Coogee Plumber’s Guide to Clear Drains 

Blocked drains are one of the most common headaches for homeowners in Coogee. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink or an overflowing outdoor drain, these issues can quickly escalate, causing damage to your property and stress in your day-to-day life. 

But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the essentials of identifying, fixing, and preventing blocked drains in your Coogee home. Plus, we’ll share tips on when to call in a professional plumber and how to choose the best plumber in Coogee for the job. 

Identifying Drain Problems 

Blocked drains don’t always happen overnight. Often, they build up over time, giving off subtle signs before turning into a full-blown emergency. Here’s what to watch for in your home or rental property: 

1. Slow Draining Water 

Notice water pooling in your sink, shower, or bathtub? Slow drainage is often the first sign of a blockage, usually caused by buildups like hair, grease, or soap residue. 

2. Gurgling Sounds 

A strange, gurgling sound after flushing your toilet or draining your sink could indicate a blockage in your pipes or a potential venting issue. 

3. Foul Smells 

Unpleasant odours coming from your drains are typically caused by trapped food or waste. This is a clear indication that action is needed. 

4. Backed-Up Water 

If water backs up into your sink or when using another fixture (like water rising in your bathtub when you flush the toilet), it points to a significant blockage in the main drain or pipes. 

If you experience any of these signs, it’s time to act quickly to minimise damage to your home. 

DIY Solutions for Drain Problems 

While long-term fixes often require professional help, there are a few safe and temporary actions you can take to alleviate the problem. 

1. Hot Water Flush 

Pouring boiling water slowly down your drains can help dissolve grease or soap build-up. This method works particularly well in kitchen sinks. 

2. Plunger to the Rescue 

A trusty plunger can help dislodge minor blockages. Ensure you create a tight seal over the drain and use firm, consistent movements to get things flowing again. 

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar 

Combine one part baking soda with one part vinegar, pour it down the drain, and follow with boiling water after 10-15 minutes. This natural remedy can help break down minor clogs. 

4. Use a Drain Snake 

For slightly tougher clogs, a drain snake or a plastic drain cleaner can pull out hair or debris stuck in the pipe. 

Important Tip 

Avoid chemical drain cleaners! They can corrode your pipes and often do more harm than good, especially on older plumbing systems in Coogee homes. 

When to Call a Professional Plumber 

While it’s tempting to solve everything yourself, some situations call for professional intervention. Here’s when you should pick up the phone and contact a plumber in Coogee: 

• Persistent Blockages: If your DIY attempts aren’t making much of a difference, the issue could be deeper in the plumbing system. Professionals have the tools to locate and resolve these hidden clogs. 
• Multiple Drains Affected: When more than one drain is acting up, it’s likely a sign of a blockage in your main sewer line. This is a job for an expert plumber. 
• Flooding or Leaks: These require immediate attention to protect your home from structural damage and potential mould growth. 
• Recurring Problems: Chronic drain issues might indicate a more serious problem that requires a long-term fix. 

Choosing the Right Plumber in Coogee 

When it’s time to call in a professional, be sure to pick a plumber who has expertise in dealing with the unique challenges of Coogee’s plumbing systems. Here’s what to look for in a reliable Coogee plumber: 

• Local Experience: Choose someone familiar with the area, as Coogee homes tend to have varying plumbing systems, from older houses to modern apartments. 
• 24/7 Service: Plumbing emergencies don’t clock out, so it’s essential to choose a plumber who offers round-the-clock assistance. 
• Licensed and Insured: Always check that your plumber is licensed to perform the work and has insurance to protect your property. 
• Clear Pricing: Transparent quotes and no hidden fees are a sign of a trustworthy plumber. 
• Positive Reviews: Read customer testimonials or ask for references to gauge their reliability and quality of service. 

Prevention Tips to Keep Drains Clear 

The best way to deal with drain problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some simple tips to maintain clear, healthy drains in your home or investment property in the Eastern Suburbs. 

• Install Drain Guards: Use strainer covers in your sinks and showers to catch hair, food particles, and other debris before they enter the pipes. 
• Be Mindful About Grease: Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Instead, collect it in a container and dispose of it in the bin. 
• Flush with Care: Stick to flushing toilet paper and human waste only—no wipes, tissues, or sanitary items. 
• Regular Maintenance: Schedule an annual inspection with a local plumber to identify potential issues before they become costly problems. 
• Hot Water Rinse: Run hot water through your kitchen sink each week to clear away minor grease build-up. 

By following these preventative measures, you can save yourself time, money, and headaches in the long run. 

Get Expert Help for Blocked Drains 

Blocked drains can be a hassle, but with the right approach—and a reliable plumber in Coogee—you can resolve the issue and prevent future problems. If you’ve tried everything and still face drainage problems, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. 

At [Plumber Coogee Services], we specialise in clearing tough clogs and keeping your plumbing in top condition. With years of local experience and a track record of happy customers, we’re here to ensure your drains run smoothly year-round. 

