Blocked drains can develop gradually, but once a blockage becomes severe, the result can be a toilet that drains slowly, backs up or stops working altogether. Deception Bay Plumbing recently attended a property in Deception Bay, QLD, where a toilet drainage problem turned out to involve significant tree root intrusion within the drain.
The toilet was removed to gain access to the drainage system, revealing a substantial amount of roots and organic material around and within the drain. Professional drain-clearing equipment was then used to remove the obstruction and restore the flow through the drainage system.
This job is a good example of why recurring toilet and drain blockages shouldn't simply be treated by clearing enough material to get the water moving again. Finding the underlying cause of the blockage can make the difference between a temporary fix and knowing what is actually happening inside the drainage system.
Investigating the Blocked Toilet
When a toilet repeatedly blocks, drains slowly or causes unusual gurgling sounds, the problem may be further down the drainage system rather than within the toilet itself.
Common causes include excessive toilet paper, foreign objects, accumulated waste, damaged pipework and tree root intrusion.
At this Deception Bay property, removing the toilet exposed extensive root growth within the drainage area. The photographs from the job show just how much organic material had entered the drain.
Roots naturally seek sources of moisture and can exploit openings in underground drainage systems. Older drains can be particularly susceptible where pipe joints have deteriorated, moved or developed defects over time.
Once a small root finds its way into a drain, the environment inside the pipe provides moisture and nutrients that can allow the root mass to continue developing.
Tree Roots Can Cause Serious Drain Blockages
Tree roots don't necessarily need a large opening to begin causing trouble.
A small defect or compromised joint may initially allow fine roots into the drainage system. These roots can grow and branch inside the pipe, creating a structure that catches toilet paper, waste and other material travelling through the drain.
Over time, the restriction becomes larger.
The first sign might simply be a toilet that seems slightly slower than normal. As the obstruction develops, occupants may notice gurgling, changing water levels, unpleasant smells or wastewater backing up.
Eventually, the drain may become substantially or completely blocked.
Clearing the accumulated material restores flow, but significant root intrusion can also indicate that further investigation of the affected drainage line is worthwhile.
Using DrainSpy for Blocked Drain Problems
Deception Bay Plumbing uses DrainSpy equipment and drain investigation methods to help locate, diagnose and clear drainage problems.
Rather than guessing at what may be causing a blockage, professional drainage equipment provides a much better way to investigate stubborn or recurring problems.
Depending on the drainage issue, this can include high-pressure drain cleaning and CCTV drain inspection equipment.
High-pressure water jetting can be particularly effective for removing accumulated material from drainage pipes. Different nozzles can be used depending on the type of blockage and the condition of the drainage system.
Where the cause or condition of a drain needs further investigation, a CCTV drain camera can provide a view inside the pipe.
This can help identify issues such as root intrusion, displaced joints, damaged sections of pipe, foreign objects and other restrictions that may not be visible from above ground.
Clearing the Drain
With the toilet removed, direct access to the affected drain was available.
The photographs show the amount of root material that had developed around the drainage opening. Drain-clearing equipment was introduced into the drainage system to remove the obstruction and clear accumulated organic material.
The process disturbed a significant amount of root and debris material, demonstrating the extent of the blockage hidden beneath the toilet.
Once the obstruction had been cleared and drainage restored, the toilet could be reinstated.
The final result was a functioning toilet and a much cleaner bathroom area, with the immediate blockage removed.
For the property owner, the important outcome wasn't simply getting the toilet flushing again. The work also identified root intrusion as a contributing factor to the drainage problem, providing useful information if further drainage maintenance or repairs become necessary.
Why Blocked Drains Shouldn't Be Ignored
A drain rarely improves by itself.
If a toilet begins draining slowly or repeatedly blocks, there is usually a reason. Continuing to use the affected fixtures can eventually lead to a complete blockage or wastewater overflow.
This is particularly important where several plumbing fixtures are connected to the same drainage line.
A blockage downstream may affect toilets, showers, floor wastes and other fixtures. In severe situations, wastewater can back up through the lowest available opening.
Early investigation can often make the problem easier to manage.
If the blockage is caused by roots, identifying the issue also gives the property owner an opportunity to determine whether the drain needs monitoring, additional cleaning or repair.
Signs You May Have a Blocked Drain
There are several warning signs that can indicate a drainage problem:
- Toilets that flush slowly or have changing water levels
- Gurgling sounds from toilets, sinks or floor wastes
- Water backing up after another fixture is used
- Repeated toilet blockages
- Unpleasant drain or sewer smells
- Slow-draining sinks, showers or basins
- Wastewater appearing around an external drain
- Blockages that return soon after being cleared
One symptom doesn't automatically mean there is a major underground drainage problem, but repeated symptoms are worth investigating.
Blocked Drain Plumber in Deception Bay
Deception Bay Plumbing provides blocked drain services for homes, businesses and properties throughout Deception Bay and surrounding Moreton Bay areas.
Drainage problems can range from a straightforward localised blockage to tree roots, damaged pipework or more complicated underground drainage faults.
Having the right equipment available means the problem can be approached systematically: establish where the blockage is occurring, clear the obstruction and investigate the drain further when required.
For recurring problems, CCTV drain inspection can also provide valuable information about the internal condition of the pipe rather than repeatedly clearing the same blockage without determining why it keeps returning.
If your toilet is backing up, your drains are slow or you've experienced repeated blockages, Deception Bay Plumbing can investigate the problem and determine an appropriate course of action.
For blocked drain clearing in Deception Bay, call Deception Bay Plumbing on 0402 652 544.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Drains
What causes blocked drains in Deception Bay?
Blocked drains can be caused by tree roots, toilet paper, wipes, foreign objects, accumulated waste, grease and fat, damaged pipes or displaced drainage joints. The exact cause depends on the drainage system, which is why recurring blockages may require further investigation.
Can tree roots grow inside sewer and drainage pipes?
Yes. Roots can enter drainage pipes through defects, damaged sections or compromised joints. Once inside, they can continue growing and catch waste and toilet paper, gradually restricting the internal diameter of the pipe.
Will clearing tree roots permanently fix the drain?
Not necessarily. Removing roots can restore flow, but if roots entered through a defect in the pipe, they may eventually return. Depending on the situation, a CCTV inspection can help assess the condition of the affected drain and identify whether further repairs should be considered.
What is DrainSpy?
DrainSpy is the drainage investigation and clearing system used to assist with diagnosing and clearing blocked drains. It combines professional drain-clearing techniques with equipment such as high-pressure water jetting and CCTV drain inspection where appropriate.
Can you clear a blocked toilet with high-pressure water jetting?
High-pressure water jetting can be used for many drainage blockages, depending on the location and cause of the problem. The equipment sends high-pressure water through the drain to break up and remove roots, debris and other accumulated material.
When should a CCTV drain inspection be carried out?
CCTV inspection can be useful when a blockage repeatedly returns, tree roots are discovered, damage is suspected or the condition of an underground drain needs to be established. A camera allows the inside of the drainage line to be inspected without immediately excavating the pipe.
Why does my toilet keep blocking?
A repeatedly blocked toilet may indicate a problem beyond the toilet itself. Root intrusion, a restriction further down the drain, damaged pipework or an object lodged within the drainage system can cause recurring problems. Repeated blockages are a good reason to investigate the drainage line rather than continually treating the symptom.
Do you provide blocked drain clearing in Deception Bay?
Yes. Deception Bay Plumbing provides blocked drain clearing and drainage services in Deception Bay and surrounding areas. If you're dealing with a slow, blocked or overflowing drain, call 0402 652 544 to arrange assistance.