Fix Blocked Drains

How to fix Blocked Drains?

In most cases a blocked drain can be unblocked from either our cable (see 'Cable machines' picture) or waterjet machines (see 'Waterjet machine' picture).

Equipment used to Clear Blocked Drains in Melbourne

Cable machines are effective in cutting out tree root, whilst waterjet machines are great for clearing grease and dirt, along with tree root from drains.

Waterjets are also useful for drains with limited or difficult access, like clearing cooking grease and fats from smaller diameter kitchen sink waste pipes.

• If possible it is always best to follow up from clearing a blockage with cable or waterjet with our drain camera and locating equipment (see 'Drain camera' and 'Pipe locator' pictures) to identify if any further repair is necessary.


• If tree root is removed from the drain it is extremely likely that this blockage will reoccur. How long it takes for the problem to occur again can depend on the type of tree that the root belongs to and how quickly it regenerates, and how effectively the drain was able to be cleared in the first place considering a possible break in the pipe or limited access to the pipe.


• O'Shea Plumbing offers a product named RootX. RootX is a foaming herbicide that can be applied to coat the internal wall of the sewer to kill any remaining tree root after a blockage is cleared, then acts as a barrier to delay the roots re-growth into the pipe. RootX can then be re-applied on an annual basis, before the pipe blocks again to prevent the need for more expensive and possibly emergency after hours cable or waterjet unblocking. RootX only kills the root that it contacts with and does not harm or poison the tree. As it is a natural herbicide it is not harmful to the sewerage system or the environment.
  RootX Pic 1: Roots can clog pipes causing blockages and sewer overflows.
  
  RootX Pic 2: RootX attacks and kills the roots and inhibits growth.
  
  RootX Pic 3: Mechanical cutting of roots clears roots from the pipe... and leaves some behind.
  
  RootX Pic 4: RootX removes virtually all the roots, restoring pipe flow capacity.
  


• In the case of permanent repairs, pipes can in some cases be re-lined (see 'Relined sewer pipe' picture). Pipe relining is a permanent repair and is most beneficial in areas where digging the pipe up is undesirable due to access for large digging equipment, or the pipe may be under concrete or a nice garden.


• The best solution if practical is to dig up the damaged section of pipe and replace it with new PVC pipe. Replacing the affected section of pipe should remove the cause for the pipe breaking in the first place.

Minimising Risks of Blocked Drains

Here we have provided some simple tips to prevent Blocked Drains from happening

• Do not flush plastics, fabrics, petrol, solvents, paints, or any non-biodegradable products into the sewer.


• Do not plant large trees on top of underground sewer lines. O'Shea Plumbing can assist in locating sewer lines.


• Put cooking fat in the bin instead of down the sink.


• Put food waste and coffee grindings in the bin.


• Do not cover or block any external grates or overflows.
• Contact O'Shea Plumbing on 9888 2887 as soon as any symptoms are visible.


• An option on all sewer blockages cleared by O'Shea Plumbing is the application of RootX, as explained above. RootX is a herbicide which foams to coat the walls of the pipe and inhibit tree root re-growth.

If you require emergency plumbing in Melbourne to resolve your:

• blocked drain,
• blocked sewer drain &/or
• blocked storm water drain

Call us today on 03 9801 2007

100% Guarantee on all Plumbing & Blocked Drain Jobs