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or emergency service, and get back to enjoying your home worry-free. 

Expert Solutions for Blocked Drains in Paddington: Fast & Reliable Drain Unblocking

Blocked drains can turn out to be a significant headache for Paddington residents. The water begins back-flowing, an unpleasant smell fills the air, and you suddenly find the entire world is upside down! Be it a blocked kitchen sink, water draining slowly in a shower, or a completely blocked toilet, any issue relating to blocked drains in Paddington requires immediate attention before plunging into something very serious.

Neglecting blocked drains can lead to dire consequences. They can cause damage to pipes, lead to floods, and cost considerable repairs. It is, therefore, important to know the causes, how to combat them, and what options are available. This guide will help you gain all the information regarding drain blockage and the means of fixing it quickly and efficiently.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

85% of all blocked drains are caused by tree roots. But, blocked drains do not occur instantly. Over the years, the accumulation of things inside the pipes restricts the drainage of water and eventually causes these blockages. Some of the common reasons for blocked drains are these:

1. Hair and Soap Scum

Hair build-up, usually in the shower, bath or hand basin can be a major cause of blockages in drainage systems, combined with soap residue to form a sticky mass that obstructs pipelines, slowing or blocking the passage of water.

2. Cooking Grease and Food Waste

Grease, oil, and food scraps are major sources of blockage in the kitchen. When the grease cools, it precipitates in the pipe and can actually create blockages that are quite tough to clean without professional help.

3. Foreign Objects

Drains and toilets, in most cases, get blocked by foreign objects being washed or flushed down. Blocks could be realised with a collection of impediments such as wet wipes, cotton pads, sanitary products, and small toys all jamming together.

4. Tree Roots

Another common issue with old properties is tree roots. The roots penetrate underground pipes in the search for water, cracking and blocking them and thereby creating obstructions for plumbing professionals to solve. 

5. Collapsed or Damaged Pipes

Over time, pipes can show deterioration from age or ground movements or from pressure exerted by heavy traffic above. Any pipe that has collapsed, restricts water flow and leads to blockages that can be catastrophic.

How to Prevent Drain Blockages

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” they say. With the following practices, you can greatly reduce the chances of having blocked drains in your house:

Installing drain strainers in kitchen sinks, baths, and showers will catch food particles, hair, and other debris before they have a chance to enter your pipe system and cause trouble.

• Disposal of cooking grease: Don’t pour cooking oil down the drain; collect it in a container and toss that container in the rubbish.
• Flush Only Toilet Paper: Never flush wet wipes, cotton swabs, sanitary products, or paper towels, as they can easily cause blocked drains.
• Regular Hot Water Flush: Once a week, pour hot water and washing up detergent down your sink to help dissolve any grease or soap buildup.
• Scheduled Drain Inspection: A qualified plumber can inspect your drainage system using specialised drain cameras and find any issues before they become big problems.

DIY Methods to Unblock a Drain

Should it be a slight blockage, you may attempt a few of these methods before calling in the professionals:

• Boiling water: Pouring the kettle down the drain will move a soap or grease  build-up. Don’t pour boiling water in a porcelain china basin or toilet. 
• Baking Soda and Vinegar: Mix a half cup of baking soda with a half cup of vinegar. Pour it down the drain and let it sit for half an hour, after which flush the drain with a hot cup of water.
• Plunger: A little pumping with a plunger might free the sink, shower, or toilet from the blockage. Ask the Lone Drainer and Pronto for a free plunger.
• Drain Snake or Wire Hanger: You can use drain snakes or even an ordinary straightened wire hanger to fish out hair and debris stuck inside the pipes.

If all these methods are a no-no, then there is a higher chance that the blockage may be deeper or far worse beyond your scope and needs professional hands.

Professional Solutions for Blocked Drains

There are some obstructions too stubborn for home remedies. If you see slow drainage, gurgles, foul smells, or water backup, contact an expert plumber!

Professional plumbers employ advanced equipment to effectively get rid of the following drain blockage: 

• CCTV Drain Cameras: They can locate a blockage and assess the condition of piping, all without digging up your gardens and driveways. 
• Hydro Jetting: A high-pressure water jetting system capable of blasting through stubborn blockages, grease, and even tree roots.
• Electric Eel: Similarly, these powerful cables break up deep blockages that the plunger and home remedies cannot reach.
• Pipe Relining: A way to restore proper drainage without excavation if the pipe has sustained damage or has completely collapsed is to reline it with very strong material.

Why Choose The Lone Drainer and Pronto?

Don’t sit around letting blocked drains in Paddington escalate into a grave concern. The Lone Drainer and Pronto are reliable local plumbers with regular services in the Eastern Suburbs. With 50 years of experience, we provide quick, dependable, and affordable drain-unblocking solutions.

