Precision Plumbing

PRECISION PLUMBING Eltham North

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.

With the latest CCTV camera and locating technology, we’re able to identify the precise location of a blockage down to the millimetre.

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

Blocked Drains Eltham North

Why Choose Precision Plumbing for Your Blocked Drain Needs?

CCTV drain camera

Using our CCTV drain camera and locator, we can identify the precise location of the blockage.

Complete Blockage Removal

We’re fully equipped to handle tree root intrusions and tough drain blockages with expert precision.

Fix with minimal mess

Blocked or broken pipes are resolved with minimal disruption and at a highly competitive rate.

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.

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.
  • Strange gurgling noises when water is flowing. These noises are often caused by the trapped air bubbles created by 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 overflow or don’t flush properly. Malfunctioning toilets may either signal a blockage in the toilet pipe or in a drain.
  • Water gathering or pooling around sinks, shower drains, or near drain covers outside. This may mean water isn’t flowing as it should be.

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 could be seeing the symptoms of a blocked drain but still be unclear about how the blockage occurred.

There are several common causes behind drain blockages, including the following:

  • Leaves, twigs, and tree roots are common culprits—roots grow into underground pipes, while debris flows through roof gutters and downpipes into stormwater drains.
  • Grease, fats, and cooking oils harden inside pipes, forming blockages that slow or stop water flow.
  • Bathroom drains can clog with hair and debris over time, particularly in showers and basins.
  • 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.
  • Flushing non-disposable items such as wipes, sanitary products, and small objects can easily lead to clogs.
  • Damaged or shifted pipe sections tend to snag waste material, causing buildup and drainage problems.
  • Improper installation—like misaligned or wrong-sized pipes—can lead to flow issues and recurring blockages.

What causes a blockage can differ based on whether the property is a home or a commercial building.

In residential buildings, we see a lot of issues with low-flow toilets and buildups of soap and hair.

In commercial or industrial buildings, it’s common to see buildups due to grease, particularly where large amounts of food are being prepared, or non-flushable bathroom 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.

Drain strainers and gutter guards are effective at preventing solid materials, including roots and leaves, from entering your plumbing system.

Hot Water Eltham North

When Do You Need a Professional Plumbing Service?

You may be wondering, can I unblock a drain myself, or do I need 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 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.
  • Plumbers offer full-service solutions—from diagnosing and resolving the current problem to preventing future blockages and repairing infrastructure.
  • Safety is key—plumbers are trained to manage hazardous waste and sewer-related issues without risking health or property.

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.

At Precision Plumbing, we guarantee a high quality service in line with all commercial plumbing requirements. Whether you need assistance with a blocked drain, broken pipe or something different, our Eltham North plumbers have got you covered.

blocked drain repair

Drain clearing experts in Eltham North, VIC and nearby suburbs

For any plumbing concerns—whether it’s blocked pipes or general repairs—reach out to Precision Plumbing. We deliver comprehensive plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties across Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs.

Our qualified and experienced plumbers are equipped to handle all types of plumbing work, large or small. You can count on us for trustworthy service, fair fixed pricing, and a friendly approach.