Got a blocked drain in your home? The sight of water not going down the drain can be a real downer. But we've got you covered! This comprehensive guide will take you through every possible aspect of blocked drains, from their causes to solutions, and preventive measures. We will also explore how professional plumbers, like the team at Melbourne Plumbing Co, use the latest drain cleaning equipment and techniques to keep your drains flowing smoothly.
Blocked drains are more than a slight annoyance. They pose a serious threat to your home's plumbing infrastructure and if left unattended, can result in extensive pipe damage. This can lead to significant expenses as repairing or replacing damaged pipes is no small feat. In worst-case scenarios, a drain blockage can even trigger a sewage backup, which has the potential to flood your living space with unsanitary waste. Such incidents not only make your home uninhabitable but also pose a serious risk to your health.
The causes behind drain blockages are manifold. Sometimes, it's due to intrusive tree roots growing into the pipe. In other instances, it could be due to a buildup of grease or oils that have congealed and created a barrier. Alternatively, foreign objects that are not meant to be flushed could have become lodged in the pipe, creating a blockage.
Given the critical role of the drainage system in keeping your home clean and sanitary, it's crucial to keep it running smoothly. At Melbourne Plumbing Co, we strongly advise homeowners to be mindful of their drains' conditions. Taking preventative measures and performing regular maintenance can save a lot of trouble down the line.
However, should you find yourself with a blocked drain, rest assured that our team of skilled plumbers are well-equipped to handle such scenarios. With a wealth of experience dealing with blockages of all shapes and sizes, we can provide efficient and effective solutions to restore your drainage system to its optimal working condition.
Identifying the signs of a blocked drain is essential for early intervention and can spare you from facing substantial and costly repairs. Familiarity with common symptoms can empower you to take the necessary action before the situation exacerbates. One of the most noticeable signs is slow water drainage. If you observe water pooling around your feet in the shower or if the water in your sink takes longer than usual to drain, it is often indicative of a potential blockage in your drain.
Another telltale sign is an unpleasant odour wafting from your drain. This foul smell is usually the result of food waste or other decomposing materials trapped in your pipes. If left untreated, the smell can intensify, creating an uncomfortable environment within your home.
Furthermore, if you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drain, it's likely due to air trapped in your pipes by the blockage. This abnormal noise is especially noticeable after running water or flushing a toilet. More severe symptoms include water backing up out of your drain, which is a surefire sign that you have a blockage.
It's crucial to pay attention to your sink drain, toilet, shower drain, and other plumbing fixtures. Any of these signs warrant a thorough investigation. Failing to act upon these warning signs can lead to more serious plumbing issues, like overflows or even pipe bursts.
Taking swift action at the first sign of a blocked drain is crucial in mitigating the damage and complications that may arise. If you have any reason to suspect a blockage in your drain, it's always a good idea to consult a professional plumber immediately. At Melbourne Plumbing Co, we pride ourselves on having a team of blocked drain specialists. They come equipped with the necessary skills, advanced tools, and knowledge to quickly identify, address, and clear the blockage, restoring your drainage system to its peak performance.
Blocked drains can disrupt your daily life and, if ignored, may lead to significant plumbing concerns. Understanding the common causes can aid in effective prevention. Hair accumulation is one of the leading culprits for blocked drains. When combined with soap residues, they form clumps that hinder the flow of water through the pipes. In the kitchen, it's not uncommon for food remnants, cooking oil, and grease to cause similar issues. These substances stick to the interior of the pipes, eventually narrowing the path and leading to a complete blockage.
In the bathroom, products that aren't designed to disintegrate in water, such as baby wipes, sanitary products, and nappies, can cause a toilet to block when flushed. These items are not meant for our sewage system and can quickly create a plug, preventing wastewater from flowing freely.
Externally, blocked stormwater drains often result from the buildup of organic matter like leaves, twigs, and other garden debris. These elements can accumulate over time, especially during autumn when leaf fall is at its peak or after a storm.