Our fast and effective diagnosis and repair procedures use the latest technology. From simple blockages to major pipe repairs, we do it all. Our trained team will offer you nothing but high-quality workmanship so your drains run and flow at their best.

Do You Need an Emergency Plumber in Eastern Suburbs?

Waiting too long to fix blocked drains could cause your projects to become costly since they may seriously disturb your daily life. Help is there if you have a desperate need for an emergency plumber in the Eastern Suburbs.

We realise that plumbing problems arise at all hours. This is why we offer speedy and expert drain unblocking solutions when you most require them. Get in touch with us today and allow our experts to make your plumbing perfect again!

Eastern Suburbs Plumber’s Guide to Saving Water and Reducing Bills

When water flows freely from the tap, it’s easy to forget just how precious it really is. But with rising water bills and growing concerns about the planet’s future, saving water isn’t just a smart choice—it’s essential. As a trusted eastern suburbs plumber, I’ve seen how small changes at home or in the workplace can significantly cut water waste.

To help you save water, lower your bills, and do your part for the environment, here’s a comprehensive guide designed by your reliable Sydney plumbing expert.

Steps to Save Water

1. Fix Drips and Leaks

A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but it can waste up to 20,000 litres of water a year—that’s like leaving your tap running for hours! Leaky taps and pipes are not only bad for the environment but also costly.

Addressing small issues now can prevent bigger, more expensive problems later.

2. Upgrade to Water-Saving Fixtures

Water-efficient fixtures like dual-flush toilets, aerated taps, and showerheads can reduce water usage dramatically. For example, a dual-flush toilet uses just the right amount of water for each flush, saving litres with every use.

If you’re considering upgrades, call me to help you choose and install the right fixtures for your home or business.

3. Optimise Outdoor Water Use

Outdoor spaces can consume a lot of water, but there are easy ways to conserve:

• Water early or late: Reduce evaporation by watering during cooler times of the day.
• Collect rainwater: Install a rainwater tank to store water for garden use.
• Plant natives: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and need less water.

A knowledgeable Sydney plumber can assist with setting up rainwater tanks or efficient irrigation systems.

4. Use Smart Technology

Smart water-saving devices, like leak detectors and smart meters, make managing your water usage easier than ever. These tools alert you to unusual patterns in water use, allowing you to fix leaks before they escalate.

5. Adopt Water-Saving Habits

Simple everyday actions can make a big difference:

• Turn off taps while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
• Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
• Take shorter showers to save litres of water daily.

Encourage your household to follow these habits, and you’ll notice the impact on your water bill.

6. Check Your Water Meter

Your water meter is a great tool for spotting hidden leaks. Turn off all water appliances and see if the meter is still moving—if it is, there’s likely a leak.

7. Reuse Greywater

Greywater—lightly used water from sinks, showers, or laundry—can be repurposed for outdoor use, like watering your garden. A greywater system is an eco-friendly way to reduce water waste.

8. Educate and Involve Your Family

Water conservation works best when everyone is on board. Teach your family the importance of saving water, and make it fun with challenges like timing showers or tracking usage. Simple measures like these can add up quickly.

Why Choose The Lone Drainer and Pronto?

When you need a reliable eastern suburbs plumber, trust The Lone Drainer and Pronto. Whether it’s fixing a leaky tap, upgrading your fixtures, or installing advanced water-saving systems, we have the expertise to help.

From small repairs to complete plumbing overhauls, we’re committed to making your home or business more water-efficient while keeping it simple, cost-effective, and reliable.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Saving water doesn’t have to be complicated. By making a few small changes you can cut your water usage, and reduce your bills!

Avoid Flooding this Summer: Keep Gutters, Downpipes, and Stormwater Drains Clear

Sydney’s summer storms are notorious for heavy downpours, and when roof gutters, downpipes, and stormwater drains are blocked with leaf debris, the risk of flooding skyrockets. Protect your home or unit block from costly water damage by taking proactive steps to keep these systems clear and functional.

Why Clean Roof Gutters and Downpipes Matter

Blocked gutters and downpipes can overflow, leading to water cascading down walls and pooling around foundations. This not only causes property damage but may also lead to structural issues over time. Regular maintenance ensures rainwater flows freely into your stormwater drains.

Stormwater Drains and Pits: Your First Defense Against Flooding

Stormwater drains and pits are designed to handle large volumes of water. However, if they’re clogged with leaves, dirt, or debris, they can quickly back up during heavy rain. Routine cleaning minimizes the chance of waterlogging and flooding during Sydney’s infamous summer storms.

Simple Maintenance Tips

1. Inspect Regularly: Check gutters, downpipes, and stormwater pits at least every season.
2. Remove Debris: Clear out leaves, twigs, and dirt from gutters and stormwater pits.
3. Install Gutter Guards: Prevent leaves from entering your gutters in the first place.
4. Check for Blockages: Run water through downpipes to ensure they’re clear.
5. Professional Cleaning: If debris is stubborn or drains are blocked, call a plumbing expert.

