The shower water is rising around your ankles, the kitchen sink won’t drain, or there’s a strange gurgle every time you flush. Plumbing problems never pick a good time, and they can get worse fast in Brunswick’s older homes.
The best solution is to act quickly. Stop the problem from getting worse, then call a licensed plumber who can find the cause instead of only clearing the symptom. At Expert Plumbing & Gas Services, our licensed plumbers and gas fitters help Brunswick locals fix everything from slow drains to burst pipes.
What Causes Blocked Drains in Brunswick Homes?
Most blocked drains come down to what goes into them. Yarra Valley Water reported more than 1,300 blockages in its sewer network in a single year, mostly linked to cooking oil, hygiene products and wet wipes. Inside your home, the usual culprits are:
- Grease, food scraps and oil in kitchen sinks
- Hair and soap build-up in showers and basins
- Wipes and sanitary products flushed down the toilet
- Tree roots in older underground pipes
Tree roots are a particularly common problem in Brunswick’s older homes. Merri-bek City Council explains that roots usually get into old clay pipes through existing cracks and leaks. That means clearing the roots alone won’t stop them coming back.
What Should You Do In a Plumbing Emergency?
Your first job is to limit the damage while help is on the way:
- Burst pipe or major leak: Turn off the water at the mains.
- Overflowing toilet or drain: Stop using water in the house so the backup doesn’t get worse.
- Smell gas: Open doors and windows, check no burners are on, turn off the gas at the meter and call a licensed gas plumber.
Then call a licensed plumber. Our rapid response plumbing team often reaches urgent calls within a couple hours, depending on where you’re located and our availability. We can give you an estimate when you call, though.
How Do Plumbers Fix Blocked Drains Properly?
A professional plumber finds the cause first, then clears the blockage with the right tool for the job:
- CCTV drain cameras: A drain camera inspection shows exactly what’s inside your pipes, from tree roots to cracks, without digging up your yard.
- High-pressure water jetting: Powerful jets blast away grease, debris and roots.
- Drain snakes: Handy for clearing simpler blockages in sinks, showers and toilets.
If the camera finds broken or root-damaged pipes, your plumber can explain your repair options.
Who Is Responsible for a Blocked Sewer Pipe?
You’re responsible for the pipes on your property, up to the point where they connect to the sewer main, according to Merri-bek City Council. Problems beyond that point are looked after by the water corporation. A licensed plumber can check where the blockage is first.
Need a Local Plumber in Brunswick?
Expert Plumbing & Gas Services is fully licensed with the Victorian Building Authority (Licence No. 50967) and handles blocked drains in Brunswick, gas plumbing, hot water and general plumbing.
Call (03) 9486 5907 or leave your details for fast, reliable help from a plumber in Brunswick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my drain is blocked?
Watch for slow-draining sinks and showers, gurgling noises, bad smells or water pooling in outdoor areas.
Can I use chemical drain cleaners?
They may shift a minor clog, but they rarely fix the cause and can be harsh on older pipes.
Why does my drain keep blocking?
Repeat blockages often point to a bigger issue, such as tree roots or a cracked pipe. A drain camera inspection can find the cause.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
Burst pipes, overflowing toilets, sewage backups, no hot water and gas leaks all need urgent attention.
