear with plunging, or if multiple fixtures are affected indicating a main line restriction, contact a duly licensed plumbing technician to assess and clear it properly. Avoid chemical drain cleaners on persistent blockages as they can corrode pipes without resolving the underlying obstruction.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners to unblock my drains?
Chemical cleaners may clear minor surface-level blockages but are ineffective against dense obstructions like root masses or solidified grease further down the line. The harsh chemicals can corrode pipe materials over time, particularly older metal pipes or PVC joints, and create hazardous fumes if mixed with other substances. For stubborn or recurring blockages, mechanical clearing or high-pressure jetting is safer and more effective, and a CCTV inspection confirms the line is fully clear rather than just temporarily improved.
How do plumbers clear blocked drains?
The clearing method depends on what the blockage is and where it's located. High-pressure water jetting uses controlled water pressure to scour debris and break up organic matter like roots and grease buildup. Mechanical drain snakes with cutting heads can retrieve or fragment solid objects lodged in the line. Before clearing, we use CCTV cameras to visually identify the blockage type and depth, which ensures the right tool is used and confirms the line is fully clear after treatment rather than just partially opened.
What are the signs of a drain blockage?
Slow drainage is typically the first indicator, followed by gurgling sounds as air trapped behind the restriction tries to escape when water flows. Unpleasant odours can occur when wastewater sits in the pipe rather than draining away quickly. If multiple fixtures are affected simultaneously, the blockage is likely in a main sewer line rather than an individual fixture trap. Water backing up through floor drains or overflowing from fixtures indicates a severe blockage requiring immediate attention to prevent property damage.
Can blocked drains cause damage to my property?
Yes, blocked drains create pressure that can force wastewater back through floor drains, overflow from fixtures, or stress pipe joints until they separate and leak beneath the property. Prolonged moisture exposure damages flooring, wall cavities, and subfloor structures, and creates conditions for mould growth. In severe cases where the blockage prevents all drainage, continued water use can cause sewage to back up into living areas, creating health hazards and requiring extensive cleanup. Addressing blockages early prevents these escalated consequences.
How often should I have my drains inspected and cleaned?
For most residential properties without recurring issues, routine drain cleaning isn't necessary unless symptoms appear. If your property experiences frequent slow drainage or multiple blockages within a year, a camera inspection can identify whether there's an underlying structural problem like root intrusion, pipe deterioration, or incorrect fall causing debris to settle. Older properties with mature trees nearby may benefit from periodic inspection to catch root intrusion early, but frequency depends on the property's specific risk factors rather than a fixed schedule.
Do you charge a call-out fee for Waverton jobs?
Call-out fee arrangements vary by service area and job type. When you contact us to book, we'll confirm the call-out fee status for your Waverton location and explain how it's applied if relevant. Our pricing model focuses on fixed quotes for the work itself once scope is confirmed on site onsite, so you know the total cost before deciding whether to proceed. The quote provided after assessment is the price you pay for the work described, with no surprise charges added later.
What happens if the blockage comes back after you've cleared it?
If a cleared blockage recurs shortly after treatment, it typically indicates an underlying structural issue like root intrusion points, pipe deterioration, or incorrect fall that allows debris to settle repeatedly. We warranty the clearing work itself under our Lifetime Labour Warranty, meaning if the same blockage returns due to incomplete clearing, we return at no additional cost. If inspection shows the recurrence is due to a structural defect requiring pipe repair or relining, that's quoted separately as additional work distinct from the initial clearing service.