The Cost of Neglect

Ignoring maintenance can result in water entering your home, damaging walls, ceilings, and flooring. For unit blocks, water pooling in communal areas or garages is an expensive and inconvenient problem that strata managers should avoid.

Expert Help is Just a Call Away

If you’re struggling with blocked drains or need expert advice, contact us at The Lone Drainer and Pronto. As Sydney’s trusted plumbing professionals, we specialise in clearing blocked drains, including stormwater systems, to keep your property safe during the wildest weather.

The Hidden Causes of Eastern Suburbs Blocked Drains: Preventing the 15% Beyond Tree Roots

When it comes to blocked drains, tree roots are undeniably the main culprits, responsible for a whopping 85% of blockages. But what about the other 15%? As Coogee’s greatest plumber, The Lone Drainer and Pronto, I’ve seen it all—blocked drains caused by things you wouldn’t believe! Let’s dive into what causes these less-common blockages and how you can prevent them.

1. Grease and Fat Build-Up

The Problem:
Pouring cooking oils, fats, and grease down the sink might seem harmless at the time, but these substances solidify as they cool, forming a sticky mass that clings to your pipes. Over time, this can lead to stubborn blockages.

How to Prevent It:

• Dispose of cooking grease in a sealed container and throw it in the bin.
• Use hot water and dish soap periodically to break down minor grease build-ups.
• Install a grease trap if you frequently cook with oils.

2. Sanitary Products and Wet Wipes

The Problem:
Despite being marketed as “flushable,” wet wipes and sanitary products don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they get stuck in your pipes, leading to severe blockages.

How to Prevent It:

• Always dispose of sanitary products and wipes in the bin.
• Educate household members about the risks of flushing non-degradable items.
• Consider using “do not flush” stickers as reminders in shared bathrooms.

3. Food Scraps in Kitchen Drains

The Problem:
Small food particles and fibrous waste like coffee grounds or potato peels can accumulate in drains, especially when not filtered out.

How to Prevent It:

• Use a drain strainer to catch food debris.
• Avoid grinding fibrous foods in garbage disposals.
• Rinse plates and cutlery into the bin before washing.

4. Hair in Bathroom Drains

The Problem:
Hair strands are notorious for clogging shower and bathroom drains. Combined with soap scum, they form dense clumps that block water flow.

How to Prevent It:

• Use a hair catcher over your drain.
• Clean out the catcher regularly.
• Avoid washing hairbrushes directly in the sink.

5. Foreign Objects in Toilets

The Problem:
Children’s toys, toothbrushes, and even excessive toilet paper can end up flushed down the loo, causing major plumbing headaches.

How to Prevent It:

• Teach children what can and cannot be flushed.
• Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use.
• Use less toilet paper, flushing midway if needed.

6. Poor Pipe Installation or Damage

The Problem:
Poorly installed or old, damaged pipes can cause blockages due to misalignments, cracks, or collapsing sections.

How to Prevent It:

• Schedule regular plumbing inspections.
• Replace aging or damaged pipes before they become a bigger issue.
• Ensure professional installation to avoid future headaches.

Final Thoughts Before You Flush

Blocked drains can cause serious inconvenience, but with a little vigilance, you can prevent most of the 15% of blockages that aren’t caused by tree roots. Of course, if a blockage does occur, don’t hesitate to call in Coogee’s greatest plumber—The Lone Drainer and Pronto. With over [insert years] years of experience, I’ll have your drains flowing freely in no time.

Need help? Contact me today for advice or to schedule an inspection. Together, we can keep your drains running smoothly!

If you have a blocked drain, Let The Lone Drainer and Pronto save the day. Call us now at Coogee 02 9664 4990 or book online!

Ode to The Lone Drainer and Pronto

There once was a drain that was blocked, and its contents left me quite shocked.

But fear not my friend, we have tools to amend, our Rattlesnake will leave your drains clear.

With a flick of the wrist and a twist, the Rattlesnake is in the abyss,

As it wriggles and writhes, and the blockage soon dies, leaving your drains as clean as if kissed.

So if you’re in a fix, with a drain that plays tricks, don’t hesitate, cause it’s a NO Brainer,

With our service online, we’ll have your drains cleaned on time, Three cheers for Sydney’s Lone Drainer.

How to Stop Snakes in a drain!

On a recent trip to balmy Townsville, North Queensland our Saturday night movie screening on a friends verandah was interrupted when another guest saw a three metre python moving on the roof next door. Said serpent was moving towards the open windows of the neighbours first floor bedroom! Our hostess declared intermission, paused the movie and contacted the neighbours to close their bedroom windows.

The other movie-goers, Queenslanders, shrugged, took a sip of their XXXX and declared “Thats Townsville!”

This cowboy immediately found it difficult to focus on the french sub-titles and only think about how I could prevent pythons from getting in my North Queensland friends storm water pipes.