Tree root invasion presents another complex challenge. As roots seek out sources of moisture, they can infiltrate sewer pipes through joints or cracks, resulting in blocked sewer drains. The roots can cause extensive damage to the infrastructure and often require specialised techniques to address.
One such technique is pipe relining, which involves inserting a lining into the existing pipe to cover any cracks or breaks. This can effectively restore the function of your sewer system without the need for disruptive excavation.
It's important to note that while some of these issues may seem simple, they can escalate if not addressed promptly by a licensed plumber. The complex nature of blocked sewer drains, in particular, underscores the need for professional intervention to ensure the health and longevity of your overall drainage system.
The desire to resolve a blocked drain through do-it-yourself methods is understandable, yet it often leads to inadvertent damage, ultimately escalating costs and complications. A plumber specialising in blocked drains is equipped with both the knowledge and practical training to handle a broad range of plumbing predicaments, not just unblocking drains. Their skill set allows them to perform diagnostic tests, using state-of-the-art tools such as a drain camera or a CCTV drain inspection system. This technology gives them an in-depth view of your piping system, enabling them to locate the blockage and understand its size, position, and composition.
Renowned plumbing professionals, like our team at Melbourne Plumbing Co, utilise a range of advanced tools and high-grade equipment. With devices such as a drain snake or a drain auger, also known as a plumber's snake, they can efficiently and safely eliminate blockages without inflicting any harm to your pipes, protecting your plumbing system's integrity.
In more severe situations, such as when dealing with a blocked sewer drain or a blocked stormwater drain, the expertise of a professional plumber becomes even more vital. These situations often require a more sophisticated approach due to their potential for extensive property damage. Professional plumbers are trained to manage these situations in a way that prioritises safety, efficiency, and long-term resolution. Therefore, instead of taking on the challenge yourself, it's always better to call in the experts to ensure an effective and lasting solution to your plumbing woes.
The scope of professional plumbing services extends far beyond just immediate problem-solving; it encompasses an all-inclusive approach to maintaining the health of your drains. Services such as drain cleaning, repairing compromised pipes, and clearing obstructions are provided with precision and expertise. The advantage of employing a professional plumbing service is that they not only focus on mitigating immediate issues but also on preventing future problems. Periodic drain maintenance services help ensure your drains remain unobstructed and functional over the long term.
Established service providers such as Melbourne Plumbing Co present a versatile roster of offerings tailored to meet various plumbing needs. Whether your home's plumbing system is faced with a stubbornly blocked drain, a toilet that refuses to flush due to blockages, or a drain struggling with constant clogs, the team of dedicated drain specialists can efficiently tackle these issues.
Moreover, Melbourne Plumbing Co's professionals can guide you on effective drain usage habits, offering advice on what to avoid flushing down your drains and how to perform simple routine checks on your plumbing system. This proactive guidance, combined with their reactive services, helps ensure your plumbing system's longevity and smooth operation.
If you are a keen DIYer, there are some simple methods you can use to clear blockages. One method involves a cup of baking soda and hot water down the drain. Using a DIY drain snake or a plunger can also be helpful in dislodging minor clogs. However, remember that severe blockages or recurring drain problems should be addressed by a professional plumber to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
It's also important to avoid chemical drain cleaners as they can cause harm to your pipes and the environment. They may provide a temporary fix, but are not a long-term solution to your blocked drain problems.
Blocked toilets are more than just a nuisance; they're a common plumbing problem that can disrupt your daily routine. One of the most common causes of a blocked toilet is the flushing of inappropriate items down the toilet. This includes items such as wipes, cotton balls, or other non-flushable items, which unlike toilet paper, don't disintegrate easily and thus create a blockage.
The initial solution for this type of problem often involves a toilet plunger. This simple tool can create enough pressure to dislodge the blockage, clearing the way for water to flow down the drain. However, it's important to know the limits of DIY solutions.
If the blockage persists despite your best efforts, this might indicate a more serious problem. It could be a blockage in the sewer drain or an issue with the drainage system itself. Attempting to fix such problems on your own can lead to further damage to your toilet or pipes, which could result in costly repairs.
