When water systems fail unexpectedly, timing can make all the difference.
Recently, the team at O'Brien Plumbing Coffs Harbour attended a property where the homeowner had no usable water supply from their tank — creating an urgent situation with heavy rain forecast for the following day.
Acting quickly was essential to ensure the property could capture and store the incoming rainfall.
The Problem
After arriving on site, our technicians carried out a full inspection of the water tank, inlet lines and pump line to determine why the system had stopped working.
It quickly became clear that something was preventing water from flowing into the tank.
To investigate further, we used CCTV pipe inspection equipment to examine the inlet lines internally. The inspection quickly revealed the problem — both inlet lines were completely blocked.
To confirm the cause, we carried out a closer inspection inside the tank and pipework.
What We Found
The investigation uncovered significant tree root intrusion within the inlet pipework.
Over time, tree roots had forced their way into the pipes, causing serious issues within the system.
This had:
-
Severely blocked both inlet lines
-
Damaged sections of the pipework
-
Prevented rainwater from entering the tank
Without repairs, the system would not have been able to capture the rainfall expected the next day.
Our Solution
To restore the tank system and ensure the property could collect water again, our technicians carried out a series of targeted repairs.
The work included:
-
Cutting inspection openings into both inlet lines to properly assess the damage
-
Locating and removing sections of pipework compromised by tree root intrusion
-
Replacing the damaged sections of both inlet lines with new pipework
-
Clearing remaining debris and root material using high-pressure water jetting
-
Installing new pipework and access points to make future inspections easier
-
Repairing and testing the pump line to ensure the system was operating correctly
With rain expected the following day, our team stayed on site late into the afternoon to ensure the entire system was repaired, tested and fully operational before the weather arrived.
The Result
Once the work was completed, the system was fully tested to confirm everything was functioning properly.
Outcome:
✔ Blocked inlet lines completely cleared
✔ Tree root damage repaired
✔ Water tank system restored and ready to capture rainwater
✔ Pump line operating correctly
Another successful job by the team — going the extra mile to ensure the client had a reliable water supply and a fully functioning tank system before the incoming weather.
Experiencing Blocked Pipes or Tree Root Intrusion?
Tree roots are a common cause of blocked or damaged underground pipes, particularly around stormwater and water tank systems.
If you’re experiencing blocked pipes, water supply issues, or suspected tree root intrusion, the team at O'Brien Plumbing Coffs Harbour has the equipment and expertise to accurately diagnose and repair the problem.
Contact us on 1800 809 256 today for professional pipe inspection, clearing and plumbing repairs.
Get a quote HERE.