Here are some of the questions we are often asked by our customers about drain and sewer blockages and how they are repaired and restored.
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to get in touch. One of our team will respond to your query as soon as possible.
You could try using a bellows plunger which can be purchased from most hardware stores. A few moderate pumps with the plunger may shift mild toilet blockages. Please be cautious if you are going to attempt a DIY toilet unblocking as there is potential to damage your toilet and sewer pipes.
We do not recommend pouring chemical cleaners down your drain. Drain cleaning chemicals may be harmful to your health, harmful to the environment and may even cause further damage.
For a DIY drain cleaner, firstly make sure you are wearing eye protection and rubber gloves, try pouring some boiling water into the drain, follow this with a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. Let the solution "fizz" for 15 minutes or so then follow up with some more boiling water. If this fails to clear the blockage call Chivers Plumbing in Melbourne's North East suburbs. We can provide a drain inspection and recommended solution.
Yes! We have a rapid response plumbing team ready to respond to any and all plumbing emergencies, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
We can arrange any plumbing service at a time that best suits you.
There are many factors that can effect the price of a boundary trap replacement, including its proximity to large trees or other buildings, access to its location, how deeply it is buried and is it buried under concrete. W.L. Chivers Plumbing can provide an inspection and quote to cost-effectively replace your boundary trap.
Some of the factors that will influence the cost of unblocking a drain may include the age and condition of the pipes and the nature and location of the blockage. Generally a drain camera inspection will be required in order to determine the most cost effective and efficient blocked drain repair.
Pipe re-lining can often be a highly effective method of repairing damaged pipes; quite often only a partial section of the pipe will require re-lining. The benefits to the home owner include less disruption, as usually little or no digging is required, lower overall cost, and a quicker job. The end result is a drain pipe that is often stronger and more efficient than the original pipe.
In some situations, due to the age and condition of the pipes, trench-less pipe relining will not be a viable option. In these cases the only solution will be to excavate and replace the drainage system.
The leading cause of a blocked drain or sewer, particularly in Melbourne's Northeast, is tree root incursion. A build up of debris such as silt and composted leaves entering broken pipes will make the blockage worse over time.
Blockages in household drains are often caused by grease and fats, coffee grounds and tea leaves, food particles, hair, soaps, and flushing non-biodegradable items.
Cracks and breakages in drain pipes and sewers may be caused by a number of issues:
- Improper installation.
- Tree root incursion can block drains and cause broken pipes.
- Older metal pipes can be damaged by rust and corrosion.
- Soil movement over time, particularly with older clay or terracotta pipes.
- Severe blockages can put excessive pressure on pipe joins.
Yes! WL Chivers Plumbing are members of Master Plumbers Victoria and the Victorian Building Authority, and we bound by a code of ethics. All of our plumbers are fully licensed and registered and our work is guaranteed.
We ensure that our entire team receives the best, most up to date training available and are equipped with the latest plumbing technology in order to provide world's best practice plumbing services.
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