In such cases, it's best to call a professional blocked drain plumber like those at Melbourne Plumbing Co. As part of their blocked drain services, these experts not only clear the blockage but also carry out an in-depth investigation to understand the cause of the blockage. This can prevent future problems and ensure the longevity of your toilet system.
Preventing blocked drains is easier than dealing with a blocked drain in your home. And it begins with mindful usage of your drains and toilets. Simple practices such as regularly cleaning your drains and being careful about what goes down your toilet or sink can significantly reduce the risk of blocked drains.
Installing drain covers is another practical step. These covers act as filters, preventing larger debris from entering and blocking the drain while allowing water to flow freely. In your kitchen, avoid pouring oil or grease down your sink drain. These substances can harden within the pipes, creating stubborn blockages.
Periodic professional inspections and drain maintenance services can also be invaluable in preventing serious plumbing issues. These services can help identify potential blockages or damage early on, giving you the chance to address these issues before they escalate into significant problems.
Blocked drains can cause a full-blown drain emergency. If you notice water overflowing from your drain, a foul smell, or any sign of sewer backup, these are serious indications that you need urgent professional help.
In such cases, it's crucial to stop using any fixtures that drain into the blocked pipe. Continuing to use these fixtures can cause the blockage to worsen and potentially lead to more serious damage. Next, it's time to call a plumber.
With their expertise and the right equipment, a blocked drain expert from Melbourne Plumbing Co can address your blocked drain emergency promptly and effectively. Whether it's a blocked sink, a shower drain issue, or a blocked sewer drain, they have the experience and the tools to deal with it.
The plumbing industry has not been left behind by technological advancements. New techniques and tools are continually being developed to help clear blocked drains more effectively and with minimal disruption.
One such advancement is pipe relining, a no-dig solution to repair damaged pipes. It provides a long-lasting solution to prevent recurrent blockages. Hydro-jetting, another innovative technique, uses high-pressure water to clear blockages, making it an effective method for severe clogs.
Additionally, the use of high-definition drain cameras or CCTV drain inspection systems allows for precise and thorough inspection of drains and pipes, enabling plumbers to identify the cause and location of blockages without the need for invasive procedures. This advanced technology can reveal issues such as tree root intrusion, grease buildup, pipe corrosion, or foreign objects lodged in the drainage system, even in hard-to-reach areas. Not only does this save time and resources, but it also mitigates the risk of potential damage from guesswork or unnecessary excavation.
Whether you're dealing with a blocked kitchen drain, blocked toilet, or any other drain issue, the team at Melbourne Plumbing Co is ready to help. Our professional and licensed plumbers have the experience and the tools to deal with all kinds of blocked drain issues. So if you've got a blocked drain, don't hesitate to call us!
At Melbourne Plumbing Co, we understand that plumbing emergencies don't wait for business hours. That's why we offer a 24/7 emergency plumbing service to address your urgent needs. Whether it's a blocked drain, a sewer backup, or any other plumbing problem, our team of licensed plumbers is always ready to assist. With our around-the-clock availability, prompt response, and efficient service, you can rest assured knowing that we're just a call away to resolve your plumbing issues, no matter what time of day or night it is. Trust Melbourne Plumbing Co to be there for you when you need us the most.
Hair is a common cause of drain blockages, especially in shower and bathroom sinks. Some commercial drain cleaners claim to dissolve hair, but they can be harsh on your pipes and the environment. A safer alternative is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water down the drain, which can help break down minor hair clogs. For larger hair clogs, a drain snake can be more effective. If you're having trouble removing a hair clog, Melbourne Plumbing Co is always ready to help.
Both methods have their pros and cons. Drano and other chemical drain cleaners can be effective on minor clogs and are easy to use. However, they can also be harsh on your pipes and the environment. On the other hand, snaking a drain is a more mechanical method that can handle tougher clogs without the risk of damaging your pipes. But it can be more complex and time-consuming. If you're unsure of the best approach for your blocked drain, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional plumber like those at Melbourne Plumbing Co.
