Blocked Drain FAQ's in Yowie Bay
What should I do immediately if my drain is blocked?
Stop using the affected drain or toilet to prevent overflow. If sewage is backing up into the home, treat it as an emergency and call for immediate dispatch. For less urgent blockages like slow drainage, avoid pouring chemical cleaners down the line before professional assessment, as they can corrode pipes and complicate the clearing process.
How do you clear a clogged drain without damaging the pipes?
We start with camera inspection to identify the blockage type and pipe condition. High-pressure water jetting is used to clear most obstructions by scouring debris from pipe walls without physical contact. The jetting pressure is controlled based on pipe material, lower pressure for older clay pipes, higher for modern PVC. If structural damage is detected, relining is recommended rather than forceful clearing.
Can tree roots be permanently removed from drains?
Tree roots can be cut and flushed from the line using high-pressure jetting, which restores flow temporarily. However, if the pipe has cracks allowing root entry, they will eventually return. Permanent resolution typically requires trenchless pipe relining to seal the cracks and create a root-resistant barrier, or in severe cases, excavation and pipe replacement.
How long does it take to clear a typical clogged drain in Yowie Bay?
Most standard blockages in reachable pipes are cleared within 1-2 hours, including camera inspection and high-pressure jetting. Complex blockages involving root intrusion or multiple affected sections may take longer, particularly if relining is required. We confirm the expected timeframe once the scope is assessed onsite and provide an updated estimate if conditions change.
Do you charge a call-out fee for Yowie Bay?
Call-out fee status varies by location and job type. When booking, confirm whether a call-out fee applies and how it's handled if you proceed with the quoted work. Our standard pricing model is fixed-price by the job after site assessment, not hourly, so the final cost is confirmed before work starts.
What causes drains to smell even when they're not blocked?
Drain odours typically come from dry P-traps, biofilm buildup inside pipes, or vent blockages that prevent sewer gases from escaping correctly. Running water through unused drains refills dry traps. For persistent smells, camera inspection can identify biofilm accumulation or vent issues, and high-pressure jetting removes the buildup causing the odour.
Can you fix drains under concrete slabs or driveways?
Drains beneath slabs, driveways, or established gardens can be repaired using trenchless pipe relining, which avoids excavation. A resin liner is inserted into the damaged section and cured to form a durable pipe-within-a-pipe. This method works for cracks, root damage, and corrosion, provided the pipe hasn't completely collapsed. Scope is confirmed after CCTV check.
How do I know if my drainage issue is on my property or the council's responsibility?
Your property boundary typically defines responsibility. Drainage issues within your boundary (inside the house and up to the property line) are your responsibility. Blockages in the main sewer line beyond your boundary fall under Sydney Water or council jurisdiction. Our CCTV check can pinpoint where the blockage is located, and we advise on responsibility based on that footage.
Is regular drain maintenance worth it for Yowie Bay homes?
For properties with mature trees, older pipe materials, or a history of blockages, scheduled CCTV inspections every 12-18 months can identify early-stage issues before they cause backups. Preventative jetting removes minor buildup and root growth, reducing emergency callout risk. We recommend maintenance based on observed pipe condition and property factors, not as a default upsell.
What warranty covers your drainage work?
All drainage installations and repairs are backed by our Lifetime Labour Warranty on workmanship. This covers the quality of the work we complete. If an issue arises due to the repair itself, we return to make it right. Pipe relining work typically includes manufacturer warranties on the liner material, which vary by product and are confirmed when quoting.