By the time the movie had ended I came up with a few simple ways to prevent pythons from entering your North Queensland storm water pipes:

1. Install wire mesh or grates: Fit wire mesh or grates over the openings of your storm water pipes. Use a mesh with small openings to prevent snakes from slithering through. Make sure the mesh or grates are securely fastened to prevent any gaps.
2. Seal pipe joints and cracks: Inspect your storm water pipes for any gaps, cracks, or loose joints. Snakes can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so seal these gaps using appropriate materials like silicone sealant or concrete patching compound.
3. Regularly maintain and clear vegetation: Remove any overgrown vegetation or debris around your property, particularly near the storm water pipes. Pythons are attracted to areas with ample hiding spots, so keeping the area clear reduces their habitat and discourages them from approaching.
4. Consider snake repellents: Some commercially available snake repellents emit odors that snakes find unpleasant. Consult with a local expert or snake control professional to determine if such repellents are effective and suitable for your situation.
5. Monitor and remove potential snake magnets: Snakes are often attracted to food sources, like small animals or rats and mice. Take steps to control rodent populations around your property, such as securing garbage bins and removing potential food sources.
6. Educate yourself and your neighbours: Learn about the types of snakes in your area, their habits, and their preferred habitats. Share this knowledge with others in your community to raise awareness and promote snake-safe practices.
7. Consult a local snake expert: Reach out to local wildlife or snake experts who have experience dealing with snakes in your specific region. They can provide valuable advice and guidance tailored to your location.

Remember, it’s important to handle snakes with caution and avoid direct confrontation. If you encounter a snake or suspect an infestation, contact the local wildlife authorities or snake control professionals for assistance and advice.

Use Toilet Paper NOT Tissues

We are regularly asked to clear blocked toilets and drains that are often caused by products that are Not meant to flush down our toilets that drain to our sewer pipes.

This 1:17min YouTube clip gives a very simple demonstration on why you should only use toilet paper.

Sanitary Napkins, Tampons, Condoms, Baby Wipes, Flushable Wipes, Cotton Buds? The answer is NO!

We recommend and supply Who Gives a Crap if you need Toilet Paper.

Because we do! 🙂

If you have a blocked drain, I know a guy!

The Lone Drainer and Pronto. The Gondolier and the Oar maker

I woke this morning May 29th 2023 to read the Sydney Morning Herald story from Venice about the Grand Canal turning a distinctive green. A colour familiar to me.

It looks like the fluorosceine dye we emergency plumbers use to identify the source of water and sewage leaks. It’s often been used by school kids young and old for end of year pranks to turn a fountain green. I believe it is harmless to small aquatic organisms.

I immediately sent a text message to Gio my Venetian gondolier mate to say G’day. It’s a few years ago now that we had Gio guide us around his home town of Venice. Aaah. Travel and plumbing! Spend six minutes with Gio as he shows me around the workshop of Paolo Brandolisio his oarmaker.

On June 1st 2023 a similiar green dye appeared in Melbourne’s Yarra river.
Follow this link to see the story on Australian ABC.

Click here to see other blog posts about Venice courtesy of Gio

Do tree roots grow in sewer pipes during winter?

As we transition into another Sydney winter, my thirst for knowledge about trees and their roots and how and why they grow in sewer pipes and whether they are as active as during the warmer months led me to here.

This magnificent display of London Plane trees in Woollahra was just starting to move into autumn mode and we were called to a blocked drain in the street. The blocked drain was caused by tree roots.

Tree roots generally grow more slowly or become dormant during the winter months. The growth of tree roots in drains is influenced by several factors, including temperature, soil conditions, and moisture availability. In colder climates, where winters are harsh and the ground freezes, root growth is typically limited or even halted.

During winter, the soil temperature drops, making it less favorable for root growth. Additionally, the availability of water is often reduced due to freezing or low precipitation levels. These conditions make it difficult for roots to actively grow and expand. Our seasons are changing but traditionally winter in Sydney is our dry season.

However, it’s important to note that tree roots can still function and absorb some nutrients from sewer pipes and drains during winter and continue to cause blockages albeit at a slower rate. They continue to provide support and anchorage for the tree, even if growth is minimal. I believe they are preparing for the spring while they’re hibernating.

And that’s why we still have to attend to tree root drain blockages during winter.

Root growth typically resumes in the spring when temperatures rise, and the soil becomes more conducive to growth. As the weather warms and soil conditions improve, tree roots become more active, allowing for increased growth and development.

Now if you live north of the NSW and Queensland border this theory would probably be tested because it doesn’t cool down as much as the southern states.

If you live in Australia’s sunny north and have a tale to tell about your blocked drains and tree roots, you can tell it here.

Full Moon Blocked Drains

Regardless of the season, tree roots block drains.
And there is a school of thought they occur more during the full moon :-).