Professional plumbers like the team at Melbourne Plumbing Co approach clogged drains systematically. They first use specialised tools like a drain camera to identify the location and nature of the blockage. They then use the most appropriate method to clear the blockage, which could be anything from a plunger, a drain snake, or a hydro-jetting machine. Lastly, they provide advice and potentially further services to repair any damage and prevent future blockages.
The time it takes to unblock a drain can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the blockage. A simple blockage might be cleared in under an hour, while more complex blockages, especially those that require pipe repairs, could take several hours or more. At Melbourne Plumbing Co, we strive to provide efficient and effective service to get your drains flowing freely as quickly as possible.
While it's possible for very minor blockages to resolve themselves over time, it's generally unlikely. Most blocked drains require intervention to clear the blockage and prevent further damage to the plumbing system. If you suspect you have a blocked drain, it's best to act sooner rather than later. Melbourne Plumbing Co is always ready to help with our professional blocked drain services.
Just left us a star review
10/10 from start to finish. Excellent support on phone. Arrived on time. Courteous, efficient and took the time to explain things to me. Couldn't ask for more. Thank you.
Highly recommend Christian and his team. Punctual, do great work and reasonably priced. Would like to say a big thank to Melanie, who orchestrated the whole work.
Great plumber. Very fast, friendly and reliable service! Would highly recommend!
Called this morning for main leakage, got plumber confirmed within 20min to come around on the same day. Front desk communication and care is top class, thanks Melanie. Also thanks to Dave who did a fantastic job fixing the main pipe and thanks for recommending the pressure reducer, now our kitchen tap sounds like paradise, before it was hellfire. Can only recommend!
Prompt to attend and quote, good communication from start to finish, high quality work, reasonable pricing. A happy customer, will call them again and recommend to others.
During landscaping works in our garden we accidentally hit a water pipe and had water going everywhere. Melbourne Plumbing Co quickly came to the rescue. They were over at our place the same day and quickly had the broken pipe fixed, with friendly service to boot! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Melbourne Plumbing Co. 👌
I have no hesitation in recommending Melbourne Plumbing Co! All of my experiences and contact with them have been nothing but incredibly positive and they will be my first call for any future issues. Melanie was super responsive to my initial query when I had low water pressure and sent someone out to look at it quickly. David and Mo were both really friendly and thorough while looking at my issue. They were able to fix my water pressure in the first visit and explained what the problem was to me. My shower is now the more powerful than it has ever been! When my hot water unit died, Christian came to visit the next day and worked around my schedule. He was able to provide me with a quote on the same day and had someone come out the next day to fix it. David and Maddy were really lovely and worked quickly to get their part done before the electrician arrived. They were both so friendly and let me ask questions along the way while they took me through everything they were doing. Everyone who helped and came to my home was incredibly helpful, friendly, thorough, and helped me understand the problem and what they were doing to fix it. Special shout out to David who was very kind and is very skilled at his job while teaching others, and to Melanie who has been so lovely and helpful. Huge thank you for minimising the stress in these difficult situations! It is greatly appreciated
Simply brilliant. From the initial call to attending and completing repairs, I couldn't be more impressed by Aaron and Melbourne Plumbing Co, after urgent repair for burst plumbing and shower taps that were unable to be turned off. The leaking had also caused water ingress in the building and flooding downstairs and through the wall outside. Aaron promptly and easily identified the fault and was able to repair it "live" without mains access. Water was flooding through the wall behind the shower, and running outside and into the room downstairs. The burst and flooding was due to high water pressure required to supply slowly-leaking taps reported since moving in and quoted to repair in 2023 by rental agency plumbers (replace old tap washers), but repair work was never approved to be performed. The agency owner repeatedly refused to approve repair work and insisted on attending and personally viewing the property faults and repair issues (which included rusty water and recurrent failure of the electricity supply). He reached in to the shower and turned the leaking shower taps even tighter in the off direction in 2023 to demonstrate how he had solved the faulty taps and any need for plumbing repair. The agent stated that the taps were simply not turned tight enough "off". He advised me I "just need to turn them off tighter" in order prevent the water that was leaking from the shower head and also leaking directly from the tap spindles, particularly leaking from the tap spindle for the hot water. As a result, this and the un-repaired taps allowed the leaking water to continue leaking from the tap and shower fixtures, and water pressure to continue to increase for over 12 months. This also meant Aaron had to attend and repair the burst and had high pressure running shower water and external flooding to combat to isolate the issues and fault and perform the repair work. Couldn't be more impressed with the professionalism and ability to Melbourne Plumbing Co to respond, identify and complete repair. Melanie was also fantastic and very prompt, and made everything easy. No hesitation in recommending them. Highly capable, efficient, and thorough. A special comment about Aaron, and his pride and workmanship- despite his youth, he seemed like he’d been a plumber for over 50 years. He had so much integrity for his trade and dedication to helping and getting the job done. Extremely experienced, calm, reliable and trustworthy. Can’t thank and commend him enough.
