Blocked Drains Lake Macquarie

Inspection and Repair of Blocked Drains in the Lake Macquarie Area

#1 Blocked Drain Plumber Lake Macquarie

We are always available to help with any plumbing repairs. When you have a blocked toilet, sink or drain in Lake Macquarie call us! We use a high-pressure water jetter for clearing blocked drains. This will take care of the problem the right way so that the root of the cause won't be back again to raise more trouble soon after treatment is completed.


We also utilise an industrial-strength degreasing process that helps to remove stubborn grease blockages from pipes without damaging them permanently - most people only need one hour of our professional service before their drainage problems are over - just a bad dream!


Why choose us?

  • No tricks or unexpected costs
  • Experienced Blocked Drain Plumber Lake Macquarie-way
  • Free Quotes
  • Seniors Discounts Available
  • Licenced, Insured and COVID-Safe

Blocked Drain Plumber Lake Macquarie

A blocked drain is never a pretty sight (or smell). If the blocked drain in question is a sewage drain, then the issue is rather more serious.


Not only is overflowing sewage unsightly, but it is also a health and safety hazard. At Down to Earth Plumbing Maintenance, we can locate the cause of a blockage and provide you with a safe and affordable solution.

If your sewer or storm water drain is backed up, don't panic! We use the latest technology to clear them quickly and efficiently. Our 4000 psi, High-Pressure Water Jetter will rid your pipelines of that obstruction in no time at all - just like a high-pressure car wash for pipes!


We can then inspect it with CCTV drain cameras to ensure that the blockage has been taken care of effectively and that nothing is left behind that will cause further dramas. We are your trusted, local plumber for Blocked Drains Lake Macquarie

Blocked Downpipe Plumbing

If you're seeing the water bubbling backwards out of your downpipes, this could signify one (or a few) issues. If they are overflowing with leaves and debris, this can cause the water to pump out of the top of your downpipe the wrong way.



Unfortunately, this problem is usually further down, signifying a blockage in the pipes underground that run from your gutters to the storm water pipes. If this is the case, we will need to take additional steps to clear the blockage.

Blocked Storm Water Drains

Blocked storm water drains can be a real pain, and we've got the perfect solution. Our high-pressure jet water is great for stubborn blockages along with any dirt or sludge in your pipes! They don't damage them like other, older methods (remember electric eels?), so you'll never have to worry about repairing additional damages done.



Unfortunately due to the way storm water can sometimes be installed, and the types of fittings used, the water jetter and cameras won’t be able to get down the drain. This could signify larger issues and could possibly mean replacing all of the storm water components.

Blocked Sewer Repair Lake Macquarie

One of the most annoying - if not frustrating- bathroom plumbing problems is when your toilet floods. Watching the water level rise higher after you flush makes for an extremely nauseating experience.



If you're calling a plumber, it's likely because the ol' plunger didn't do the trick, so if this is the case, we may need to have a closer look . If there is no vent pipe or access point to the sewer outside, we may need to remove the toilet itself before getting the water jetter down there to unblock the drains. At this stage, it typically means we are dealing with a sewage blockage. If there has been damage to the pipes such as significant invasion of tree roots, you may need our sewer repair Lake Macquarie Services.

Blocked Sinks & Shower Drains

Sometimes a blocked sink or shower drain is simply a localised issue - if this is the case, we can attempt to plunge the blockage through the pipe. Unfortunately, a blocked sink can also be part of a larger issue with a blockage elsewhere in the property's plumbing. We may need to investigate and repair as necessary using the CCTV pipe camera and the water jetter.

Common Culprits For Blocked Drains

1. Greases, Fats & Oils

The greases, fats and oils from cooking can cause a build-up of material which eventually blocks your drain. Over time this will lead to the entire system being clogged as these substances are adhesive in nature, attracting anything they come into contact with- including other debris speeding up its progression even further!

2. Collapsed Drains

When heavy machinery is used in the area or if there is excessive land movement, older drains may become crushed and collapse. This can cause a blockage to the flow of wastewater or storm water.

