Precision Plumbing

PRECISION PLUMBING watsonia

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.

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What Makes Precision Plumbing the Right Choice for Blocked Drains?

Advanced CCTV Drain Camera Inspection

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

Clear all blockages

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

Low-Mess, Professional Drain Fixes

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

What Are the 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.

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:

  • Noticeably slow drainage from basins, showers, or bathtubs.
  • 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.

The sooner you reach out, the better we can identify the issue and reduce the risk of serious blockages or long-term water damage.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

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

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.
  • A buildup of cooking oils, grease, or fats. These substances become solid and stick to the pipe walls, eventually affecting the flow of water.
  • 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 scum and residue can build up in pipes, particularly when these substances mix with minerals in the water and solidify.
  • Foreign objects flushed down toilets and drains. These non-flushable items include face wipes, tampons and pads, cotton buds, and children’s toys.
  • Damaged or shifted pipe sections tend to snag waste material, causing buildup and drainage problems.
  • Improper installation—like misaligned or wrong-sized pipes—can lead to flow issues and recurring blockages.

Factors leading to blockages often vary between residential and commercial properties.

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

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?

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.

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

Drain strainers and gutter guards are effective at preventing solid materials, including roots and leaves, from entering your plumbing system.

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When Should You Call a Licensed Plumber?

You might be asking yourself whether it’s possible to clear a blocked drain on your own or if it’s time to call a 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 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:

  • 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.
  • Their comprehensive service. Plumbers have the ability to diagnose the underlying issue, prevent recurring problems, and avoid further damage, or fix any broken drains or pipes.
  • 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.

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 watsonia are here to assist.

blocked drain repair

Blocked drain specialists serving Watsonia, VIC and surrounding suburbs

For any plumbing concerns—whether it’s blocked pipes or general repairs—reach out to Precision Plumbing. We deliver comprehensive plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties across 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.