Blocked Drain FAQ's in Whale Beach
What causes most blocked drains in Whale Beach properties?
Blocked drains in Whale Beach typically result from hair and soap scum buildup in bathroom lines, grease solidification in kitchen pipes, or tree root intrusion where older clay or terracotta drainage meets established garden plantings. Foreign objects like wipes, sanitary products, and excessive toilet paper also contribute. Over time, these materials accumulate and restrict water flow until the line slows or backs up completely.
How do you clear a blocked drain without damaging the pipes?
We use a CCTV drain camera to locate the blockage and identify its type before selecting the clearing method. High-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) at 3,000 to 5,000 PSI pulverises roots and scours debris from pipe walls without damaging the line. For solid foreign objects, a mechanical drain snake is often more effective. The method is chosen based on what the camera shows, ensuring the safest approach for your specific pipework.
What should I do if my drain is backing up right now?
Stop using the affected fixture immediately to prevent overflow and further backup. If sewage is coming up through floor drains or into sinks, that's a health risk requiring urgent attention, call us on 1800 349 338 for immediate dispatch. Don't pour chemicals down the drain or attempt to force the blockage with excessive water pressure, as this can worsen the situation or cause pipe damage.
How long does it take to clear a typical drain blockage?
A straightforward blockage in an accessible line, hair or grease buildup in a bathroom or kitchen drain, can often be cleared within one to two hours once onsite, including camera inspection and hydro-jetting. More complex blockages involving root intrusion, collapsed pipes, or hard-to-reach sections may take longer and require additional equipment. We confirm the timeframe after the initial assessment and provide a fixed quote before proceeding.
Can tree roots really damage my drainage pipes?
Yes. Tree roots are drawn to the moisture inside drainage pipes and can enter through hairline cracks in older clay, terracotta, or even concrete lines. Once inside, the roots expand and trap debris, eventually causing a full blockage. In severe cases, root growth can fracture the pipe structure entirely, requiring repair or relining. CCTV inspection reveals the extent of root intrusion and whether clearing alone will suffice or if structural repair is needed.
What's included in your fixed-price blocked drain quote?
The fixed quote covers CCTV CCTV check to locate and identify the blockage, the clearing method (hydro-jetting or mechanical snaking), flow testing to confirm the line is restored, and site cleanup. If the camera reveals structural damage or root intrusion requiring pipe repair or relining, that's a separate scope and a separate fixed quote, provided before any additional work proceeds. You decide after seeing what's required.
Do you charge a call-out fee for blocked drains in Whale Beach?
Call-out fee policies vary by service area. Many Northern Beaches locations have no call-out fee, but it's confirmed when you book. The fixed price quote provided onsite covers the full job, so you know the total cost before work starts. If you decide not to proceed after the assessment, any applicable call-out fee is explained upfront during booking.
How often should I have my drains inspected or maintained?
For most residential properties, an annual CCTV drain inspection is sufficient to catch early signs of root intrusion, sediment buildup, or deteriorating pipe joints before they cause a blockage. Properties with established trees near drainage lines, or older clay and terracotta pipes, may benefit from more frequent checks. Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of emergency blockages and helps identify structural issues while they're still manageable.
Can you clear blocked drains in strata or multi-unit properties?
Yes. We work in strata and multi-unit properties across Whale Beach, and can coordinate access with property managers or strata committees. We follow site requirements such as inductions and sign-in procedures where required, and provide documentation suitable for strata maintenance logs and compliance records. If the blockage is in a common property line, we explain the responsibility boundaries and work with the relevant party to resolve it.
What happens if the blockage comes back after you've cleared it?
If a cleared blockage recurs quickly, it usually indicates an underlying issue; persistent root intrusion, a structural fault like a bellied or collapsed section, or incorrect fall in the drainage line. We'll re-inspect the line using CCTV to identify the cause and explain the long-term solution, which may involve pipe relining, sectional replacement, or root barrier installation. The initial clearing work is backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship, so if the recurrence is due to the way the clearing was performed, we'll address it at no additional cost.
