Blocked Drains In Melbourne

Do you live in Richmond and have a blocked drain?

There are many different types and causes of blocked drains in Melbourne. The most common blocked drains can generally be broken down into 2 categories- A Stormwater blockage or a Sewer Blockage. Both of these types of drains can become blocked or effected by a number of things.

The most common causes for blockages we find here in Melbourne are:

• Undersized pipework.
• Inadequate inspection or maintenance
• Root intrusion in pipework.
• Inappropriate or foreign matter in pipework.
• Faulty installation of pipework.
• Dislodgement or pipes and/ or junctions due to lack of haunching or support of pipework.

Do you live in Fitzroy and have a blocked drain?

The most common blocked drain causes are environmental matter like dirt, leave, sticks, branches, pebbles, sand and even mulch or gravel that you may have in your garden. As water travels to a lower point it will take anything with it collects along the way. This is why regular gutter cleaning and maintenance of your stormwater drainage system are highly recommended. Fail to prepare- prepare tp fail as the old saying goes. Try and get into the habit of checking your gutters and clearing fallen debris around the house regularly. Booking a plumber to come and hydrojet your drains on an annual or bi-annual basis is a great way to ensure that your stormwater system is going to be able to manage Melbourne’s unpredictable and ever changing rainy season.

Undersized Pipework

Blocked drains in Richmond can be avoided if the stormwater drainage system is sized correctly and able to keep up with large rain events. If you are planning an extension or replacing stormwater piping always use a licenced plumber that will size your system correctly to avoid unwanted pooling in your yard or possible leaks indoors as the system struggles to keep up with rainfall.

Root Intrusion in Pipework

Whilst we are finding less and less earthenware pipework installed for drainage and sewer systems here in Melbourne it is still quite common to find old broken pipes. As earthenware pipe is not malleable it is more common to find broken joints and cracks which allow root intrusion. It is still possible for there to be root intrusion causing blocked drains in Melbourne in PVC piping but less common as the joins are tighter and the flex in the pipe allows for more ground movement over a greater length of time. Getting a hydrojet of your drain can blast away these roots to allow for smooth flow again.

CCTV investigation of Stormwater or Sewer system to identify issues early

Clogged drains block water or waste from flowing, and it  accumulates in the pipework and makes its way back towards your fixtures in your home- for stormwater- the downpipes, for sewer- your toilet. Many properties have a point of discharge outside the home so that when a blockage occurs you will see waste coming from here before it starts to come up inside the residence. Being aware of where this discharge point is and keeping an eye on it may save damage to your home in the event of a blockage. If your home does not have an “overflow relief gully” or “inspection opening” at the boundary trap you are at far greater risk of damage if there is a blockage to your drainage system.

Save money in the long run by identifying issues early

Pick up the phone and book in a CCTV sewer or storm water drain inspection with a licensed plumber and improve your understanding of what sort of system you have on your property and ways to maintain it and avoid costly issues arising from inadequate preparation. Digging up and replacing damaged pipework can be expensive. Hydrojet and drain CCTV cameras are highly expensive and a big asset to licensed plumbers in Melbourne so they do need to charge fairly to use this equipment on site and keep it well maintained. While you may think it is expensive to get some investigative works done it may save you a hell of a lot of money in the long run.