Blocked Drains
North Shore

James came out same day to our place in Neutral Bay — tree roots had completely blocked our sewer line. Had the CCTV camera in within 20 minutes, showed us the footage, and cleared the lot with the hydro jet. Fixed price, no surprises. Couldn’t ask for better service.

Our stormwater drain kept backing up after every heavy rain. Mitch diagnosed the issue, old clay pipes had collapsed under the driveway. They relined the whole section without any digging. Two months on and it’s been perfect. Really professional team.

Blocked kitchen drain on a Sunday night with a house full of guests. Called North East Plumbing and they had someone out within the hour. Grease buildup in the trap, cleared it quickly, explained how to prevent it, and the price was exactly what they quoted.

A blocked sewer drain is the most urgent type of blockage. If sewage is backing up through floor drains, toilets, or gullies, it poses a serious health risk and needs immediate attention. We provide 24/7 emergency callouts for sewer blockages.

Stormwater drains collect rainwater from your roof, gutters, and driveway. When they block — usually from leaves, silt, or tree root intrusion — water pools around your property and can cause foundation damage, especially on the steep blocks common across the North Shore.

Slow-draining showers and bathtubs are almost always caused by hair and soap buildup in the drain trap. While a plunger sometimes works for minor blockages, persistent slow draining usually means buildup further down the line that needs professional clearing. Learn more about how does a shower drain work?

A blocked or overflowing toilet can range from a simple blockage in the pan (often foreign objects or excess toilet paper) to a more serious issue in the main sewer line. If multiple toilets are affected, it’s likely a mainline blockage that needs CCTV investigation.

Kitchen drains block primarily from grease, fat, and food scraps that accumulate in the trap and pipework over time. Commercial kitchens and restaurants are particularly susceptible. We use high-pressure hydro jetting to cut through grease buildup and restore full flow.

Outdoor drains collect surface water from paved areas, gardens, and pathways. They’re prone to blocking from leaf litter, soil, and garden debris — particularly during autumn on the leafy North Shore. Left untreated, blocked outdoor drains can cause waterlogging that damages landscaping and foundations. Learn more about how to unclog your outdoor drain.

Apartment buildings and commercial properties have shared drainage infrastructure that’s subject to heavier use and body corporate responsibility. We work directly with strata managers and property managers across the North Shore to diagnose and clear blockages in strata buildings and commercial areas.

This is the number one cause of blocked drains in suburbs like Mosman, Cammeray, Castlecrag, and Wahroonga. The North Shore is known for its established, leafy gardens with mature fig trees, jacarandas, and native species whose roots actively seek out moisture in drain joints and cracks. Sandstone soil across much of the lower North Shore means roots travel further to find water. If your drains block repeatedly, tree roots are almost certainly involved.

Cooking oil and fat solidify inside pipes, trapping food scraps and gradually narrowing the drain until it blocks completely. This is particularly common in kitchen drains and can form large “fatbergs” in older pipework.

The most common cause of bathroom drain blockages. Hair catches on rough pipe joints and drain grates, accumulating soap residue until the drain slows to a trickle.

Wet wipes (even those labelled “flushable”), nappies, sanitary products, cotton buds, and children’s toys are all frequent culprits. These items don’t break down in water and create stubborn blockages in the sewer line.

Many North Shore properties, particularly in Mosman, Neutral Bay, and Cremorne, still have original clay or terracotta sewer lines installed in the 1920s–1960s. These pipes crack, sag, and deteriorate over time, creating low points where debris accumulates and roots penetrate. If your pipes are over 50 years old and you’re experiencing repeated blockages, a CCTV inspection can reveal whether relining or replacement is needed.

Sydney’s intense storms wash leaves, silt, and garden debris into stormwater drains. The North Shore’s steep terrain and sandstone geology means stormwater moves fast across properties, overwhelming ageing drainage systems — especially on sloping blocks.

We’ll attend your property same day (or within the hour for emergencies) and run a CCTV camera through your drains to identify exactly where the blockage is and what’s causing it. We clear all types of drains including blocked stormwater drains, outdoor drains, shower drains, bathtub drains, overflow relief gullies, corrugated drain pipes, PVC drainage lines, copper pipes, and cast iron pipes.

Once we know the extent of the blockage, we’ll give you a number of fixed-price options for clearing it. Whether it’s a straightforward jet or a long-term solution like pipe relining, you choose the option that suits your budget. The price is locked in before we start. Our $90 onsite inspection fee is waived if you proceed with the quote.

Using our professional drain clearing equipment — hydro jetting, electric eel, or relining — we’ll clear the blockage and restore full flow. We’ll show you the CCTV footage after clearing to confirm the drain is clean. While we work, you can sit back knowing exactly what the job will cost.

We don’t just clear the blockage and leave. We’ll explain what caused it and recommend steps to prevent it from happening again — whether that’s adjusting what goes down the drain, scheduling regular maintenance, or relining damaged pipes. Your blocked drain might be covered by insurance — we’re happy to assist with the claims process.

• 11 Causes of Blocked Drains — The most common reasons drains block and how to avoid them
• What is a Fatberg? — How grease and waste create massive blockages in sewer lines
• Tree Roots in Pipes — Why tree roots invade your drains and what to do about it
• Commercial Drainage Issues — Common drain problems in commercial and hospitality properties
• Cast Iron vs Black Pipes — Understanding the different pipe materials in older homes

• How to Clear a Blocked Drain — Step-by-step DIY guide for minor blockages
• How to Clear a Blocked Stormwater Drain — What to do when stormwater backs up on your property
• How to Unclog Your Outdoor Drain — Dealing with blocked garden and driveway drains
• How to Clean Smelly Drains — Eliminating bad odours from bathroom and kitchen drains
• How to Remove a Bathtub Drain — Accessing and clearing your bathtub drain assembly

• Blocked Sewer — What to do when your main sewer line blocks
• Overflow Relief Gully — What the gully in your yard does and why it matters
• How Does a Shower Drain Work? — Understanding your shower drain assembly and common faults
• Soggy Lawn — When waterlogging points to a drainage problem

• Are Blocked Drains Covered by Insurance? — What your home insurance does and doesn’t cover
• How Much Do Plumbers Charge? — A guide to plumbing costs in Sydney

• CCTV Drain Inspection — Camera inspection to diagnose blockages and pipe damage
• Pipe Relining — No-dig pipe repair with a 50-year warranty
• Drainage Solutions — French drains, stormwater management, and property drainage
• French Drain Installation — Subsurface drainage for waterlogged properties
• Rising Damp — Moisture issues caused by poor subfloor drainage
• Emergency Plumber — 24/7 emergency callout for urgent plumbing issues