Repair the Cause, Not Just the Blockage
If your drain keeps blocking, there may be more going on underground than a simple obstruction.
Cracked pipes, collapsed drainage, tree root intrusion, displaced joints and damaged underground pipework can all cause recurring drainage problems.
At Melbourne Plumbing Co, we provide professional blocked drain repairs throughout Melbourne, using CCTV drain inspections to identify the cause of the problem and determine the most suitable repair.
Depending on the location and condition of the damaged pipe, we can repair drainage using:
- Excavation and pipe replacement
- Trenchless pipe relining
- Localised drain repairs
- Tree root removal
- High-pressure drain cleaning
- CCTV drain inspections
- Underground drain locating
Drain keeps blocking? We can find out why and repair the underlying problem.
When Does a Blocked Drain Need Repair?
Not every blocked drain requires excavation or pipe repair.
Many blockages can be cleared using professional high-pressure drain cleaning equipment.
However, if the blockage keeps returning, there may be a structural problem within the drainage system.
Common signs that a blocked drain may require repair include:
- The same drain repeatedly blocks
- Tree roots keep returning
- CCTV footage shows cracked pipework
- Sections of pipe have collapsed
- Drainage joints have moved or separated
- The pipe is holding water
- The ground above the drain is sinking
- Drainage has been damaged by ground movement
- Previous drain cleaning has only provided temporary relief
In these situations, simply clearing the drain may not solve the underlying problem.
CCTV Drain Inspection Before Repair
Before recommending major drainage repairs, we can inspect the underground pipework using a specialised CCTV drain camera.
The camera allows us to see inside the pipe and identify defects such as:
- Cracks
- Breaks
- Tree roots
- Collapsed sections
- Displaced joints
- Deteriorated pipework
- Foreign objects
- Sections holding water
- Incorrect drainage levels
Where required, we can also locate the damaged section from above ground.
This allows us to determine exactly where the problem is before deciding how the drain should be repaired.
Recent Blocked Drain Repair – Leslie Road, Essendon
Pipe Replacement & Trenchless Relining
Melbourne Plumbing Co recently completed a drainage repair at a property on Leslie Road, Essendon.
CCTV inspection of the underground drainage identified damaged sections of pipe requiring permanent repair.
The affected drainage travelled beneath both a lawn area and an existing concrete pathway.
Instead of using the same repair method across the entire drain, we selected the most appropriate repair for each section.
Drain Replacement Beneath the Lawn
Where the damaged drainage was located beneath the lawn, we excavated the affected area and exposed the existing pipe.
The damaged section was removed and replaced with new drainage before the area was reinstated.
Because this section was readily accessible, excavation and replacement provided the most practical solution.
Pipe Relining Beneath the Concrete Path
The drainage then continued underneath an existing concrete path.
Rather than unnecessarily cutting and removing the concrete to access the damaged pipe, we repaired this section using trenchless pipe relining.
Relining allowed us to repair the damaged drainage internally while leaving the concrete pathway largely undisturbed.
Minimising Disruption Beside a School
The Leslie Road property is located directly beside a school.
Because of the location of the works, minimising unnecessary disruption was an important consideration when planning the repair.
By combining traditional excavation beneath the lawn with trenchless pipe relining beneath the concrete, we were able to complete the required repairs without excavating the entire drainage route.
This reduced unnecessary demolition and helped minimise the impact of the works on the surrounding area.
Watch the CCTV Drain Inspection
The Leslie Road recordings show how CCTV helps us locate defects, choose the right repair and confirm the completed work without guesswork.
Blocked Drain Repair Options
There is no single repair method that is suitable for every damaged drain.
The correct solution depends on:
- The type of damage
- The location of the pipe
- The depth of the drainage
- What is located above the pipe
- The condition of the existing drainage
- Whether pipe levels need correcting
Excavation & Pipe Replacement
Traditional excavation may be the best option when damaged drainage is easily accessible.
This can involve:
- Locating the damaged section
- Excavating the area
- Removing the failed pipe
- Installing new drainage
- Testing the repaired section
- Reinstating the excavated area
Pipe replacement is particularly useful where drainage has collapsed or where the existing pipe needs to be completely removed.
Trenchless Pipe Relining
Where damaged drainage runs beneath concrete, driveways, landscaping or other difficult-to-access areas, pipe relining may provide an alternative to excavation.
Relining involves installing a new structural liner inside the existing pipe.
