1. Blocked Drains
  2. Information
  3. Who To Call For A Blocked Drain

Who To Call For A Blocked Drain

Do I Need a Qualified Plumber or a Specialist Blocked Drain Plumber?

When it comes to blocked drains, many of us would reach for the number of the local plumber or even begin Googling away, looking for solutions ourselves. Whilst plumbers and plumbing systems are often thought to be the same as drainage specialists, this is not the case at all.

Plumbers, as is suggested by the title, work on the plumbing system which brings clean water into your home, and attend to any internal plumbing issues.

The drainage system, however, requires differently trained staff with knowledge of the system allowing for the removal of wastewater from your property. That is where the real experts come in, the drainage specialists , who are dedicated to providing sewage and drainage system services.

We understand the inconvenience a blocked drain can cause and aim to discuss the key roles that standard plumbers and drainage plumbers perform. We will discuss pipe blockages and who to call for the best results when facing a blocked drain: a plumber, or a drainage specialist.

have years of experience dealing with all types of blocked drains, systems and infrastructures.

Tree roots blocking a drain pipe

Common Causes of a Blocked Drain

Blocked drains are a common problem and are clogged for a variety of reasons. Of the most common causes include:

  • Hair, soap scum and wash products
  • A build up of toilet paper, wet wipes or sanitary products
  • Tree roots
  • Food scraps, cooking grease and fats
  • Leaves, dirt and other garden debris.

If one or a combination of these are present in your drains, they can quickly form a blockage resulting in a slow rate of flow and potential water damage to your property. It is important to call a licensed professional as soon as possible to have a drainage expert diagnose and repair the issue.

Signs of a Blocked Drain

Signs of a clogged drain can include:

  • Foul smells coming from your drains
  • Water pooling and slow draining water in your sinks and baths
  • Gurgling sounds coming from the drains or pipes and drains due to trapped air pockets in the water
  • The water level in your toilets being lower than usual

These are all tell-tale signs that your drains may be blocked and you should contact a drian plumber to provide a rapid diagnosis and a detailed plan of action to quickly sort the issue. Don't delay and leave it until it becomes a bigger problem.

What Do I Do If I Have Blocked Drains?

There are many DIY "solutions'' online to attempt to clear a blocked drain, but we certainly don't endorse some extremely bad recommendations that we've seen! Pouring boiling water down the drain incrementally can be harmless, but please, don't ever attempt some of the more maverick proposals such as using a wire hanger as you will most certainly cause damage to your pipes! Pipe damage is certainly a bigger fix than a pipe blockage!

If your drain is blocked, the best solution for you depends on the scale of the blockage and its precise location. The best way to assess it is to have a professional drain specialist with specialised drain camera technology investigate the area. This is important to ensure that the blocked drain can be unblocked quickly and efficiently.

While it's possible for a general plumber to unblock drains, however, you'll only have to call them again soon enough as this is simply treating the symptoms, not fixing the cause. When it comes to blocked drains, it's best to call a specialised drainage plumber who will be able to identify the cause of the blockage and provide you with the most permanent blocked drain solution possible.

My Drains Is Blocked: Do I Need A Plumber or a Drainage Specialist?

If you are trying to decide between using a general plumber and a drainage plumber for a task, it's important to understand how they differ.

A general plumber can complete a wide range of common jobs that require fixing, fitting and replacing plumbing components. This includes small to large maintenance plumbing jobs such as installing taps, toilets, and showers. Other everyday plumbing jobs that a general plumber is most suited to include:

  • Leaking taps
  • Hot water systems
  • Renovation plumbing fitout
  • Bathroom, laundry and kitchen appliance installations

On the other hand, drainage plumbers are the experts to seek out for larger plumbing repairs in drainage systems. Drainage plumbers have the specialised equipment, expertise, and in-depth knowledge required to locate, identify and clear drain blockages.

They can quickly identify the issue and fix it at the source, quickly and efficiently. Overall, while you may be able to do basic tasks yourself, or with the help of a general plumber, it's always advisable to involve a drainage plumbing specialist to make sure the job is done to the highest standard and fully complies with health and safety regulations.

Drain inspection using CCTV drain camera showing build up in pipes and drains

Jobs that a specialist drainage plumber is required for include:

  • Drain inspections
  • Drain cleaning and drain clearing
  • CCTV drain camera
  • Leak detection
  • Blockage location
  • Removal of blockage using a water jetter
  • Ascertain the underlying problem to avoid future blockages
  • Pipe relining if the pipes are damaged
  • And all of these can be performed without the need to dig up any of your property!

Drainage plumbers have specialist knowledge and expertise to locate and treat the blockage and will guarantee the blockage won't return. In an emergency, you definitely want to call the right people for the job – drainage plumbers – who have the expertise to get the job done efficiently.

What Do I Do if My Pipe is Cracked?

If you find your pipe has cracked or broken, it is important to act quickly to avoid further damage to your property. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to have a cracked or broken pipe, then it is essential to seek advice from a drainage plumber to investigate the best solution for your particular needs.

Brawoliner do-dig pipe relining process

To start with, a pipe inspection will be carried out to ensure that the damaged pipe is accurately assessed. From there, your drainage plumber may advise that pipe repairs are needed. Qualified and experienced drain plumbers will inform you that this can be done through the no-dig pipe relining process.

This process consists of where a resin impregnated pipe lining is placed on the inside of an existing damaged pipe to seal any leaks or cracks. In either situation, by having the services of a professional drainage plumber, you can guarantee that drain repairs are carried out quickly, effectively and ensuring that any underlying problems are fixed.

Is a Drain Blockage an Emergency?

The added experience and specialised tools of a drainage plumber can make a difference between a quick fix and a lengthy issue, not to mention that standard plumbers or DIY efforts may cause damage to the pipes which will lead to even more expensive repairs for you in the near future! It is suggested to treat all blocked drains as an emergency, as time is always of the essence to avoid further damage.

This is why when it's an emergency, you definitely want to call your local drainage plumber. At Reline Solutions, our experienced drain specialists have the knowledge and expertise to quickly resolve your blocked drain issue and help prevent it from happening again.

Why Contact A Professional Drainage Plumber to Clear the Blockage in Your Drain

If your home’s drainage system is blocked, you may be considering trying to unblock it yourself. However, it is always advised to contact a professional drainage plumber immediately.

When you hire a professional drain expert such as Reline Solutions, you can rest assured that we possess a wealth of industry knowledge and use state-of-the-art equipment for all our work, so you can be sure that the job will be done efficiently and professionally.

  • Experience
  • Expertise
  • Qualified
  • Fully insured
  • State of the art equipment including CCTV drain cameras, drain snake and high pressure water jetters

Don’t take unnecessary risks and leave the job to the experts. Contact Reline Solutions and ensure your blocked drain is quickly and successfully dealt with.

Talk to SE Queensland's Drainage Specialists

Our specialist drainage plumbers clear blockages from drains, replace or reline damaged drain pipes and generally take care of any and all of your drainage and sewer issues.

Contact the best specialist plumbers for blocked drains Brisbane and across the whole of South East Queensland to discuss any plumbing or drainage issue on 0403 355 550 or complete our online enquiry form.