Drain questions, answered plainly
The ten things people ask us most.
Still unsure? Send the form and we will reply within 30 minutes.
Is it my pipe or Sydney Water's?
Sydney Water maintains its wastewater network. You look after the private pipes from your property up to where they join that network.
It may be on their side if the overflow is beyond your boundary, your neighbours have the same problem, or it keeps overflowing when no water is being used.
If unsure, check with Sydney Water whether the blockage could be in its network.
Can you come today?
Choose Today in the form and we will reply within 30 minutes to check availability with you.
We confirm availability when we reply, so we never promise an arrival time before that.
Do you have to dig up the garden?
Usually not. Relining is a no-dig fix that goes inside your existing pipe.
Many older beach homes still have clay sewer pipes. For a home in Avalon or Newport, we check the pipe before deciding what needs to come up.
The condition and position of the pipe help determine the repair. We explain the proposed work before you decide.
How long does relining last?
It depends on your pipe and the liner used.
Ask what is suitable for your pipe and what is included in the written quote before you agree to the work.
Why do roots keep coming back?
Roots enter through cracks in the pipe. Cutting them out clears the drain, but the crack is still there, so they grow back in.
Many older beach homes still have terracotta sewer pipes that roots can crack into.
Gums and figs around Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Avalon and Newport send roots looking for water.
Sealing the pipe closes the way in. When planting, avoid trees within 6 metres of wastewater pipes.
What can I flush?
Toilet paper and what the toilet is for. That is it.
Wet wipes, paper towels, hair and cotton buds cause blockages. Fats and oils down the sink do too, so scrape pans into the bin.
What does a camera check show?
A camera inspection can help locate roots, cracks, built-up fat or something stuck inside a pipe.
For an older home in Newport with a clay sewer pipe, it may help assess possible cracks or roots.
It is a separate service to discuss when needed, not a free check included with every job.
Will you fix the garden or driveway?
Relining usually leaves the garden and driveway alone.
If a repair does need digging, your written quote sets out what we will put back, so the scope is clear before we start.
Why does the drain smell after rain?
Sydney Water says heavy rain can overload the wastewater system. If your drain in Dee Why or Narrabeen only plays up after rain, tell us that when you get in touch.
A crack or partial blockage in your own pipe can do the same. If it keeps happening, describe when it occurs so we can discuss the next steps.
Stormwater follows a different route from private drains to street gutters and out to beaches, creeks and lagoons, including Narrabeen, Dee Why and Manly lagoons.
How much does it cost?
Pipe relining is from around $3,000 inc GST. Blocked drains and our other services are quoted after a look.
Guide only. Your fixed written price comes before any repair starts.
Get a fast quote
A few details is all we need. We'll be in touch within 30 minutes.