However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that tree roots are more likely to cause blocked drains during the full moon.
The idea that the full moon affects tree roots and causes them to grow more or become more active is a myth that has been around for a long time.
Blocked drains can be caused by a variety of factors, including tree roots about 85% of the time.

Tree roots grow in response to a variety of factors, such as moisture, nutrients, and changes in temperature, but the phase of the moon has no effect on this process.
Tree leaves and other debris, especially from our deciduous trees can accumulate in pipes, as well as grease, oil, and other substances like paint and even cement sometimes gets poured down the drain.

Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent blocked drains and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.

The full moon on the east coast of Australia is at about 14.30 today April 6th, 2023.

Are you buying a house on a tree lined street? Six things to consider!

If you have your eye on a house in a tree lined street, you should read this!

While street trees can have many benefits, there are also some potential negative impacts that should be considered.

1. Damage to the street infrastructure: Street trees can cause damage to footpaths, roads, and buildings if their roots grow too close to or under them. They can also damage underground utilities such as electrical cables, water and gas pipes. The tree root systems will also cause blocked drains and sewer pipes. If you get a blocked drain you should call The Lone Drainer and Pronto.
2. Maintenance: Street trees require regular maintenance, such as pruning and watering, to ensure they remain healthy and safe. This can be a significant cost for utility companies, municipalities and homeowners. Radical pruning is used to shape the street trees away from overhead electric power and communication lines.
3. Allergies: Some people may have an allergic reaction to certain species of street trees, such as those that produce a lot of pollen.
4. Invasive species: Some species of street trees can become invasive, meaning they can spread rapidly and compete with the native species. This can have a negative impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
5. Canopy closure: Street trees can cause a canopy closure, blocking the sunlight and view, making the street darker and less attractive in the winter months. However, in our hot summer, the shade they provide brings a welcome relief from the heat of the day.
6. Your car: Parking your car under a tree like this Hill’s Weeping Fig Ficus microcarpa hillii during certain seasons can be very messy. The fig has berries….. Lots of them. They attract possums, flying foxes and birds that feast on the berries and subsequently make a BIG mess on your car.

It’s important to consider these potential negative impacts when selecting, planting, and maintaining street trees. Proper tree selection, planning, and management can help to minimize these negative impacts and maximize the benefits of street trees.

How to fix a blocked drain caused by tree roots.

If you have tree roots in your sewer pipes, you should watch this 1:56 minute YouTube Clip

Tree roots will lift, crack and maybe even crush those pipes, resulting in some very expensive replacement costs to dig up and renew the broken pipes.

Plumbers call pipe or drain blockages “chokes” … If your sewer pipes are choked, then call us on (02) 9664 4990

This clip shows how we use the latest plumbing technology to clear out your blocked drains.

In the first part of this demonstration in a clear plastic pipe, you’ll see how high pressure water drain cleaners work inside your pipes.

85% of blocked drains are caused by tree roots and this clip shows how the different drain cleaning heads move through the pipes and subsequently the tree root blockage, cutting and mulching the tree roots and blowing them back through the pipeline.

Tree roots grow in through the top of the earthenware pipe joints and depending on where the tree is, root blockages can be in more than one pipe joint.

A drain camera or Drainoscopy used in conjunction with the high pressure water will help your plumber cut out all the tree root blockages at the pipe joints.

Once we cut the tree roots from your sewer pipes, we can then apply Vaporooter to prevent regrowth of tree roots in your pipes.

The Vaporooter process is cost effective, and comes with a 12 month GUARANTEE!

If you would like to find out more, please call us on 02 9664 4990

What happens when tree roots grow in sewer pipes #2

The growth of tree roots in sewer pipes is probably the most destructive single element that faces those maintaining a sewer collection system today.

Sewers are ageing expensive assets that only attract public attention when they fail. There are over 35,000 kms of water and sewer pipes in Sydney and 60% of all collection systems are made up of pipes with a diameter of 9 inches (225 mm) or smaller. The potential for tree root intrusion to inhibit flows, produce blocked drains and damage valuable pipes, is enormous.

Tree roots normally do not grow underwater and seldom cause problems where ground water covers the pipe. But in most areas, this is not the case.

Tree Roots Grow One Cell at a Time

When a seed germinates, it adds one cell at a time toward the best environment from which it might extract nutrients and moisture. The growing point of a tree moves best through loosely cultivated soil.

The most common practice used to lay sewer pipes is in an open trench. The back-filled soil offers a good growing medium for tree roots. Because the flow in sewer pipes is a higher temperature than the soil, this causes a condensation to appear on the crown of the pipe.

As the warm moisture from the sewer pipe evaporates up through the soil, the vapours offer an excellent trail for the tree roots to follow. If a vapour leak exists in the pipe, the roots concentrate its efforts at that point. Since some pipe joint compounds are of nutrient based material themselves (like rubber rings or sand cement mix), the root may entirely girdle before entering the pipe.

