Precision Plumbing

PRECISION PLUMBING lower plenty

Blocked Drains

Most blocked drains occur due to invasive roots or debris build-up, and if not addressed promptly, they can cause extensive issues.

Our high-tech CCTV drain inspection tools allow us to locate blockages with near-millimetre precision.

Armed with advanced high-pressure jetting equipment, Precision Plumbing clears blockages of all kinds with minimal disruption and highly competitive pricing.

Blocked Drains lower plenty

Why Choose Precision Plumbing for Your Blocked Drain Needs?

High-Tech Drain Camera

We use advanced CCTV and location tools to accurately pinpoint where the blockage is.

Clear all blockages

We have the expertise to clear all tree roots and stubborn blockages.

Low-Mess, Professional Drain Fixes

Clogged or damaged pipes can be fixed with minimal mess and at the best price.

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.

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:

  • Water draining slowly from your sinks, showers, or bathtubs.
  • Gurgling noises during drainage, typically caused by air bubbles forming around 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 do not flush as they should or that overflow, commonly due to a blockage in the pipe or drainage system.
  • 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.

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:

  • 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.
  • Food remnants, coffee grounds, and kitchen waste often cause drain issues when not discarded correctly.
  • Scum from soap and minerals can collect in pipes over time, gradually leading to restricted flow.
  • 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.
  • 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.

We frequently encounter blockages in homes caused by low-flow toilets and buildups of hair and soap residue.

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.

Tips for Avoiding a Blocked Drain

You can take several steps to help prevent future blockages, such as:

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

Dispose of waste carefully—never put grease, food, hair, or non-flushable items down your drains.

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

Hot Water lower plenty

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?

Some minor blockages caused by household or business waste can be tackled with DIY methods. Try warm water and vinegar for grease, or hot water and bleach to deal with hair and personal care products.

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:

  • Their cutting-edge equipment, including CCTV and high-pressure jetting tools, allows plumbers to pinpoint and resolve issues efficiently.
  • 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.

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.

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 lower plenty are here to assist.

blocked drain repair

Blocked drain specialists serving Lower Plenty, 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 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.