3. Land Movement

Clay and unstable soil often have more land movement in them over time which can cause pipes to shift. Often, joins become disconnected or lose their integrity.

4. Tree Roots

Just a small crack in a pipe can let some of the contents escape into the surrounding ground. Along comes a thirsty tree root, which usually grows towards the source of the water. These roots can get so large in diameter that they can completely block your pipes.

5. Wet Wipes, Paper Towels and Sanitary Products

Wet wipes are the unlikely suspect to many as they are often advertised as 'flushable'. Unfortunately, they do not break down as fast as toilet paper and can be a major issue if allowed to build up in your sewage pipes. Another major one is female sanitary products which can swell to unbelievable proportions before clogging your drains. This usually happens when they aren't disposed of in the trash and are rather flushed down the toilet.

6. Hair, Soap Scum and Dinner Scraps

All of these are solids that will cause a build-up over time. Usually, they will get through the sewage system without an issue in newer areas, however, over time small changes in pipe structure may allow them to get caught and cause a blockage.

Down to Earth Plumbing Maintenance is here for you when your pipes need some love. We have the latest technology in plumbing services, so we can handle blocked drains with ease! Accurate quotes are given quickly without any hidden fees or surprises - just clear flowing water from now on because that's what our team does best.


Give us a call today to sort out your blocked drains, Lake Macquarie.

If you want a fast, dependable blocked drain plumber Lake Macquarie,

call 0422 131 555 now. Make a reservation for your plumbing system check-up to avoid costly repairs.

Lake Macquarie Blocked Drain FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • What are the main culprits for blocked drains in Lake Macquarie?

    Most commonly, blocked drains are caused by items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet or put down drains such as baby wipes, sanitary items, grease, oils and cotton pads etc. Another common cause is thirsty tree roots infiltrating and filling the pipeline.


    A blocked drain can cause water to back up and flood your home, so it's important to be careful about what you pour down the sink.


    If you think your drain is blocked, call a plumber to have it cleared. Preventing blocked drains is easier than cleaning them out, so be mindful of what you (and the family) are putting down the drains. Cooking oil, grease, fat and thick sanitary products like wipes and pads should be disposed of in the garbage, not down the drain.


    However, performing most plumbing tasks without a licence can actually land you in quite a bit of hot water. According to the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011, anyone caught performing works without a licence could be subject to hefty fines.


    So it's definitely not worth the risk! Not to mention, if your plumbing system ends up failing and you have to file an insurance claim, you may not be covered if the insurer finds out that there was unlicensed work done. Plus, if you're ever planning on selling your home, any unlicensed work could void product warranties and cause all sorts of problems down the line.


    So when it comes to plumbing, it's always best to leave it to the professionals.

  • How much time is required to unclog a drain?

    Over the last ten years, we have seen every type of drain blockage in homes, businesses, offices and factories. Blocked drains are often associated only with toilets, but we see many other areas where blocked drains occur in plumbing.


    Commonly we are called in drain cleaning in kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks and laundry tubs. We also work on shower drains, sewage lines and gutters. Storm water lines are another area where we also commonly work.


    Clearing a blocked drain can be quick or a time-consuming task. The steps and tools used to clear a blockage will vary based on factors such as where the blockage is located and the type of drain. Blocked drains may require hand tools such as a drain snake to remove debris or they may need more advanced equipment such as high pressure water jetters and a CCTV camera to locate the source of the issue.


    The amount of time required to unclog a drain will vary depending on the nature of the obstruction and how easily it can be located and removed. In most cases, the entire process can be completed within one or two hours.


    Our team will be happy to provide you with a detailed explanation of the issue and the recommended solution. With our help, your blocked drain will be cleared safely without further damage to the pipe system.

  • What steps are involved in clearing a clogged drain Lake Macquarie?

    Blocked drains are a common problem that can be easily solved with the right tools and know-how. To clear a clogged drain, the first step is to find and identify the blockage with a CCTV camera.