Roots Allow Accumulation of Debris

Once inside the sewer pipe, the root takes on the appearance of a “veil” or “horse tail” type structure. If flows in the pipes are fairly constant, the root mass hangs down like a veil to the normal flow level where they accumulate deposits of grease, slime and other debris.

Conventional methods of removing tree roots by cutting with an electric eel or a “Rattlesnake” high pressure water drain cleaner tend to increase regrowth; similar to pruning a tree. Removing tree roots inside the pipe solves the immediate problem of clearing the blocked drain, but does nothing to retard the tree root regrowth or destroy the tree roots outside the pipe.

This removal, regrowth and removal cycle of cutting and tearing roots can destroy the structural integrity of the pipe.

Herbicide Fumigants

Herbicide fumigants present  the most effective method to destroy tree roots and inhibit their regrowth without affecting the above ground plant life. Vaporooter is a root control herbicide that enters the sewer as a foam. Only tree roots within the pipe and a short distance outside the pipe are affected. Trees and shrubs immediately above ground are not harmed in any way.

https://www.vaporooteraustralia.com.au/

Tree roots never sleep

Coogee 2034 Sydney, Australia

G’day Sydney

We’re back at work in January 2022!

Our workload didn’t really let up over the Christmas and New Year period because tree roots just keep growing in pipes.

If you are having the same problem with roots in your drains and you are looking for a short-term or long-term solution call me on 1800 637 600

Or check out our site VaporooterAustralia.com.au

There may be a cost-effective solution there for you!

Stop Tree Roots in PVC pipes

Bellevue Hill, Sydney, Australia

This post is a simple one. The house shown here is quite new!

The sewer pipes are also new PVC. But, where the house sewer line joins into the Sydney Water sewer main there are roots from a large Fig tree on the footpath out the front growing into the sewer connection.

We are putting Vaporooter into the pipes to stop tree root regrowth at that single point.

It’s a simple process and I hope you have seen it before.

You can see our equipment on the rock shelf behind and also see the Vaporooter foam coming up through the cap in the footpath.

Even new houses with PVC pipes can get tree roots growing into them.

There is a simple way to Stop tree roots in Drains. It’s Vaporooter!

If you need to find out more about it, Ask me.

Call 1800 637 600

Contact The Lone Drainer and Pronto 02 9664 4990

Or check out VaporooterAustralia.com.au

Raw sewer overflows to Coogee Beach.

During the Stay at Home orders we’ve been doing emergency plumbing repairs like hot water, leaking pipes and Blocked drains.

The blocked drain that got my interest is the one taking the waste from 28 houses on Raleigh Street and Carrington Road, Coogee.

The filthy waste water has been bubbling up through the ground about 50 metres down the hill from the houses and running across the footpath in front of other homes not connected to the service, into the street gutters that drain into the creek at the north end of Coogee beach for most of July.

Apparently the 28 home owners are unaffected by the blockage because it’s not in their backyard and a Sydney Morning Herald article reports Sydney Water and Randwick City council cannot force the home owners to pay for any repairs.

It’s well known that every home owner is responsible for the maintenance of their waste water pipes up to where they join the Sydney Water sewer main out in Carrington Road.

This pipeline is known as a common sewer and the costs for any maintenance should be shared equally between all those home owners connected to it.

Come on Randwick Council, Stop this river of sewage running down to Coogee Beach!

Get a contractor to fix the problem and split the costs among the 28 property and home owners.

Click here to read our earlier post on Common Sewer lines.

Is it O.K. to take a longer shower?

As Sydney and most of New South Wales is knee-deep in floodwater I had a friend ask me this morning, “is it OK to take a longer shower?”

I encouraged him and his entire family to take a longer shower over the next few days. Using the water may actually help those that are living downstream from Warragamba Dam where the residents and farmers are flooded by the water running over the dam spillway and overwhelming the Nepean and Hawkesbury river systems downstream.

Just over twelve months ago we were in the grip of a drought that was choking our country cousins and dust storms were commonplace across New South Wales.

The rain won’t last forever, in fact, it’s forecast to clear up this afternoon and deliver a 29° hot sunny day tomorrow.

The rain has exposed many blocked drains and stormwater pits and pipes. So when the sun comes out, make the most of the abundant water in our catchment dams and clean out those pits, grates, drains and the rainwater down pipes blocked with leaf debris.

World Plumbing Day 2021

Today is the 11th of March 2021 and it’s World Plumbing Day!

I just wanted to remind you that twelve months ago today, which was also World Plumbing Day, that we had a pandemic declared in Australia. While we’ve all had our lives changed over the last twelve months, the trees that you can see around me here are still growing in the drains in this house.

We have come back for our annual application of Vaporooter to STOP tree roots growing in the sewer pipes of this beautiful home.

Enjoy World Plumbing Day. Thank your local plumber, enjoy his company. Make him a cup of tea or coffee.

