How to Unblock And Repair a Drain

CCTV Drain Camera

The correct diagnosis of your drainage problems usually starts with a drain camera inspection.

Our drain inspection camera uses CCTV technology to identify and locate hidden plumbing issues, such as drain blockages, without the need for excavation. Viewing live footage of the inside of your pipes enables our technicians to accurately diagnose the problem and formulate the most cost effective and efficient solution.

The camera is inserted into a drain through an inspection port or other access point. The flexible cables can easily navigate bends and corners inside a pipe to provide a remarkable view of the pipe's interior. The operator can view the camera footage in real time and also save the footage for later analysis. Use of the drain camera saves the property owner time and expense and causes far less disruption than traditional methods.

• Pinpoint the location of the blockage
• Determine the cause of the blockage
• Assess the overall condition of the pipes including breaks, cracks, collapses.

CCTV Drain Camera

High Pressure Jet Water Blasting

High pressure water jet drain cleaning is a safe, non-intrusive and chemical free method of removing some blockages and cleaning the inside of your drainage pipes.

A specialised hose and nozzle is inserted into the drain via an access point. High-pressure water is pushed through the pipe to break up and flush away blockages. The force of the water stream will reach the entire interior of the pipe to provide a thorough clean which will help prevent future blockages.

Jet water blasting removes most blockages

Specialised Root Cutting Tools

Melbourne's Northern and Eastern suburbs enjoy an abundance of tree lined streets and other greenery. While the trees are beautiful to look at and provide an enhanced quality of life their roots and other detritus often find their way into sewer and storm water drains, causing blockages and damaged pipes.

If a sewer or storm water pipe develops cracks or open joins, water will seep out from through the crack. Tree roots will find the moisture and eventually force their way into the drain creating a blockage and worsening the damage.

Chivers Plumbing utilise specialised root cutting tools to remove the tree roots from your drain. Once the roots have been removed, the drain pipe could potentially be relined and restored to better than new condition without the need to excavate your yard.

Drain camera and a root removal tool

No-Dig Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is a cost effective and efficient method of fixing cracked and damaged drainage pipes. Traditionally, plumbers would use an excavator to dig up and replace your pipes; this could include digging up your driveway or concrete paths as well as your land.

In many cases relining drains and sewer pipes will save a great deal of expense and disruption.

Pipe relining involves inserting an epoxy resin liner into the damaged section of the drain pipe. The liner conforms to and bonds to the interior of the pipe, creating a permanent repair and restoring the condition of the pipe to as good as new - all without the cost, mess and inconvenience of a major pipe excavation.

An illustration of a pipe reline

Drainage Pipe Replacement

In some circumstances it may not be practical to repair damaged drain pipes and a pipe replacement is the only feasible solution. This can be the case where older drain pipes, especially those made from clay or terracotta have completely collapsed or metal pipes have become corroded.

Rest assured, W.L. Chivers Plumbing have the equipment for any sized job. Our small excavator is able to operate in the tightest of suburban back yards. Our large Hitachi excavator has the power to rip through any surface.

A large scale pipe replacement

Boundary Trap Replacement

One of the most common culprits behind sewer blockages in Melbourne's Northern and Eastern suburbs lies at the sewer connection point on the property. These connection points, often located at the rear of older properties, typically involve what's known as a boundary trap. Unlike the S-bend traps you find under your kitchen sink, a boundary trap is a much larger fixture that serves as the primary connection for the entire property's sewage system.

Boundary traps, due to their complex construction involving several joints and changes in direction, are prone to cracks, collapses, and significant tree root buildup over time. These vulnerabilities make them a frequent cause of sewer blockages.

Depending on factors, such as proximity to large trees or buildings and the depth of the trap, the process of replacing a boundary trap can range from straightforward to exceptionally challenging.

Our team is well-versed in deep excavation and adheres to a rigorous Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy, ensuring all works meet safety standards. We pride ourselves on our up-to-date technologies and extensive experience in excavating and replacing boundary traps and, we offer free quotations across Melbourne Northeast.

A boundary trap replacement in progress