Precision Plumbing

PRECISION PLUMBING eltham

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.

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

Blocked Drains eltham

Why Choose Precision Plumbing for Your Blocked Drain Needs?

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.

Low-Mess, Professional Drain Fixes

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

What Are the 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.
  • Gurgling noises during drainage, typically caused by air bubbles forming around 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.

Getting in touch with us early improves the chances of catching the problem before it leads to major blockages or costly 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.

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

  • Tree roots, leaves, and twigs often enter underground drains—roots seek out moisture, while leaves and twigs wash in from gutters and downpipes.
  • Oils and fats from cooking can solidify along pipe walls, gradually restricting water movement.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

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.

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.

Hot Water eltham

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?

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 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.

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

Blocked Drains Services in Eltham, 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.