FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about blocked drains, drain inspections or repairs? Find answers to common questions about identifying a blockage, how drains are cleared, when further investigation may be needed and the services available across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

General Blocked Drain Questions

How do I know if my drain is blocked?

Common signs of a blocked drain include slow drainage, gurgling noises, unpleasant smells and water backing up through sinks, showers, toilets or other fixtures. If several drains are affected at the same time, the blockage may be further along the drainage system.

What causes blocked drains?

Blocked drains can be caused by grease, food waste, hair, soap residue, wet wipes, foreign objects, leaves, soil and other material building up inside the pipe.

Tree root intrusion, cracked or displaced pipes and collapsed sections can also restrict water flow and cause recurring blockages.

Why does my drain keep blocking?

A drain that repeatedly blocks may have an underlying problem rather than a simple build-up near the fixture. Tree roots, damaged pipework, displaced joints, accumulated material or an obstruction further along the drainage line can all cause a blockage to return.

Further investigation, such as a CCTV drain inspection, may be recommended to identify the cause.

Can you clear blocked drains on the same day?

Yes. Brisbane & Gold Coast Blocked Drains provides same-day blocked drain services across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, depending on availability and location.

Do you offer 24/7 emergency blocked drain services?

Yes. We are available 24/7 for urgent blocked drain problems, including overflowing drains, backed-up toilets, sewer problems and wastewater that is at risk of causing property damage or contamination.

What should I do while waiting for a blocked drain plumber?

If water or wastewater is backing up, limit the amount of water being used throughout the property. Avoid repeatedly flushing toilets or running showers, sinks, washing machines and dishwashers if they are connected to the affected drainage system.

If there is an overflow, keep people and pets away from wastewater until the problem can be assessed.

Finding and Clearing Blocked Drains

How do you find where a drain is blocked?

The approach depends on the drain and the symptoms you are experiencing. The affected fixtures and drainage system can first be assessed to determine where the problem is likely to be.

When the location or cause of a blockage is unclear, a CCTV drain camera can be used to inspect inside the pipe and identify obstructions, tree roots or damaged pipework.

Do all blocked drains need a CCTV inspection?

No. Many straightforward blockages can be located and cleared without a camera inspection.

CCTV is more useful when the same drain repeatedly blocks, the cause is unclear, the blockage is difficult to locate or there are signs of tree roots or damaged pipes.

How are blocked drains cleared?

The method used depends on the type, location and cause of the blockage. Professional drain-clearing equipment can be used to remove obstructions and restore water flow through the pipe.

For suitable blockages, high-pressure water jetting can break apart and flush away grease, sludge, debris and other material from inside the drainage line.

What is high-pressure water jetting?

High-pressure water jetting uses water delivered at high pressure through specialised drain-cleaning equipment. It can be used to break apart and remove accumulated grease, sludge, debris and some tree root intrusion from drainage pipes.

The appropriate method will depend on the condition of the pipe and the type of blockage.

Can tree roots cause blocked drains?

Yes. Tree roots can enter underground pipes through cracks, damaged joints and other openings. Once inside, the roots can continue growing and catch toilet paper, waste and other material moving through the pipe.

This can gradually restrict water flow and cause the drain to block repeatedly.

Damaged Pipes and Drain Repairs

How do I know if a blocked drain is caused by a damaged pipe?

Recurring blockages can sometimes indicate cracked, displaced or collapsed pipework. Other signs may include repeated problems in the same section of drainage or blockages that return shortly after being cleared.

A CCTV drain inspection can help assess the condition of the pipe and identify visible damage.

Does a blocked drain always mean the pipe needs repairing?

No. Many blockages are caused by material obstructing an otherwise functional drainage pipe and can be cleared without repairs.

Repairs may be recommended when an inspection identifies problems such as significant cracks, displaced sections, collapsed pipework or other damage that is contributing to ongoing drainage problems.

When does a blocked drain need excavation?

Excavation may be required when a section of pipe is severely damaged, collapsed, displaced or otherwise unsuitable for a repair method that can be completed from inside the existing pipe.

The drainage system should first be inspected so the location and extent of the damage can be determined before excavation is recommended.

Commercial, Strata and Stormwater Drainage

Do you clear blocked drains at commercial and strata properties?

Yes. Brisbane & Gold Coast Blocked Drains can investigate and clear blocked drainage systems at commercial and strata properties as well as residential properties.

The appropriate approach will depend on the drainage system, access and the type of blockage involved.

Can you clear blocked stormwater drains?

Yes. Blocked stormwater drains can be cleared when leaves, soil, silt, tree roots and other material are restricting water flow.

If the same stormwater drain repeatedly blocks or overflows, further inspection may be needed to check for pipe damage or another underlying drainage problem.

Can you install or replace stormwater drainage and pits?

Yes. Stormwater drainage and pit installation can be used where new drainage is required or existing infrastructure needs to be replaced or improved.

The required work will depend on the property, existing drainage layout and the issue being addressed.

Pricing and Service Areas

How much does it cost to clear a blocked drain?

The cost of clearing a blocked drain depends on factors such as the location of the blockage, the equipment required, access to the drainage system and whether further inspection or repair work is needed.

A straightforward blockage may require less work than a recurring problem involving tree roots or damaged underground pipework.

Do you service both Brisbane and the Gold Coast?

Yes. Brisbane & Gold Coast Blocked Drains provides blocked drain services across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, including residential, commercial and strata properties.