With a number of popular renovation shows being aired on mainstream television networks, do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs are becoming increasingly common. This includes DIY plumbing repairs such as unclogging a blocked drain. A quick search on google or youtube will produce a plethora of DIY videos and instructions explaining how to fix a slow draining sink or unblock a toilet. Many plumbing issues are indeed an easy fix and homeowners can feel confident attempting repairs on their own. However, other jobs are much more complex and should be left to professional plumbers.
What is pipe relining and how does it work?
Pipe relining (sometimes called trenchless or no-dig pipe repair) is a relatively new solution to damaged sewer and stormwater pipes. Previously, the only way to repair cracked, sagging or damaged plumbing pipes was to excavate the pipes and replace either a small section or the entire line. Pipe relining provides a cheaper, quicker and less disruptive solution to pipe excavation. As suggested by the name, the pipe relining process relines the inside of pipes, restoring functionality without the need to dig the pipes up and replace them.
How to unclog a bathtub drain
A warm bubble bath is a great way to unwind at the end of a long day. However, stress can come quickly flooding back if you pull the plug and the bathtub won’t drain. A clogged bath drain becomes very inconvenient if the only shower in the house has been installed over the bath. Thankfully, there are a number of simple techniques you can try to unblock a bath drain. When you know how to unclog a bathtub drain, the problem can often be sorted out quickly and easily, without having to engage a plumber.
How to unblock a toilet at someone else's house (without leaving the bathroom)
The only thing more anxiety-inducing than blocking your own toilet is clogging someone else's. It’s awkward enough having to use the toilet when you’re not in the comfort of your own home. But clogging the toilet in the process is the stuff nightmares are made of. Before panic sets in, here are a few emergency tactics you can try (without leaving the bathroom) when you’ve clogged someone’s toilet and are too mortified to tell them.
Drain cleaning: Jet blasters versus Drain Snakes and Electric Eels
Many households will need to get their drains cleaned by a Sydney plumber at some point in time. Foreign debris that has been flushed down the toilet or washed down the sink can accumulate in drain pipes, causing drain blockages. When it comes to unclogging stubborn blocked drains and sewer pipes there are two main tools used by plumbers - jet blasters and drain snakes. Which tool is best, depends on the drain blockage that’s being treated. This article looks at these two different drain cleaning methods and the pros and cons of each.
Four ways to unclog a toilet yourself
Clogging a toilet is an absolute nightmare. The good news is that minor clogs can often be cleared quickly without having to call in a local plumber. The below do it yourself toilet repairs should only be attempted with minor clogs. If you’re suspect the toilet is badly blocked and you’ve had ongoing issues, we suggest calling a professional plumber.
Eleven surprising facts about clogged drains most people don't know
Too often, residents unwittingly compromise their own plumbing systems by engaging in behaviour that is detrimental to their drains. This includes things like flushing items that should go in the bin or conducting poor DIY repairs. This article looks at eleven surprising facts about clogged drains that most people are unaware of.
How to deal with a clogged sewer main
A clogged main sewer line is probably the most unpleasant and messy emergency plumbing situations someone can face. The main sewer line is underground and runs from the house out to the street where it connects to the municipal sewer mains. Every plumbing fixture in the home is connected to the main sewer line. It carries wastewater away from the toilet, shower, laundry and every drain sink in the house. This article looks at what you need to do when the main sewer line is blocked.
Plumbing Cameras: How does a plumbing camera inspection work?
Plumbing cameras are small, purpose-built cameras that are designed to inspect the inside of plumbing pipes such as the sewer or stormwater line. Plumbing cameras are attached to a long-reaching, flexible cable that can easily travel through bends in underground pipes. Also known as sewer cameras or drain cameras, this advanced technology is critical for diagnosing problems inside plumbing pipes and sewer lines.
