The Problem
A homeowner in Rivervale contacted us after every drain in their unit stopped working. The kitchen sink, bathroom fixtures and laundry were all backing up, indicating the main sewer line was completely blocked.
With blockages affecting every drain in a property, the obstruction is often located deep within the drainage system. Finding the exact location can be just as challenging as clearing the blockage itself, particularly when there are limited access points.
Our Solution
We began work on a Saturday by attempting to clear the blockage from the property’s existing inspection point. Despite extensive efforts using our professional drain machine, we were unable to reach the obstruction because it was located much further down the sewer line than expected.
Rather than guessing, we returned the following day and used the property’s drainage diagram to map the underground pipework. This allowed us to identify a second inspection point that had to be excavated to gain better access to the drainage system.
After exposing the additional access point, we continued working through the line before finally reaching the blockage from a third access point located near the property’s sewer connection. Once the obstruction was cleared, we thoroughly tested the system to confirm wastewater was flowing freely and every drain throughout the unit was operating normally again.
Using the property’s drainage plans and carefully selecting the correct access points was essential to completing the job efficiently. On large blockages like this, the time is often spent locating and accessing the obstruction rather than simply removing it.
The Result
The blockage was successfully cleared, restoring full drainage throughout the entire unit. After testing the system, we confirmed that all fixtures were draining correctly and wastewater was flowing freely into the sewer.
The work was completed across two days, including a return visit to identify an additional inspection point and gain access to the blockage. The total cost of the job was just over $2,100, the specialist drain-clearing equipment labour required over two days.
While jobs of this scale are uncommon, they demonstrate that some blockages are located so deep within the drainage system that reaching them can be the most time-consuming part of the repair.
Why Some Blocked Drains Take Longer Than Others
Not every blocked drain can be cleared from the first inspection point. Depending on the property’s layout, the blockage may be located a considerable distance away or beyond bends and junctions that prevent drain cleaning equipment from reaching it.
When this happens, additional inspection points may need to be located or excavated to provide better access to the pipework. Drainage plans, specialised equipment and experience all play an important role in identifying the quickest and most effective way to restore the system.
Although most blocked drains can be cleared during a single visit, larger and more complex blockages occasionally require additional time and access work before the obstruction can be reached.
Experiencing a Similar Problem? Call Swan’s Professional Plumbing Today!
If every drain in your home has stopped working or you’re dealing with a major sewer blockage, Swan’s Professional Plumbing can help. Our experienced team has the equipment and expertise to locate difficult blockages, access hard-to-reach sections of pipe and restore your drainage system as quickly and efficiently as possible.