Amazing ... we were waiting longer than a month for our usual plumber so rang Melb Plumbing. It wasn't an emergency but they had a free plumber available and were at our place in 15 minutes. Yes 15 min! They were professional, polite, asked how we wanted our taps set, listened to us, explained what they were doing, did the job very efficiently and cleaned up. They are fantastic. Even made sure the dog didn't escape out the door. David and Mo ... thanks for your excellent work. Price was fair and reasonable for a few hours of tricky quarter turn taps, kitchen mixer and shower set replacements. Highly recommended.
David was amazing, fixed my shower head leak and now it works perfect, amazing value amazing service just outstanding work.
If you require a plumber/s in an emergency these are the people to call. I had a serious issue with my Hot Waterservice (no HOT WATER coming through the tap), my worst nightmare. Fortunately a Plumber by the name of Arron arrived checked out the issue and went to work. Solved the problem and explained the issue. Not only that he replaced my bathroom taps, kitchen taps and adjusted the ones in tha laundary. Try turning on a Tap that has been locked for a number of years. Arron did the hard work for me and made everything new again (Magic).The cost was very competitive and I would recommend that you give them a call if that plumbing nightmare rears its ugly head in your home and let Melbourne Plumbing deal with it so that you can have that warm shower and sleep in peace.
The Melbourne Plumbing Co team do a great job. We have used them for the past few years and will continue to do so. They are reliable, explain everything clearly and the pricing seems very fair. I have no hesitation in recommending them :)
Reliable and affordable! Got my shower working perfectly again. Will definitely call them next time.
Super quick service! Fixed my leaky sink in no time. Highly recommend these guys.
Had a broken hot water heater at our apartment and contacted several places for help/quote. Chris and his team are the most approachable, professional and reliable among all of them. Highly recommended and will refer if any friend is looking for good plumbing service.
My neighbour recommended these guys for a blocked drain. They showed up fast and fixed the issue promptly. Truly impressive service!
Professional and friendly plumbers. Resolved our issues with expertise. Would definitely call again!
Christian was able to help us with our blocked drains. He was prompt, very thorough and great to deal with. He took the time to talk us through the underlying issue. We cannot thank Christian enough. Without a doubt I would get Christian and Melbourne Plumbing Co to help me with my next plumbing issue
Found my water heater is not working and contacted Chris for help in the morning. He immediately ordered a brand new one and resolved all the problems for me straight away. Also, when he’s fixing for me, he found that there’s water leaking of my neighbor’s water pipes at the same time. He’s a life saver for both of us now! Thank you so much Chris!
I called Christian and he was amazing. He was in the area and dropped past straight away in between another job. He found an issue which another plumber hadn't. He is very genuine and took the time to investigate thoroughly and explain what the issues were in a polite manner. Would definitely recommend and will be using him whenever I need a plumber in future.
Aaron came out promptly and fixed our broken pipe very quickly. I am very happy with the service.
Good experience, came within the hour, found and fixed the problem in less then an hour. Was able to use the plumbing immediately and fixed a few other small problems around the house.
