What causes a blocked drain?
Most blocked drains come from grease and soap scum, wipes and other items flushed down the toilet, tree roots entering cracked pipes, or leaves and dirt in stormwater drains. Finding the actual cause is what stops it coming back.
- Grease, soap scum, hair and food particles in sinks and showers
- Wipes, sanitary products and other items flushed down toilets
- Tree roots in cracked or older sewer pipes
- Leaves, dirt and debris in gutters and stormwater drains
How does a CCTV drain inspection work?
We feed a CCTV drain camera into the pipe to see exactly where the blockage is and what is causing it. That means a more accurate repair and less unnecessary digging.
It is the quickest way to tell a simple build-up from a damaged pipe or tree root intrusion, and it is the right next step when the same drain keeps blocking.
How do you clear a blocked drain?
We clear blockages with hydro-jetting and other specialised equipment, matched to what the camera shows. This removes the blockage without damaging your pipes, and we explain what caused it and how to prevent it.
| Problem | Common cause | How we deal with it |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked sewer | Tree roots in cracked pipes, wipes or other items flushed | CCTV inspection, then water jetting to clear it and prevent repeat blockages |
| Blocked stormwater | Leaves, dirt and debris in gutters and pipes | Locating and clearing the blockage, with advice on gutter maintenance |
| Blocked toilet | Items flushed, or a blockage further along the line | Assessing the cause and clearing the blockage |
| Blocked sink or drain | Grease, soap scum, hair and food particles | Clearing the blockage and keeping the drain flowing |
How much does it cost to clear a blocked drain?
The cost depends on what is causing the blockage, where it is, and how easy it is to reach. We assess the problem first and then give you a clear quote.
- The cause: a simple build-up versus roots or a damaged pipe
- The location of the blockage and access to it
- Whether a CCTV inspection is needed to find the cause
- Whether the drain is a sink, toilet, sewer or stormwater line
Can I unblock a drain myself?
You can try a plunger on a single slow sink or toilet, but avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes. If several fixtures are slow, there is a sewage smell, or the blockage keeps returning, it is time to call a licensed plumber.
If you are unsure whether your home insurance covers a blocked drain, check your policy or ask your insurer, as cover varies. Knowing the cause of the blockage helps that conversation.
How can I stop drains blocking again?
- Only flush toilet paper, never wipes or sanitary products
- Keep grease and food scraps out of the kitchen sink
- Keep gutters and stormwater grates clear of leaves
- Have repeat blockages inspected with a CCTV camera instead of just cleared
How does a job work?
Call or send the details
Call Luke on 0466 285 101 or request a quote online.
We talk through the problem
We discuss what is happening and arrange a time that suits you. Nowra jobs are booked by appointment.
We inspect and clear it
We inspect, clear the blockage and explain what caused it.
Blocked drain questions
Do you use CCTV drain cameras?
Yes. A CCTV inspection lets us see inside the pipe so we can find the cause and fix it properly.
Do you work on commercial and rural properties?
Yes. We handle drainage and blockages for residential, commercial and rural properties around Nowra and the Shoalhaven, and we also do excavation plumbing for larger drainage jobs.
Are you licensed?
Yes. Matthews Plumbing & Gas is a licensed plumbing and gas fitting business (NSW Lic. No. 466438C).
Do you service Nowra?
Yes. We service Nowra, South Nowra and the wider Shoalhaven by appointment.
What customers say
Where do you work?
We service Nowra, South Nowra and the wider Shoalhaven by appointment, from our base on the Shoalhaven coast.
- Nowra
- South Nowra
- Huskisson
- Vincentia
- St Georges Basin
- Sanctuary Point
- Jervis Bay
- Sussex Inlet
Not sure we cover your address? Call Luke on 0466 285 101.