Plumbing
Blocked Drains
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A blocked drain can quickly become a big problem if not dealt with efficiently.
By choosing a professional plumber, you can identify and fix blocked drains quickly—before they escalate into costly emergencies. Common signs of a blocked drain include an unusual smell coming from pipes or drainage—persistent odours from sinks, showers, or outdoor drains often signal a buildup of waste or stagnant water within the pipes.
You may also notice puddles or water that drains slowly or not at all, particularly around sinks, basins, or garden areas, which may indicate a serious blockage restricting flow. Additionally, a gurgling sound emerging from drains and pipes can suggest trapped air caused by water attempting to pass through a blockage.
One of the main challenges with blocked drains is that the issue is often hidden from view. O'Brien® plumbers use pipe inspection cameras to accurately locate and diagnose the cause—whether it’s a tree root intrusion, grease buildup, or a collapsed pipe.
When you contact an O’Brien® expert, you’ll have the peace of mind of working with a fully licensed and experienced plumber committed to safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions.
How does O’Brien® fix a blocked drain?
How does O’Brien® fix a blocked drain?
Following the O’Brien® best-practice plumbing process, your technician will ensure a safe, thorough, and long-lasting solution to blocked drains in your home or business.
- We begin with a detailed assessment of the blockage – Our plumber will inspect the symptoms—such as slow draining, gurgling sounds, or water backups—and discuss any relevant history or concerns with you on-site.
- We use advanced diagnostic tools to locate the blockage – Using CCTV drain cameras, we visually inspect inside your pipes to precisely locate the blockage and identify the cause—whether it’s tree roots, grease buildup, foreign objects, or pipe damage.
- We clear the blockage using specialised equipment – We deploy high-pressure water jetting or mechanical drain cleaning tools to safely and effectively remove the obstruction without damaging your pipework.
- We inspect the drain again to confirm the blockage is fully cleared – After clearing, we perform a follow-up camera inspection to ensure the pipe is clean and flowing freely, and check for any structural issues that may need further attention.
- We provide recommendations to prevent future blockages – Once the job is done, we’ll offer maintenance advice or repair options if necessary—ensuring your drains stay clear and trouble-free in the long term.
How long does it take to fix a blocked drain?
How long does it take to fix a blocked drain?
The time required to clear a blocked drain depends on the severity and location of the blockage. Minor clogs in sinks or showers can often be resolved in under an hour, while more complex issues—such as tree root intrusions or collapsed pipes—may take several hours or require additional repairs
FAQs
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The time required to clear a blocked drain depends on the severity and location of the blockage. Minor clogs in sinks or showers can often be resolved in under an hour, while more complex issues—such as tree root intrusions or collapsed pipes—may take several hours or require additional repairs.
Common causes include hair and soap scum in bathroom drains, food scraps and grease in kitchen sinks, foreign objects flushed down toilets, and invasive tree roots in outdoor or underground pipes. Old or damaged pipes may also contribute to recurring blockages.
Yes. Unresolved blockages can lead to water backing up into your home, damaging floors and walls. Over time, the pressure build-up can crack or burst pipes, and prolonged moisture can lead to mould growth and structural problems. Timely intervention is essential.
Absolutely. Many O’Brien® Plumbers offer emergency plumbing services for urgent drain blockages—day or night. Whether it’s a toilet overflow or a completely backed-up kitchen sink, we’re ready to respond quickly and restore normal function to your plumbing system.
How much does a windscreen replacement cost?
The cost varies depending on the type and location of the blockage, the tools required to clear it, and whether there are any underlying issues. After an initial inspection, we’ll provide a clear, upfront quote with no hidden surprises—so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
If your insurance policy covers drainage issues or water damage, your drain repair or unblocking may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement. O’Brien® can assist by providing detailed reports and helping you with documentation to support your claim.
Not sure if you’re covered? Contact our team and we’ll help you understand your options.
Don’t worry, as O'Brien® can still help. Many customers choose to pay for it themselves. We know that price is important to you, which is why we do everything to ensure we provide great value for money.
Complete the online booking form, and one of our friendly consultants will call you back with a quote. We’ll then help get your repair or replacement resolved as quickly as possible.
Need blocked drain quote?
Call us on 1800 815 414 for a quote or fill in our form and one of our friendly consultants will call you back to discuss your options.
Payment methods
Convenient electronic payment methods including debit cards, major credit cards and Zip Pay. We strive to keep up to date with customer preferences and efficiencies and have chosen to go cashless.
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Why choose O’Brien® Plumbing?
With a national network of trusted, licensed plumbers and decades of industry experience, O’Brien® Plumbing delivers professional service with a personal touch. From emergency responses to preventative maintenance, we use the latest tools and best-practice processes to get your plumbing back on track—efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards.
Australia’s leading Plumbing experts
Extensively trained and certified Plumbing technicians
Advanced tools and technology to ensure a high-quality service
Conveniently located, with over 100+ locations Australia-wide
