Precision Plumbing

PRECISION PLUMBING broadford

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.

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What Makes Precision Plumbing the Right Choice for Blocked Drains?

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

We repair clogged or damaged pipes cleanly and cost-effectively.

How to Tell If You Have a Blocked Drain

Plumbing and drainage systems in homes and businesses use a network of pipes. Fresh water is brought in through one set, while wastewater is removed through others to a septic or sewer facility.

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.
  • Toilets that do not flush as they should or that overflow, commonly due to a blockage in the pipe or drainage system.
  • 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.

Common Reasons Drains Become Blocked

Even if you’ve noticed signs of a blocked drain, you might not be certain about what caused it.

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.
  • A buildup of hair and debris in bathroom pipes and drains, especially sinks and showers.
  • Bits of food, coffee grounds, and other kitchen waste not disposed of properly.
  • Scum from soap and minerals can collect in pipes over time, gradually leading to restricted flow.
  • Non-flushable materials—like cotton buds, tampons or pads, or even toys—can block toilets and drains when flushed.
  • 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.

The contributing factors may also vary depending on whether your building is residential or commercial.

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

How Do You Avoid a Drain Blockage?

Preventing future drain blockages is possible by following practices like:

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.

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When Should You Call a Licensed Plumber?

It’s a common question: should you try to unblock the drain yourself, or is it best left to a professional 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 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.
  • Licensed and highly skilled, plumbers are trained to manage various blockages in different environments with confidence and precision.
  • 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.

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 plumbers have got you covered.

blocked drain repair

Drain clearing experts in Broadford, VIC and nearby 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.