Blocked Drains Melbourne
Blocked drains are one of the most common and frustrating plumbing problems faced by Melbourne households and businesses. From slow-draining sinks to overflowing toilets, a blockage can disrupt your routine, damage property, and even create health hazards if left untreated.
At SGT Plumbing, we specialise in professional blocked drain services across Melbourne and the Bayside suburbs. With 24/7 availability and state-of-the-art equipment, we clear blockages fast and restore your plumbing system with minimal disruption.
This guide explains everything you need to know about blocked drains, the tools and techniques we use, and why calling a professional plumber is the smartest option.
What Causes Blocked Drains?
Drains don’t usually clog overnight. Most blockages build up gradually until water has nowhere to go. The main causes include:
Grease and fat build-up – Cooking oils and fats solidify inside pipes and catch other debris.
Hair and soap scum – Showers and bathroom sinks clog when hair mixes with soap residue.
Tree roots – A big issue in Bayside’s older suburbs where roots grow into cracked pipes looking for water.
Foreign objects – Wipes, nappies, sanitary products, and toys often cause immediate blockages.
Broken or collapsed pipes – Age, poor installation, or shifting soil can damage pipes and make them clog easily.
Signs of a Blocked Drain
Not every blockage is obvious. Look for these common warning signs:
- Water draining slowly from sinks, showers or baths
- Gurgling sounds from toilets or pipes
- Bad smells coming from drains
- Pools of water forming around floor drains
- Frequent toilet overflows or clogs
Catching the issue early means avoiding a plumbing emergency later.
Why DIY Solutions Don’t Last
A plunger or supermarket drain cleaner might seem like an easy fix, but most DIY methods only mask the problem.
- Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and are bad for the environment.
- Plungers may help with simple clogs but won’t remove grease or tree roots.
- DIY drain snakes often can’t reach blockages deep in underground pipes.
Professional equipment is designed to clear drains thoroughly, not temporarily.
Advanced Tools We Use to Clear Blocked Drains
At SGT Plumbing, we don’t just turn up with a plunger. We bring specialised technology that ensures a permanent fix.
CCTV Drain Cameras
CCTV inspection involves inserting a small waterproof camera into your pipes. This lets us:
- Pinpoint the exact location of the blockage
- Identify whether it’s caused by grease, roots, or broken pipes
- Save time and avoid unnecessary excavation
It’s a modern, non-invasive way to diagnose drain issues quickly.
High Pressure Water Jet
A high-pressure water jet blasts water through your pipes at extreme force. It:
- Clears stubborn grease, soap, and sludge
- Cuts through tree roots without damaging pipes
- Cleans the entire pipe wall for long-lasting results
This method is highly effective for major blockages in stormwater drains, sewers, and larger household pipes.
Drain Snake (Electric Eel or Auger)
The drain snake is a flexible steel cable with cutting heads. It:
- Breaks apart blockages close to sinks, toilets, and showers
- Reaches deeper into pipes than plungers can
- Provides a fast, mechanical solution for minor to moderate clogs
It’s a reliable option for household blockages.
Direct Drive Machines
For heavy-duty drain work, direct drive machines deliver the torque and cutting power needed to:
- Slice through tree roots and debris
- Clear large-diameter pipes
- Handle blockages that smaller tools can’t manage
They’re ideal for industrial or severe blockages in Melbourne’s older plumbing systems.
Air Snake
The air snake uses compressed air bursts to push blockages through the pipe. It:
- Clears light clogs quickly
- Works well in smaller household drains
- Provides a non-chemical solution for fast results
This is often used as a first-line tool for simple obstructions.
Risks of Ignoring a Blocked Drain
Leaving a blockage untreated can lead to:
- Burst or collapsed pipes
- Sewage overflow inside or outside your home
- Water damage to floors, walls, and gardens
- Mould and bacteria growth
- Costly repairs that could have been avoided
Dealing with the issue early is always cheaper and less stressful.
Why Choose SGT Plumbing?
- Local knowledge – We understand the plumbing challenges across Melbourne and Bayside suburbs.
- Advanced technology – From CCTV cameras to high-pressure jetting, we use the right tool for the job.
- Experienced plumbers – Our team has the skills to handle any blocked drain, big or small.
Customer care – We aim to solve your problem quickly with minimal disruption.
