Research’s Blocked Drain Specialists
PRECISION PLUMBING research
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.
Using the most up-to-date technology, our CCTV drain camera and locating equipment, we can pinpoint exactly where the blockage is almost to the millimetre.
Armed with advanced high-pressure jetting equipment, Precision Plumbing clears blockages of all kinds with minimal disruption and highly competitive pricing.
Why Choose Precision Plumbing for Your Blocked Drain Needs?
Advanced CCTV Drain Camera Inspection
Clear all blockages
Clean and Tidy Repairs
Common Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain
Every home or business relies on a plumbing and drainage system made up of pipes and drains. Clean water flows in through supply pipes, while wastewater is directed out through drains to a septic tank or the sewer system.
The signs of a blocked drain or pipe can vary based on a number of factors. We recommend seeking out professional assistance if you notice one or more of these signs:
- Sinks, showers, or bathtubs draining more slowly than usual.
- Gurgling noises during drainage, typically caused by air bubbles forming around 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.
- Standing water around sinks, showers, or outside drains—a potential sign of improper drainage or blockage.
The earlier you contact us, the more likely it is we can diagnose the issue and help prevent bigger blockage problems or water damage later on.
Typical Causes of Drain Blockages
Drain blockages happen for one or more of these reasons:
- 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.
- A buildup of hair and debris in bathroom pipes and drains, especially sinks and showers.
- Improper disposal of kitchen scraps like food bits and coffee grounds can lead to blockages.
- Soap scum and residue can build up in pipes, particularly when these substances mix with minerals in the water and solidify.
- Foreign objects flushed down toilets and drains. These non-flushable items include face wipes, tampons and pads, cotton buds, and children’s toys.
- Cracked or misaligned pipes can trap solids, increasing the risk of frequent blockages.
- 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.
In residential buildings, we see a lot of issues with low-flow toilets and buildups of soap and hair.
Commercial and industrial buildings commonly experience drain issues from grease buildup in food service areas and the disposal of non-flushable items such as sanitary products.
Tips for Avoiding a Blocked Drain
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.
Being mindful of what goes down your drains—like oils, food waste, or toiletries—can significantly reduce the chance of blockages.
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.
When Should You Call a Licensed Plumber?
You may be wondering, can I unblock a drain myself, or do I need a plumber?
Some minor blockages caused by household or business waste can be tackled with DIY methods. Try warm water and vinegar for grease, or hot water and bleach to deal with hair and personal care products.
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 cutting-edge equipment, including CCTV and high-pressure jetting tools, allows plumbers to pinpoint and resolve issues efficiently.
- Their training, licences and expertise. Plumbers have the necessary qualifications to deal with a wide range of blockages and in a range of settings, including residential, commercial and industrial.
- Their all-in-one service includes identifying root causes, preventing future issues, and repairing any damaged pipes or drains.
- Plumbers know how to safely address dangerous blockages, including those involving sewerage systems and potentially harmful materials.
Ultimately, DIY drain repairs can be costly and time-consuming, and there’s a greater likelihood of further damage or a need for repeat work. A professional plumbing service is more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective.
Precision Plumbing delivers top-tier service that meets all commercial plumbing standards. From blocked drains to broken pipes and everything in between, our expert plumbers in research are ready to help.
Drain clearing experts in Research, VIC and nearby suburbs
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.