Unblock Drains Brisbane

What's causing the drain blockage?

Sewer and stormwater drains can become clogged for a whole variety of reasons, however, there are a few common causes including:

• A build-up of hair, soap scum and body or hair wash products - a frequent issue in sink & shower drains.
• Excess toilet paper, toys, nappies, wet wipes, or sanitary products are prevalent issues found in toilet drain blockages.
• Tree roots growing into the drain pipe via small cracks - often occurs in drains under or around gardens or large trees.
• A build-up of grease, oil, fat and food scraps - a common problem in kitchen sink drains.
• Collapsed drain pipes restricting the flow of wastewater - can occur due to vehicles or heavy machinery driving over areas where pipes are located.
• Garden debris, leaves, or dirt - during periods of heavy rainfall garden debris can get washed into the stormwater drains causing blockages over time.
• Paint, concrete or building materials - often found in stormwater drains during or after building or renovations.

If you're not sure what's causing the blockage, our experienced team can use a CCTV drain camera to inspect, locate and identify the problem. This allows our drain plumbers to target the blockage with the most effective solution, saving time and money, and helping to prevent reoccurring blockages.

How to unblock a drain?

The different causes influence what the best drain unblocking solution will be. Something like hair, grease, tree roots and organic matter can most often be cleared using water jetting or a plumbers eel. However, more solid blockages like large tree roots, concrete, steel, collapsed pipes etc need to be cleared using something more substantial; in this case, we use robotic cutters.

While some drain problems can be DIY cleared by residents using simple drain unblocking methods other issues will need professional help.

DIY Unblocking Drains

Important note - it is essential to use protective clothing and eyewear when attempting any DIY drain clearing method listed.

Plunger - Cover the drain opening completely with the plunger, press and pull (without releasing the suction) rapidly for about 30 seconds. Remove and check if the water is draining. If not, repeat the plunging. This process can either bring the blockage up into the sink or push it along the drain.

Boiling water - this method can be useful to unblock kitchen sink drains clogged with grease and fat. Carefully pour boiling water down the sink drain. This method may need to be repeated to completely unblock the drain.

Chemical drain cleaner - follow the instructions on the packaging closely & use protective clothing and eyewear in a ventilated space.

Professional drain unblocking methods

Using a water jetter to unblock drains

A water jetting machine is essentially a high-pressure water hose with a special sewer jetter nozzle. The hose is fed along the drain to the blockage where a high-pressure jet of water is used to cut through and disburse the blockage.

Reline Solutions uses high-pressure water jetting pump and attachments that have been designed specifically to unblock drains. Our high-flow water jetter will remove everything from a build up of toilet paper to large solid blockages without damaging the drain pipe.

Unblock drain with a robotic cutter

A robotic cutter has a high-speed grinding head that can be sent down a pipe and controlled remotely using a drain camera. These can either be operated using compressed air or hydraulically. They are capable of cutting through pretty much anything including concrete and steel.

How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

The cost to unblock a drain can vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. If you have a blocked stormwater drain, for example, this can be more costly to clear than a blocked toilet as it may require specialised equipment to access and clear the blockage.

If you are experiencing regular drain problems, it may be cost-effective to consider a drain camera inspection. This will help to clearly identify any problem areas in your drains that are causing the repeated blockages.

To get a specific price on how much it would cost to unblock your drain, contact our team for a quote.

The trusted drain unblocking specialists

Need to unblock a drain? Reline Solutions offer prompt, professional drain clearing throughout Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast. Contact Jason at 0403 355 550 or complete our quick online quote request form today.