Every helpful and made it easy to understand what they where doing at my house would recommend
Chris from Melb Plumbing Co installed our new instant gas hot water service. He provided some great advice and was prompt in turning up and completing the work when he said he would. Thanks!
Honest and reliable plumbing service. Would highly recommend Melbourne Plumbing 👌
Friendly and very reliable service provided by Christian and Aaron. Will definitely be using them again in future!
I had trouble finding a plumber that would work on my in wall cistern. This company agreed and did the job efficiently and competitively. Great job! They will stay in my address group!
So happy to have found such a friendly and competent plumber, Christian is a great communicator and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Aaron did a great job fixing several plumbing issues at my place, nothing was too much trouble and afterwards he took the time to show me what the causes were. A professional, trustworthy and down to earth team, thank you for a great experience and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Melbourne Plumbing Co.
Christian made the whole process really easy, and hassle free. His was one of the most reasonable quotes I got yet there didn't seem to be any corner cutting. Highly recommend.
We have been using Melbourne Plumbing Co. for over 2 years, William and the team have always been amazing to deal with, on time and professional. Our hot water service broke on a Friday and William came that day to look at it for us and we had a new hot water system installed on Saturday morning - limiting our time without hot water. William always gives good advice and written quotes before any work is done and we trust him 100%. So nice to have found reliable plumbers!
Chris and his team have done a fabulous and professional job moving and installing new plumbing and appliances for our new kitchen. The job was completed ahead of schedule to an excellent standard! Communication and responsiveness were both excellent. What we appreciated the most was the diligence and care that was shown towards our kitchen space when installing the sink, tap, oven and dishwasher after the cabinetry and stone was installed. This is a rare trait and one to be applauded. We would have no hesitation in hiring Chris and his team from Melbourne Plumbing Co and we will do so again when we tackle our bathroom and laundry. With thanks, Catherine and Mark
Had a problem with my toilet late on a Saturday evening, was very prompt and was here within the hour. Also was honest enough to half the quote because of the work that was needed, cheers mate👍🏻
Chris is a great plumber and did a great fantastic job! Good value and great results. Will contact them again if we have another plumbing job 👍
Competent plumbers ..job completed successfully…very considerate and thoughtful re moving around inside and outside the property.., the invoice was reflective of the job required. They will be used again
The guys were great. There were 2 new toilets,new shower suite and new faucets installed. All done professionally with smiles and provided work updates as it all progressed. Their work area was always left clean. These new installations were required because of my hip issues. Melbourne plumbing were aware and helped me select the products for my needs. Christian was informative and patient. Also wanted to mention that I love my new rain shower with handle. It makes showering so much easier as do the new toilets and faucets. I highly recommend Melbourne Plumbing for not only the plumbing and installation, but also for assisting in choosing the right products for my bathroom. Yes I highly recommend Melbourne Plumbing.
Thank you to Aaron for attending to this minor couple of jobs so promptly. Great communication and very polite, clean and efficient. Will definitely make use of this company again.
Fantastic service. I needed an issue with my hot water fixed and then asked about another issue I had with my gas stove. They fixed it on the spot saving me a second call out fee. Very grateful.
We have the pleasure of working with Melbourne Plumbing Co for our Real estate business Burtons and have to say we have been thoroughly impressed with their service. From start to finish, they are professional, efficient, and always kept me in the loop about what was going on. Overall, I can't recommend Melbourne Plumbing Co highly enough. Their team is knowledgeable, experienced, and truly dedicated to providing exceptional service. If you're in need of plumbing services, I highly recommend giving them a call!
Second time using this service, Christian has been very responsive and professional, up front with all costs, extremely quick service and arrived ahead of time, done an excellent job and left without leaving a single piece of rubbish behind.
Very prompt service, professional and quality work. We would definitely use Melbourne Plumbing Co for all future work. Thank you.
We’re so pleased to have found Christian. Quick follow-up and our non-urgent cistern problem was repaired the next morning. Fast, courteous and efficient service by Aaron. Having moved into Moonee Valley area 6 months ago and trying 2 other plumbers, Melbourne Plumbing is now our saved plumber contact.
