Precision Plumbing

PRECISION PLUMBING hurstbridge

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.

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

Blocked Drains hurstbridge

Why Choose Precision Plumbing for Your Blocked Drain Needs?

CCTV drain camera

Our CCTV drain camera and locating equipment can pinpoint exactly where the blockage is.

Complete Blockage Removal

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

Clean and Tidy Repairs

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.

There are several signs that may indicate a blocked pipe or drain. If you experience any of the issues below, we suggest getting expert help promptly:

  • Water draining slowly from your sinks, showers, or bathtubs.
  • 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.
  • Overflowing or weak-flushing toilets, which can indicate a clog in either the toilet or main drain line.
  • 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

You may have identified one or more of the above signs of a blocked drain, but you’re unsure how the blockage happened.

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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:

Keeping your drains clean with routine maintenance, ideally through an annual check-up, helps ensure long-term plumbing health.

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.

Hot Water hurstbridge

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.
  • 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.
  • And let’s not forget personal safety. Plumbers have the training needed to handle blockages that involve hazardous materials or sewerage lines and facilities.

DIY drain fixes often come with hidden costs and risks, including recurring issues or accidental damage. Professional plumbing services offer a more reliable, efficient, and economical solution.

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 hurstbridge plumbers have got you covered.

blocked drain repair

Blocked Drains Services in Hurstbridge, VIC and surrounding areas

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.