Areas We Service
SGT Plumbing proudly services
Bayside (Frankston → Mordialloc), The Mornington Peninsula & Western Port Bay & Bass Coast (Tooradin → Kilcunda) Including:
- Frankston
- Mount Eliza
- Langwarrin
- Pearcedale
- Baxter
- Mornington
- Mount Martha
- Dromana
- Hastings
- Tyabb
- Moorooduc
- Tuernong
- Tooradin
- Rosebud
- Rye
- Red Hill
- McCrae
- Somers
- Shoreham
- Koo Wee Rup
- Lang Lang
- Grantville
- Phillip Island
- Coronet Bay
If you’re outside these suburbs, give us a call – we’ll let you know how soon we can be there.
Preventing Future Blockages
Once your drain is clear, prevention helps keep it that way. Some simple steps include:
- Avoid pouring fats or oils down sinks
- Use strainers in bathroom and kitchen drains
- Only flush toilet paper – never wipes or sanitary products
- Book regular CCTV drain inspections if you live in an older home or near large trees
SGT Plumbing also offers maintenance plans and a Home Plumbing Health Check for homeowners, landlords, and businesses to reduce the risk of surprise plumbing emergencies.
FAQ – Blocked Drain Service
Yes for minor blockages, you can try the following:
- Boiling Water
Pour a full kettle of boiling water down the drain. This can help loosen grease or soap buildup especially in kitchen sinks. - Bicarb & Vinegar
Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This can help with minor odours and buildup. - Plunger
A good old-fashioned plunger can be effective for toilets or sinks. Make sure there’s enough water to cover the plunger head and use firm, controlled plunges to dislodge the blockage. - Check the ORG (Overflow Relief Gully)
Outside your home, locate your ORG (a grated drain often near the laundry or bathroom). If water is backed up or overflowing, this confirms a main sewer line blockage, and it’s time to call us ASAP.
Important:
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners they can damage your pipes and are rarely effective long-term.
If your DIY fix doesn’t work or the issue keeps coming back, call in the pros.
Our team comes fully equipped with CCTV cameras and high-pressure jetters to solve even the nastiest blockages fast and thoroughly.
Common signs include:
Slow draining sinks, showers, or toilets
Gurgling sounds from drains
Unpleasant odours near sinks or outdoor grates
Overflowing ORG (Overflow Relief Gully)
Water backing up from floor wastes or toilets
If you notice any of these, don’t wait — blockages only get worse with time.
At SGT Plumbing, we use a high-pressure water jetter to break through grease, roots, and other stubborn obstructions. Unlike a basic electric eel or plunger, our jetter blasts water at up to 5,000 psi, cleaning the full diameter of your pipe — not just poking a hole through the blockage.
Yes. We use a CCTV drain inspection camera to accurately locate and identify the problem inside your pipes. This technology allows us to:
Pinpoint exactly where the issue is
Determine the cause (e.g. tree roots, collapsed pipe, grease build-up)
Confirm the blockage has been fully cleared
It also helps us recommend long-term solutions if there’s structural damage or recurring issues.
Absolutely. Tree roots are one of the most common causes of blocked sewer and stormwater drains, especially in older homes around the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne’s bayside suburbs. Roots enter through small cracks in pipes and expand, causing repeated blockages.
Our jetting and CCTV combo can clear them and help you decide if repairs or pipe relining is needed.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners?
We don’t recommend it. Over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners can:
Damage your pipes (especially older or PVC systems)
Harm the environment
Be dangerous to your health if not used properly
Our methods are eco-friendly and non-invasive, and they work better than any supermarket fix.
Yes! We unblock drains for:
Homes and units
Body corporates
Holiday parks and caravan sites
Cafés, restaurants, and small businesses
We understand the urgency when a toilet or kitchen drain backs up — especially in busy commercial settings — and we prioritise fast, effective service.
Most blocked drains can be cleared within 1–2 hours, depending on the severity and location of the blockage. If extensive tree roots or pipe damage are found, we’ll explain the issue on-site and provide a quote for any further works needed
Yes. If requested, we can provide a CCTV inspection report with photos or video footage. This is particularly useful for:
Insurance claims
Real estate or pre-purchase inspections
Landlords and property managers
Ongoing maintenance planning
Costs vary depending on:
The location of the blockage (sewer vs stormwater)
Whether jetting or CCTV is needed
The time of day (after-hours or weekend call-outs)
We offer transparent, upfront pricing before any work begins. No surprises. Our onsite prices for 1 hour attendance starts at 370 + GST
If you’ve tried the above then Don’t wait! Blocked drains can escalate quickly, especially if there’s sewage involved.
Call SGT Plumbing on 0419 356 318 or book online here we’ll send one of our fully equipped vans with jetting and CCTV gear to sort it out fast.