FAQs on Blocked Drains in Melbourne
What causes drains to become blocked?
Blocked drains can occur from:
– Flushing non-degradable items like wet wipes, sanitary products, and nappies.
– Tree roots infiltrating the pipes.
– Accumulation of grease and oils.
– Poor plumbing installation practices.
– Aging pipes that have rusted, moved out of place, or broken.
How quickly can you attend to a blocked drain?
We recognise that drain blockages can arise at any time and need immediate attention. That’s why our customer service line is available 24/7. With our team stationed throughout Melbourne in fully stocked vehicles, we’re always ready to respond promptly to your call.
Is it okay to leave a blocked drain until the morning?
Generally, it’s safe to wait until morning to address a blocked drain. Blocked drains typically won’t harm the pipes if left overnight, and most systems have an external overflow to manage excess water until the issue is resolved. Tackling the blockage in the morning could also simplify and expedite the process, potentially saving you both time and cost.
However, if the blockage is causing internal flooding, we advise calling us immediately to mitigate property damage. Our team is on standby around the clock to dispatch a specialist plumber to your location without delay.
What is the timeframe for clearing a blocked drain?
Our plumbers are specialists in resolving blocked drains, equipped with the latest industry tools. The duration for clearing a drain depends on the blockage’s cause and the drain’s type (sewer or stormwater).
– Sewer drain blockages typically take between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to clear.
– Stormwater drains, which may have been obstructed for longer, can take around 1-2 hours due to potential growth of tree roots or collapsed pipes.
How will I know the drain is completely unblocked?
Our procedure starts with an examination using a CCTV drain camera to identify and assess the blockage. Following the clearance, employing a high-pressure water jet, we’ll re-examine the drain with the camera to ensure it is entirely clear and provide a report on any pipe conditions that could lead to future blockages.
What if the drain can’t be unblocked?
While our vans are outfitted with cutting-edge technology to clear blockages effectively, on rare occasions, a drain might not be accessible or repairable if collapsed or obstructed by large tree roots or concrete. In such cases, we will offer a comprehensive, obligation-free quote for the necessary repairs.
What are the risks of ignoring a blocked drain?
Ignoring a blocked drain can result in water backing up and overflowing from the lowest point, or seeping into the ground through any breaks, potentially undermining concrete slabs and foundations over time. Additionally, tree roots causing the blockage may enlarge, exacerbating the pipe damage.
What can I do while waiting for the plumber?
To facilitate a faster and smoother repair process:
– Check the main sewer line if accessible, to determine if the blockage might be in the main sewer.
– Gather any plumbing documentation, like house plans, to help the plumber understand your system’s layout.
– Expose any known external plumbing access points.
– List and inform the plumber of all fixtures experiencing blockage or drainage issues upon arrival.