    The blockage is then attempted to be removed with a rod or snake. If this doesn't work, the next step is to use a high-pressure jetter to clear the clog.


    This usually works well, regardless of how blocked the drain might be. In some cases there may be extensive damage from tree roots or the pipes may be crushed or cracked from land movement and heavy machinery over the top. This requires the full replacement of the damaged pipe sections.

  • What is the price of plumbing for a blocked sewer Lake Macquarie?

    Blocked drains are a pain, there's no doubt about it. They're smelly, they're messy, and they always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times.


     If your problem is simple and straightforward, we should be able to give you a repair estimate on the phone. We'll always tell you about all costs—including call out fees, labour charges, and materials—before we start work so that you know what to expect.


    Sometimes the causes of a blocked drain require closer inspection, so we will not be able to determine the exact costs until after the cause for the blockage and the labour required to repair it has been determined.


    In the event that we find a damaged pipe or tree roots during our inspection, we'll provide you with an estimate for the repairs of your blocked sewer Lake Macquarie.

  • Can blocked drains cause illness?

    Blocked drains can cause illness in a few different ways. The most direct way is if the water that's sitting in the blocked drain is stagnant, bacteria and parasites can breed there and eventually infect you and your family.


    Allowing a drain to become clogged and left to sit can cause a variety of ailments, from the somewhat mild to the fairly serious. That's why it's important to call your neighbourhood plumber as soon as possible if you have a blocked drain.


    The blocked drain can also cause problems indirectly. When water backs up in the blocked drain, it can seep under floorboards or around baseboards and create an environment that's conducive to mould growth. Mould spores are tiny and easily inhaled, so it's important to address blocked drains quickly to avoid any potential health risks.


    One way we do this is by offering same-day service for emergency cases.


    Unless a special material or plumbing component needs to be ordered, we may be able to complete the work on the same day.


    We keep a variety of useful parts on us at all times, which are fully stocked. This allows us to complete most jobs quickly and efficiently without having to wait for parts to arrive.


    As a result, you can be assured that your urgent job will be done right-and on the same day that you call us. So if you're in need of a quick, professional plumbing solution, don't hesitate to give us a call. We'll be happy to help.

  • How can I tell if my drains are clogged?

    There are a few telltale signs that your drains may be blocked.


    If you notice any of the following, it's possible you have a blockage: Symptoms include:

    • water pooling in your shower, sink, or toilet
    • slow draining
    • sewage odour near your drains
    • grumbling noises coming from trapped air
    • overflowing toilet.

    In some cases, it may be best to see a specialist for advice. However, if you catch the problem early enough, the repair will be far less costly.


    Either way, it's important to be aware of the signs of blocked drains so you can take action quickly.

  • Who pays for the plumbing of a blocked drain in Lake Macquarie: Landlords or Tenants?

    The New South Wales Department of Fair Trading states that landlords must ensure their premises are in a reasonable state of repair before tenants move in, taking into account the age and rental cost of the property.


     Landlords must also maintain the rented premises throughout the duration of the lease. Tenants, on the other hand, must take reasonable action to prevent damage or maintenance issues from occurring.


    The law in New South Wales defines urgent repairs as those that involve danger or risk to health. Urgent repairs include blocked toilets, burst water pipes and broken heating systems.


    The NSW tenant factsheet states that it is the landlord's responsibility to undertake urgent repairs. The tenant must notify the landlord/agent about any urgent repairs as soon as possible - preferably in writing. If the landlord cannot be contacted or is unwilling to do the urgent repairs, the tenant can arrange for them to be done.


    Tenants are entitled to reimbursement for urgent repairs if the problems were not their fault, they made a reasonable attempt to contact the landlord, and the landlord had a reasonable chance to make the repairs. The repairs must be completed by a licensed tradesperson.


    If a landlord can prove that a blocked drain was caused by a tenant's negligence, the landlord may not be liable. For example, if a toilet was blocked by flushing tampons or wet wipes—items that are not supposed to be flushed—the landlord might argue that it was the tenant's fault for flushing these items.