Stormwater pollution, the environment and clogged drains
Stormwater drains are designed to safely transport large volumes of rain water to our waterways. When it rains, water runs off outdoor surfaces such as roofs, streets, roads and open spaces into the nearest stormwater drain. Unfortunately, it’s not just rainwater entering the stormwater system. Many other things also end up in the stormwater drain and this is referred to as stormwater pollution. Grease, chemicals, oil and litter that end up in the stormwater drains are harmful to the environment and can cause blocked drains.
How to unclog a sink
Clogged sink drains can make the necessities of daily life arduous. It’s hard to brush your teeth and wash your hands when the bathroom sink is clogged up. If the kitchen sink is clogged or slow draining you will struggle to wash the dishes or clean fruit and vegetables. People take these every day activities for granted, until there is a clogged drain. But clogged bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks can often be cleaned easily. This article will take you through some simple DIY methods to unclog a sink.
Plumber near me: Tips on choosing the best local plumber
“Plumber near me” is the first thing most consumers type into a google search when something goes wrong with their plumbing. But how do you know which local plumber near you is the best plumber for the job at hand? When something is wrong with your home’s plumbing it’s imperative that the plumber you call is going to get the job done well and not overcharge for their services. Here are some handy tips to consider when selecting the best local plumber near you.
How to fix a slow draining toilet
Do you have a slow draining toilet? Does the toilet water rise and take a few minutes to drain to normal height? A slow draining toilet can be very frustrating, particularly when a single flush doesn’t produce enough force to clear away the waste. When a toilet won’t flush properly this indicates a problem with your plumbing system. The good news is that a slow draining toilet may be a quick and easy fix.
Everything you need to know about drain plungers
Plunging is the first method we suggest to homeowners who want to attempt to unblock a drain themselves, without having to call in a plumber. Plungers are cheap, effective and readily available. They are also superior to other DIY drain cleaning methods such as chemical drain cleaners which are dangerous and corrosive. This article looks at the different kinds of drain plungers and toilet plungers and how to use them effectively.
Victoria's largest fatberg on record found in Melbourne last month
Until recently, Australian fatbergs have paled in comparison to those found in the United Kingdom. Stories about monster fatbergs the size of six double decker buses have dominated UK news headlines in recent years. Fatbergs are becoming an increasing problem in Australia as we follow in the footsteps of the UK. Last month a 42-tonne fatberg was discovered in the public sewers of Wallan, north of Melbourne. It’s the largest fatberg on record found in the state of Victoria.
13 questions about blocked toilets answered by a professional plumber
Sewers under siege from a new breed of fatberg caused by Covid-19
Sewerage systems in Sydney and around the world are under siege from a new breed of fatberg amidst Covid-19 toilet paper shortages. Widespread panic buying of toilet paper and other tissue products has left many customers desperate for alternatives. Unaware of the problems it can cause, many consumers are substituting toilet paper for kitchen rolls and wet-wipes.
The health hazards of raw sewage exposure: Can a blocked sewer kill you?
Did you know that a blocked sewer drain could be detrimental to your health? Raw, untreated sewage contains disease-causing germs and parasites that can lead to life-long diseases. In extreme cases, coming into contact with raw sewage and sewer gases can even kill you. This blog looks at the health risks associated with raw sewage exposure, the warnings signs of blocked sewers and what to do when you have a blocked sewer.
Smelly drains? How to clean smelly drains
Smelly drains can occur in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry or anywhere else in the home where there is a drain opening. If you want to know how to clean a smelly drain, the first step is identifying the cause and location of the smell. Smelly drains may be impacting either one drain or multiple drains in the home. For example, you may have a smelly shower drain due to a buildup of hair. Alternatively, a blockage in the main sewer can release sewer gases through every drain opening in the home.
Two simple ways to unblock a clogged shower drain
Due to the large amount of debris that passes through a shower drain - including soap scum, hair and dead skin cells - it’s one of the many drains in your home that is prone to blockages. Standing in the shower and watching the water level rise up around your feet instead of draining freely, makes showering an unpleasant and even stressful experience. If you’re dealing with a clogged shower drain and want to know the best way to either prevent or unblock a shower drain, this post offers some tips.