Precision Plumbing

PRECISION PLUMBING heidelberg

Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are usually caused by tree roots, or a build-up of debris, and if left unattended can lead to serious damage.

Our high-tech CCTV drain inspection tools allow us to locate blockages with near-millimetre precision.

Precision Plumbing uses a high-pressure jetting machine to break through even the toughest blockages—quickly, cleanly, and affordably.

Blocked Drains heidelberg

Why Choose Precision Plumbing for Your Blocked Drain Needs?

CCTV drain camera

We use advanced CCTV and location tools to accurately pinpoint where the blockage is.

Complete Blockage Removal

Our team is skilled in removing tree roots and even the most persistent blockages.

Low-Mess, Professional Drain Fixes

Clogged or damaged pipes can be fixed with minimal mess and at the best price.

Common Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain

Your home or business has a plumbing and drainage system with a combination of pipes and drains. Pipes carry clean water into the building, meanwhile drains and other pipes carry wastewater away to a septic tank or sewerage facility.

There are several signs that may indicate a blocked pipe or drain. If you experience any of the issues below, we suggest getting expert help promptly:

  • Sinks, showers, or bathtubs draining more slowly than usual.
  • Unusual gurgling sounds coming from drains as water flows, often due to trapped air from a blockage.
  • Unpleasant smells, particularly near sinks or pipes connected to your drain. These smells may mean a drain or pipe is clogged with grease, waste, or bits of food.
  • Toilets that do not flush as they should or that overflow, commonly due to a blockage in the pipe or drainage system.
  • Pooling water indoors or outdoors near drains, suggesting that proper water flow is being obstructed.

The sooner you reach out, the better we can identify the issue and reduce the risk of serious blockages or long-term water damage.

Typical Causes of Drain Blockages

You may have identified one or more of the above signs of a blocked drain, but you’re unsure how the blockage happened.

Blocked drains often occur due to one or more of the following factors:

  • Tree roots, fallen leaves and twigs. It’s common for tree roots to infiltrate underground drains, as they like the moist and nutrient-rich environment. Leaves and twigs also have a tendency to get into stormwater drains by flowing from roof gutters through downpipes.
  • Grease, fats, and cooking oils harden inside pipes, forming blockages that slow or stop water flow.
  • Hair and general bathroom debris often collect in pipes, especially around sinks and shower drains.
  • Bits of food, coffee grounds, and other kitchen waste not disposed of properly.
  • Soap residue may combine with hard water minerals, forming scum that clings to pipe interiors.
  • Foreign objects flushed down toilets and drains. These non-flushable items include face wipes, tampons and pads, cotton buds, and children’s toys.
  • Damaged or shifted pipe sections tend to snag waste material, causing buildup and drainage problems.
  • Sometimes, poor workmanship from plumbers is to blame. If an incorrectly sized or positioned pipe is installed, the flowing water will catch on solid materials and create a blockage.

Factors leading to blockages often vary between residential and commercial properties.

Common residential plumbing problems often involve low-flow toilets and the accumulation of soap scum and hair.

In commercial or industrial settings, blockages are often caused by grease accumulation from food preparation areas or the flushing of non-disposable items like sanitary products.

Ways to Prevent Drain Blockages

You can take several steps to help prevent future blockages, such as:

Frequent drain cleaning and maintenance. If in doubt, arrange an annual appointment with your plumber to make sure your plumbing and drainage system is in good working order.

The responsible disposal of waste. Where possible, avoid pouring or flushing grease, food scraps, fallen hair, toiletries, or other foreign objects down drains and pipes.

A drain strainer or gutter guard can also stop the materials above, or tree roots and leaves, from infiltrating your drains and pipes and creating a costly blockage.

Hot Water heidelberg

When Should You Call a Licensed Plumber?

You might be asking yourself whether it’s possible to clear a blocked drain on your own or if it’s time to call a plumber.

There are a few DIY steps you can try, particularly if the blockage is caused by a buildup of materials from inside your home or business. For instance, you may be able to use warm water and vinegar to clear grease and fat, or hot water and bleach to clear hair and toiletries.

If the appropriate DIY methods aren’t working, or if you are in doubt, we highly advise contacting plumbing industry professionals. The benefits of using a professional plumber include:

  • Their advanced locating and clearing tools and technology. With specialised tools like CCTV cameras and hydro-jet equipment, plumbers can quickly zone in on the problem and save everyone time and effort.
  • Their formal training and certification equip them to handle complex blockages across residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
  • Their all-in-one service includes identifying root causes, preventing future issues, and repairing any damaged pipes or drains.
  • Safety is key—plumbers are trained to manage hazardous waste and sewer-related issues without risking health or property.

DIY drain fixes often come with hidden costs and risks, including recurring issues or accidental damage. Professional plumbing services offer a more reliable, efficient, and economical solution.

We’re committed to providing high-quality service at Precision Plumbing, fully compliant with commercial plumbing needs. Whether it’s a blockage, burst pipe, or another issue, our team is here to assist.

blocked drain repair

Blocked Drains Services in Heidelberg, VIC and surrounding areas

If you’re experiencing plumbing problems, including blocked drains and pipes, give us a call at Precision Plumbing. We proudly provide a wide range of plumbing repair and maintenance services for residential and commercial clients across Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs.

No job is too big or too small for our skilled, licensed plumbers. We pride ourselves on offering dependable, honest service with straightforward, competitive pricing.