Blocked Drains Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about all things sewer and stormwater drainage, blocked drains, and pipe relining.

Common questions that we can broadly answer

Are blocked drains covered by home insurance?

Very rarely. Blocked drains are something that happens over time and can be avoided with general maintenance. If you were to get a plumber out 2 to 3 times a year to clear out your drains you would have higher luck being covered by home insurance but this is still not a guarantee.

Can blocked drains make you ill?

Yes, leaving a drain blocked can become a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites which can ultimately make you and your family sick. The types of illnesses that you can get from leaving a drain blocked can vary from minor to quite severe. If you have a blocked drain contact your local plumber as soon as possible.

Is a drain snake or auger dangerous?

If you are not trained in how to use an auger (drain snake) properly it is strongly advised that you leave it to a professional plumber to use. These tools are great for unblocking stubborn blockages but, they can also do a lot of damage to the drain pipes if you don't know what you are doing. This can result in the problem going from a simple blocked drain to a flood.

What can cause low water pressure?

Other than a leak in the pipes, water pressure can be affected by valve problems, debris buildups, and other blockages. It is recommended to check with your neighbours first to see if their water pressure is low as well. If this is the case then we recommend checking NSW Water for news and updates. If your neighbours aren't experiencing low water pressure you should get in contact with your local plumber.

Who is responsible for blocked drains tenant or landlord?

Under tenancy law landlords are responsible for repairs throughout the lease. They can also face rent reductions and must pay compensation if a tenant's goods happen to get damaged or if the landlord fails to have repairs carried out. However, if it is deemed that the repairs were required based on damage or negligence done by the tenant then it is the tenant's responsibility to pay the bill.

Why does my drain clog and how do I unblock it?

Drains can clog due to a number of different reasons the main being debris such as oil, soap, hair and food products building up over time and creating a blockage. There are many different drain cleaners on the market that are a good first step to unblocking a drain yourself. Sometimes drains are beyond the abilities of domestic drain cleaning chemicals though, if this is the case then it's time to call your local plumber.

Why sink is draining slowly?

Most likely it is due to a blockage further down the drainpipe. You can try some drain cleaners but if they don't work, we would recommend that you contact your local plumber as soon as possible. Slow draining is usually what happens before the drain is completely blocked.

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