Blocked Drain FAQ's in Westmead
What causes blocked drains in older Westmead properties?
Drainage blockages in older Westmead homes are often caused by tree root intrusion into terracotta or clay pipes, which were standard in properties built before the 1980s. Roots enter through small cracks or joints, then expand and trap debris, restricting flow. Hair, soap residue, and cooking fats also accumulate over time in kitchen and bathroom drains. CCTV inspection confirms the cause and location before clearing begins.
How long does it take to clear a blocked drain?
Most standard residential blockages in accessible drainage lines are cleared within an hour once the plumber arrives and completes the CCTV inspection. Complex blockages involving root masses or foreign objects may take longer. If structural pipe damage is found during inspection, repair options are explained and quoted separately. The full process from assessment to clearance depends on what the camera shows.
Do you charge a call-out fee in Westmead?
The call-out fee policy varies by service area and job type. It's worth confirming when you book whether a call-out fee applies to your Westmead address or if it's waived once work is approved. Our fixed-price quoting model means the total cost is confirmed before chargeable work starts, so there are no surprise fees added at the end.
What should I do if a drain is backing up right now?
Stop using all plumbing fixtures connected to that drain to prevent further overflow. If wastewater is backing up into the property, turn off the water at the mains if safe to do so. Then call us for immediate dispatch. Our 24/7 emergency service prioritises active backups, with the nearest available plumber sent out from our West Sydney hub and an ETA provided when you book.
Can you clear blockages in strata or apartment buildings?
We handle drainage work in strata and multi-unit buildings across Westmead, including shared sewer lines and stormwater systems. Access to common property drains often requires strata approval or coordination with building management. We can liaise with your strata manager to arrange the necessary permissions and provide documentation for maintenance records. The scope is established onsite before quoting.
How do you locate blockages without digging?
We use high-definition camera inspection equipment to inspect the inside of the pipe and identify the blockage type and exact location. The camera is fed through an access point like a cleanout or gully trap, and the footage shows whether it's roots, debris, or structural damage. This avoids unnecessary excavation and ensures the clearing method matches the obstruction type.
What's the difference between clearing and relining a drain?
Clearing removes the blockage using high-pressure water jetting or mechanical tools, restoring flow in the existing pipe. Relining repairs structural damage by inserting a resin-coated liner into the damaged section and curing it in place, which creates a new sealed interior without excavation. If CCTV inspection shows cracks or root damage, relining is often recommended to prevent future blockages in that section.
Will tree roots come back after clearing?
Tree roots will regrow into pipes if the entry point remains. High-pressure jetting cuts roots back to the pipe wall, restoring flow temporarily, but roots typically return within 12 to 24 months unless the pipe is relined or replaced. Relining seals the cracks and joints where roots entered, which prevents regrowth in that section. We explain the long-term options after inspection shows the extent of root intrusion.
Can you clear drains during business hours if I'm at work?
We can arrange access through property managers, tenants, or keyholders if you're unavailable during the scheduled time. For rental properties or strata units, coordination with the managing agent or building manager is straightforward. Arrival timing is confirmed when the booking is made, and we contact you or the arranged contact person before arriving to confirm access.
What's included in a CCTV drain inspection?
A camera inspection involves feeding a camera through the drainage line to visually assess the pipe condition, locate blockages, and check for structural issues like cracks, collapses, or joint offsets. The footage is recorded and can be provided for your records or strata documentation. Inspection results guide the clearing method and identify whether repair work is needed beyond clearing the immediate blockage.
