Can a Plumber Unblock a Sewer Line?

Introduction to Blocked Sewer Lines

Blocked sewer lines are a common plumbing issue that affect residential and commercial properties.

They occur when the wastewater pipes under your home or business become clogged with debris, restricting the flow of sewage. Left untreated, blocked sewer drains can cause sewage to back up into your home or yard, resulting in flooding, foul odours and potential health hazards.

At Emu Plains Plumbing, our licenced plumbers have extensive experience diagnosing and repairing blocked sewer lines in Emu Plains and across Sydney. We utilise state-of-the-art drain inspection cameras to locate clogs and identify their cause, whether it’s grease, tree roots, broken pipes or other obstructions.

Based on our expert assessment, we’ll recommend the most effective solution to clear your blocked drain and prevent future sewer backups.

From high-pressure water jetting to mechanical augering, pipe relining and excavation, we have all the latest tools and techniques to open blocked sewer lines and keep waste flowing freely again. We know that a blocked drain is an emergency that requires urgent attention. That’s why we provide 24/7 rapid response plumbing services.

Don’t wait for a backed-up sewer line to cause serious home damage. At the first sign of slow drains, gurgling sounds, sewage odours or pooling water, call the trusted professionals at Emu Plains Plumbing. We’ll get your pipes flowing freely again and help safeguard the health of your home and family.

Common Causes of Blocked Sewer Drains

Several common issues can cause obstructions and blockages in sewer drains, resulting in backed-up plumbing and potential sewage overflows.

Debris Buildup

Over time, debris such as grease, food scraps, hair, tampons, toilet paper and other solids can accumulate along sewer pipes. As more debris piles up, it restricts wastewater flow and leads to clogged drains. Property owners should be diligent about what goes down their drains to help prevent debris accumulation.

Tree Root Intrusions

Tree roots pose a major threat to sewer lines. Tree root intrusions often require sewer line repairs or relining.

Root systems seek out any cracks or damage in sewer pipes, force their way inside, and proliferate. The roots grow thicker over time and constrict the pipes, leading to blocked drains.

Pipe Collapses

If sewer pipes are old, damaged or improperly installed, they can eventually collapse. When pipes crack, shift or cave in, it creates blockages that stop wastewater flow. Complete sewer line replacement is usually needed in the case of pipe collapses.

Grease Buildup

Allowing fats, oils and grease to wash down drains will lead to thick grease deposits accumulating inside sewer pipes over time. Grease sticks to pipe walls and hardens, narrowing the pipe diameter. Professional sewer jetting or augering is required to clear out grease clogs.

At the first signs of a slow or blocked drain, contact our team at Emu Plains Plumbing. Our licenced plumbers have the expertise to diagnose the causes of clogged sewer drains and take corrective action to restore proper wastewater flow.

Methods Plumbers Use to Clear Blockages

At Emu Plains Plumbing, we utilise several advanced methods to clear blocked sewer drains and get them flowing freely again:

High-Pressure Water Jetting

Water jetting is often the first method we use to dislodge clogs and clear debris buildup. Our plumbers send a powerful, concentrated stream of water through the pipes to break up and flush away any obstructions.

Mechanical Augering

For tough blockages, we’ll send a rotating auger (like a plumber’s snake) down the line to physically break up and extract the clog. Augers feature different heads for grabbing or drilling through different types of obstructions.

Hydrojetting

Combining high-pressure water jets with an auger head, hydrojetting loosens trapped debris allowing it to be extracted from the pipes.

Drain Cameras

We use state-of-the-art drain cameras to visually locate clogs and identify the cause, helping us choose the best clearing method. Cameras also confirm sewer pipes are fully clear after jetting or augering.

Pipe Bursting

For complete pipe collapses or severe root intrusions, pipe bursting can be used to break up the old pipe and replace it with a new lining in the same place.

Regardless of the cause, our licenced plumbers have all the latest tools and training to clear blocked sewer drains, restore proper wastewater flow and prevent backups into your Emu Plains property. Contact us 24/7 for urgent drain servicing.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

As a blocked drain or sewer line can quickly escalate into a major plumbing emergency, it’s crucial to contact a professional plumber promptly when issues arise. Here are some telltale signs it’s time to call for help:

Sewage Backing Up

Sewage bubbling out of drains or overflowing from toilets signals a serious main sewer blockage. Allowing raw sewage to flood your home creates major health risks. Call a 24/7 plumber immediately if sewage overflows inside.

Gurgling Sounds

Gurgling drains indicate pooling wastewater struggling to pass through a partial blockage. The sounds get louder as the clog worsens. Don’t ignore gurgling as it means your Sydney blocked drain requires urgent professional attention.

Foul Sewer Odours

Catching whiffs of rotten eggs or sewage gases inside your home suggests sewer gas is escaping a clogged drain. Sewer gases are not just smelly but also toxic. Call a plumber to locate and clear the blockage.

Multiple Clogged Drains

If multiple fixtures are all draining slowly or not at all, it points to a main sewer line clog affecting your entire plumbing system. Let the experts inspect your sewer and determine the best way to restore proper wastewater flow.

Never attempt DIY methods to clear badly blocked drains or sewers yourself. Call our professional plumbers at Emu Plains Plumbing for safe, effective blocked drain solutions 24/7.

Preventing Future Blockages

While professional drain cleaning services can resolve immediate blockages, there are steps you can take to help prevent clogged drains occurring in future:

Install Drain Screens

Fitting drain screens or mesh covers over sink, shower and bath drains prevents hair and debris from entering the pipes.

Avoid Grease Buildup

Letting fats and oils wash down drains leads to grease accumulation. Collect oils and fats before washing dishes, and never pour grease down sinks.

Moderate Use of Paper Products

Excessive toilet paper, paper towels and other solids overwhelm pipes over time. Use paper products in moderation and never flush anything except toilet paper.

Regular Drain Maintenance

Pouring drain cleaners or flushing baking soda and vinegar monthly can help keep pipes clear of organic buildup.

Reduce Use of Garbage Disposal

Overuse of the garbage disposal shoots a lot of debris into pipes. Put most food waste in the trash instead.

Fix Leaks

Leaks let soil and roots enter pipes under your home. Inspect for leaks regularly and repair any you find immediately.

Even following these tips, blocked drains can still occur eventually. Contact the team at Emu Plains Plumbing on 4268 9246 for professional drain inspections and cleaning to keep your plumbing system flowing freely.