How Plumbing & Heating Centre clears blocked pipes
Blocked drains and slow-flowing pipes are a common frustration for homeowners - especially in older homes or holiday properties. At Plumbing & Heating Centre, we use a range of methods to clear blockages, depending on the severity and cause. Here’s a breakdown of how we tackle pipe cleaning, from DIY tips to professional solutions.
Drainage chemicals – DIY friendly
For minor blockages, homeowners can often start with a chemical cleaner. While some people swear by Coca-Cola or fizzy drinks, we’ve found these to be unreliable. Instead, we recommend Bio-Zyme or GreaseGuard, a biological enzyme cleaner that breaks down fat and organic matter.
Tip: Block off the end of the pipe to let the product sit and activate before flushing it through with water.
Minor cleaning – plungers & drain rods
Some blockages can be cleared with a good old-fashioned plunger or drainage rods. Here’s what to look out for:
- Sink traps often block with fat, food scraps, or coffee grounds. If chemicals don’t work, try plunging or manually clearing the trap (don’t forget a bucket and towel!).
- Toilets can block from wipes, sanitary items, or even toys. A plunge might do the trick, but if you’re on a septic system, it’s best to remove the blockage before it causes bigger issues.
Rooter machine (drain snake)
For tougher blockages, we use a rooter machine - a rotating cable with a cutting head that breaks up clogs inside the pipe. It’s ideal for:
- Tree roots
- Built-up grease
- Foreign objects
- Long-distance blockages
The machine feeds the cable down the pipe, and once resistance is felt, the technician activates the rotating head to grind through the obstruction. It’s a reliable tool for clearing stubborn blockages and scraping residue off pipe walls.
Note: We don’t currently use a hydro-jetter, which blasts high-pressure water through pipes. While hydro-jetting is great for soft blockages like grease and sludge, our rooter machine is better suited for solid obstructions like tree roots or collapsed pipe sections.
Major cleaning & repairs
Sometimes, clearing the blockage is just the beginning. If we discover broken clay pipes, collapsed sections, or tree root intrusion, we may need to:
- Use a digger to expose the damaged pipe
- Remove the obstruction
- Replace the section with new pipework
These jobs can vary in time and complexity depending on what we uncover.
Drain Camera – when & why we use it
We often get asked if we can use a camera to locate the blockage. While we do offer this service, it’s important to note:
- The drain must be cleared first before we can see the source of the issue.
- Blockages often cause matter to back up several metres, making it hard to pinpoint the exact location until the pipe is flowing again.
Once cleared, our camera can help identify cracks, root intrusion, or other damage that may need repair.
Need Help with a Blocked Drain?
Whether it’s a slow sink, a blocked toilet, or a mystery issue underground - our team is here to help. Contact Plumbing & Heating Centre for expert advice and reliable service.
📞 0800 326 123
📧 sales@plumbingandheat.co.nz
