Precision Plumbing

PRECISION PLUMBING briar hill

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.

With our high-pressure jet machine, Precision Plumbing can clear even the most stubborn of blockages, no matter what the cause. We ensure that all blockages are repaired with minimal mess and at a very competitive price.

Blocked Drains briar hill

Why Precision Plumbing for Blocked Drains?

High-Tech Drain Camera

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

Complete Blockage Removal

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

Clean and Tidy Repairs

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

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.

Blocked drains or pipes can present in different ways depending on the situation. If you observe any of the following signs, it’s best to call in a professional:

  • 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.
  • Bad smells coming from your sink or drain pipes, possibly due to trapped debris or a partial blockage.
  • Overflowing or weak-flushing toilets, which can indicate a clog in either the toilet or main drain line.
  • 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

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

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

  • Leaves, twigs, and tree roots are common culprits—roots grow into underground pipes, while debris flows through roof gutters and downpipes into stormwater drains.
  • Oils and fats from cooking can solidify along pipe walls, gradually restricting water movement.
  • Hair and general bathroom debris often collect in pipes, especially around sinks and shower drains.
  • Food remnants, coffee grounds, and kitchen waste often cause drain issues when not discarded correctly.
  • 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.
  • Broken or displaced pipes. If a pipe has a cracked or textured edge, it’s more likely to catch solids and create a buildup of solids and waste.
  • 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.

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.

Ways to Prevent Drain Blockages

There are many ways of preventing future blockages, including:

Regular drain servicing can prevent bigger problems—book a yearly inspection with your plumber to keep everything running smoothly.

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.

Installing a strainer or gutter guard helps block leaves, roots, and debris from entering your drains and causing major clogs.

Hot Water briar hill

Knowing When to Contact a Professional Plumber

It’s a common question: should you try to unblock the drain yourself, or is it best left to a professional plumber?

If the blockage is due to internal build-up, there are a few do-it-yourself methods you can attempt. Warm water with vinegar can help break down grease, while hot water and bleach might clear hair or toiletries.

If DIY solutions fail or you’re unsure what to do next, it’s best to get in touch with a licensed plumber. Here are some key advantages of hiring a professional:

  • With access to advanced tech such as drain cameras and hydro-jets, plumbers can locate and clear blockages swiftly and with minimal disruption.
  • Their formal training and certification equip them to handle complex blockages across residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
  • 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.

In the end, fixing a drain yourself can take more time and money than expected—and may even lead to more damage. Choosing a professional plumber ensures faster, more precise, and budget-friendly results.

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 plumbers in briar hill are here to assist.

blocked drain repair

Blocked drain specialists serving Briar Hill, VIC and surrounding suburbs

Having issues with blocked drains or pipes? Contact Precision Plumbing—we offer a full suite of plumbing repair and maintenance services to homes and businesses throughout Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs.

Our fully licensed and highly trained professional plumbers can take on any plumbing job, no matter how big or small. We provide a reliable, honest and friendly service, with competitive set pricing.