Woollahra Council trees are blocking my drains

Many of the blocked drains we attend to are caused by the trees that line the streets managed by Woollahra Council.

At street level, the trees’ canopy brings summer shade and all kinds of birdlife.

Contrary to belief, tree roots don’t go in search of water. They are stimulated as moisture levels, and the surrounding soil temperature reaches a point that is appealing to them.

Sydney suburbs managed by Woollahra Council: Bellevue Hill, Darling Point, Double Bay, Edgecliff, Paddington, Point Piper, Rose Bay, Vaucluse

In most circumstances, the tree roots enter through leaking pipe joints and damage the sewer drains and stormwater pipes that take wastewater off your property. Many homeowners hold Woollahra Council responsible for their blockage and expect they will clear their blocked drains for free because the Council own the trees.

Well, in some cases they do!

But, Woollahra Council gets their income from you the ratepayer, and as you would expect, they have guidelines for spending ratepayers money to fix your blocked drains.

If you live in one of the suburbs managed by Woollahra Council, click here to see the Woollahra Council Wastewater Policy.

The top points are that you the homeowner:

Must have a sewer service diagram for your home.
Must maintain your sewer pipes.
Must prevent sewer blockages.
Must prevent sewerage from escaping into the environment.
May be entitled to the Council plumber clearing your blocked drain.

Waverley Council trees are blocking my drains

Did you know 85% of blocked drains are caused by tree roots?

In Waverley Council’s jurisdiction, blocked drains are cause quite often by the roots of the trees that line the streets.

They can block drains and sometimes damage the sewer and stormwater pipes that take wastewater off your property.

Many homeowners hold Waverley Council responsible for their blockage and expect they will clear their blocked drains for free because they own the trees.

Well in some cases they do!

But, Waverley Council gets their income from you the ratepayer and as you would expect, they have guidelines for spending ratepayers money to fix your blocked drains.

If you have a Blocked drain and live in one of these suburbs managed by Waverley Council including Bondi, Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, Bronte, Charing Cross, Clovelly, Dover Heights, North Bondi, Queens Park and Waverley, click here to see the Waverley Council Sewerage Stormwater Drain Blockage Policy.

The top points are that you the homeowner:

Must have a sewer service diagram for your building.
Must maintain your sewer pipes.
Must prevent sewer blockages.
Must prevent sewerage from escaping into the environment.
May be entitled to the Council plumber clearing your blocked drain.

Randwick Council trees are blocking my drains

Blocked drains are a large part of our workday; every day! And 85% of blocked drains are caused by tree roots. Our home is Coogee Randwick, in the eastern suburbs of Sydney Australia.

Tree-lined streets in Randwick Council are the reason for a lot of the blocked drains that we attend to. They damage the sewer drains and stormwater pipes that take wastewater off your property.

Many homeowners hold the council responsible for their blockage and have expectations that the council will clear their blocked drains for free because they own the trees.

Well in some cases they do.

But, Randwick Council gets their income from you the ratepayer and as you’d expect they have guidelines for spending ratepayers money to fix your blocked drains.

If you live in one of these Sydney suburbs managed by Randwick Council including Centennial Park, Chifley, Coogee, Kensington, Kingsford, Little Bay, Malabar, Maroubra, Matraville, Pagewood, Phillip Bay, Port Botany and Randwick, click here to see Randwick Council Sewerage Stormwater Drain Blockage Policy.

The top points are that you the homeowner:

• Must have a sewer service diagram for your home
• Must maintain your sewer pipes.
• Must prevent sewer blockages
• Must prevent sewerage from escaping into the environment
• Maybe entitled to the Council plumber clearing your blocked drain

Flushable wipes block drains

As you know, up to 85% of blocked drains are caused by tree roots and can be easily managed.

But, there is a growing number of blocked drains that are caused by “hygienic wipes”. Hygienic wipes block up house drains and sewer mains that cost homeowners and Sydney Water a fortune to maintain. So be careful what you flush!

To put it simply, hygienic wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and as many household pipelines have imperfections, the wipes get caught and cause a blocked drain.

If you are polishing your bottom….. and flushing more wipes, you could be in trouble.

This Choice magazine YouTube video shows how wipes don’t break down for up to 21 hours.

Don’t do this in the bathroom!

During our Coronavirus work schedule, I’ve found some fun hints and tips about plumbing and health that are worth sharing.

How germs spread:

• on your toothbrush,
• your toilet seat,
• and the toilet flush button, are just a few examples.

Cow gets stuck in sewer manhole

During a long career dealing with blocked drains we have seen some unusual things in the sewer, and this is one of them.

This 1:53sec YouTube clip shows a team of Chinese firefighters, police and vets rescue a cow that has fallen down a sewer maintenance hole.

The pregnant cow looks pretty uncomfortable as she is winched out of the manhole. But she ambles off into the night with her grateful owner as if nothing has happened.