Depending on the condition of the drain, this can allow sections of underground drainage to be repaired without digging up the entire pipe.
This can significantly reduce disruption to:
- Concrete paths
- Driveways
- Landscaping
- Gardens
- Buildings
- Commercial areas
Not every pipe is suitable for relining, which is why CCTV inspection is performed before recommending this repair method.
Tree Root Damage
Tree roots are one of the most common causes of recurring blocked drains.
Roots can enter through small cracks, damaged joints or openings within underground drainage.
Once inside the pipe, the roots can continue growing and eventually restrict the flow through the drain.
Removing the roots may temporarily restore the drain, but if there is a structural defect allowing roots to enter, the damaged section may require repair or relining.
Cracked & Broken Drain Repairs
Underground drainage can crack or break due to:
- Ground movement
- Soil settlement
- Age
- Tree roots
- Poor installation
- Heavy loads above the pipe
- Deterioration of older drainage materials
CCTV inspection helps us determine the extent of the damage and whether the affected section can be locally repaired or requires more extensive replacement.
Collapsed Drain Repairs
A collapsed drain can severely restrict or completely prevent water from flowing through the drainage system.
Where a pipe has collapsed, excavation and replacement may be required.
The damaged section can be located before excavation so that we target the affected area rather than unnecessarily digging along the entire drainage route.
Why Does My Drain Keep Blocking?
A drain that repeatedly blocks is often telling you that something is wrong.
Possible causes include:
- Tree roots entering the pipe
- Broken drainage
- Cracked pipes
- Collapsed sections
- Displaced joints
- Poor drainage levels
- Foreign objects
- Deteriorated underground pipework
Repeatedly clearing the blockage without addressing the defect may only provide a temporary solution.
A CCTV drain inspection can help identify the underlying cause.
Our Blocked Drain Repair Process
1. Clear the Blockage
Where necessary, we first clear the drain to restore access through the pipe.
2. CCTV Inspection
We inspect the inside of the drainage system using a CCTV drain camera.
3. Locate the Damage
The affected section can be located from above ground where required.
4. Determine the Best Repair
We assess whether the drain should be:
- Excavated and replaced
- Locally repaired
- Relined
- Cleaned
- Further investigated
5. Complete the Repair
The damaged drainage is repaired using the most appropriate method for the property.
6. Final Inspection
Where appropriate, the repaired drainage can be inspected again using CCTV.
Blocked Drain Repairs in Melbourne
For damaged rainwater drainage, see our stormwater drainage repair service. For local examples, visit our Essendon sewer and stormwater repair page.
Melbourne Plumbing Co provides blocked drain repairs throughout Melbourne, including:
- Essendon
- Moonee Ponds
- Ascot Vale
- Flemington
- Aberfeldie
- Strathmore
- And surrounding Melbourne suburbs
Whether you have a recurring blocked drain, damaged underground pipework or a drain that has already been identified as broken, we can investigate the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blocked drain be permanently repaired?
Yes, depending on what is causing the blockage.
If the blockage is being caused by damaged drainage, repairing the defective section can address the underlying cause rather than repeatedly clearing the obstruction.
How do you know where the drain is broken?
We can use CCTV drain inspection and locating equipment to identify and locate damaged sections of underground drainage.
Do you always have to dig up a broken drain?
No.
Some damaged drains may be suitable for trenchless pipe relining.
The condition of the pipe and the location of the damage need to be assessed first.
Can you repair drains underneath concrete?
In some circumstances, yes.
Pipe relining may allow us to repair damaged drainage beneath concrete without excavating the entire area.
What causes a drain to keep blocking?
Recurring blockages can be caused by tree roots, cracked pipes, displaced joints, collapsed sections, poor drainage levels or deteriorated pipework.
Should I repair or replace my drain?
That depends on the condition of the existing drainage.
Some isolated defects can be repaired locally, while significantly damaged drainage may require replacement.
CCTV inspection allows us to make a more informed recommendation.
Stop Clearing the Same Blocked Drain Over and Over
If your drain keeps blocking, clearing it repeatedly may only be treating the symptom.
Melbourne Plumbing Co can inspect the underground drainage, identify the cause and provide the appropriate repair.
From excavation and pipe replacement to trenchless pipe relining, we can tailor the repair to the condition and location of the damaged drain.
Need a Blocked Drain Repaired?
Arrange a CCTV drain inspection so we can identify the cause, locate the damaged section and recommend the right repair.
