Why Advanced Drain Cleaning Matters
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of specific techniques, it’s worth understanding why advanced drain cleaning is such a game-changer for Melbourne properties. Traditional drain cleaning methods like snaking or chemical cleaners often just poke a hole through blockages rather than removing them entirely.
Advanced techniques, on the other hand, completely remove blockages, clean pipe walls, and can even repair damaged sections without digging up your property. According to the Victorian Building Authority, all drain work must comply with strict regulations, and professional plumbers use approved methods that meet these standards while providing lasting solutions.
Melbourne’s unique challenges make advanced techniques especially valuable. Our mix of heritage properties with aging pipes, established trees with aggressive root systems, and variable weather patterns means simple solutions often fall short. Professional-grade equipment and expertise can tackle these challenges head-on.
CCTV Drain Inspections
Imagine being able to actually see inside your pipes without tearing up your driveway or garden. That’s exactly what CCTV drain inspections offer, and they’ve revolutionised how plumbers diagnose and fix drainage problems.
How CCTV Inspections Work
A high-definition waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable is fed into your drainage system through existing access points. The camera transmits live footage to a monitor, allowing the plumber to see every centimetre of your pipes in real-time. Modern systems can navigate pipes from 50mm to 900mm in diameter and travel up to 60 metres through your drainage network.
The technology is remarkably sophisticated. Plumbers can identify the exact location and depth of problems using built-in tracking systems, measure pipe dimensions, and even document everything with photos and video for insurance claims or property reports.
What CCTV Inspections Reveal
These inspections can identify issues that would be impossible to detect otherwise, including tree root intrusion (a massive problem in Melbourne’s leafy suburbs), cracks and breaks in pipes, collapsed or misaligned pipe sections, scale and mineral buildup, grease and debris accumulation, and incorrect pipe installation or gradients.
According to the Victorian Building Authority’s inspection requirements, CCTV inspections are mandatory for certain plumbing work, including relined below-ground sanitary drains. The VBA requires licensed plumbers to be onsite with CCTV equipment during inspections to demonstrate compliance with plumbing standards.
When You Need a CCTV Inspection
Consider a CCTV inspection if you’re experiencing recurring blockages, planning to purchase a property (especially older homes), have established trees near your sewer lines, notice slow drains throughout your property, or are experiencing unexplained sewage odours.
The inspection typically takes one to four hours depending on your property size and provides you with comprehensive documentation. Many Melbourne plumbers offer same-day service, and the peace of mind from knowing exactly what’s happening in your pipes is invaluable.
Concerned about what’s lurking in your drains? Ezy-Plumb offers comprehensive CCTV drain inspections and same-day service. Call 0402 169 096 to book your inspection today.
Hydro Jetting
If CCTV inspections are the diagnostic tool, hydro jetting is the heavy artillery. This technique uses high-pressure water to completely clean your pipes, removing blockages and buildup that other methods simply can’t touch.
Understanding the Technology
Hydro jetting equipment uses specialised pumps to deliver water at pressures between 3,000 and 5,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) through a high-pressure hose fitted with various nozzles. According to AS 4233 standards, which govern high-pressure water jetting in Australia, sewer hydro jetting units can operate at maximum pressures of 4,000 PSI with flows up to 80 litres per minute.
What Hydro Jetting Accomplishes
The high-pressure water doesn’t just push blockages through, it completely scours the interior of your pipes, removing years of accumulated grease, scale, and debris. Stubborn tree roots that would resist traditional snaking? Shredded and flushed away. Hardened mineral deposits? Blasted off the pipe walls. The result is pipes that flow like new.
Melbourne plumbers report that hydro jetting can improve water flow by over 90% and provides a level of cleanliness that manual methods simply can’t achieve. The process is also environmentally friendly, using only water with no harsh chemicals that could damage your pipes or harm the environment.
Is Hydro Jetting Safe for Your Pipes?
This is a question many Melbourne homeowners ask, especially those with heritage properties or older plumbing systems. When performed by qualified professionals, hydro jetting is completely safe, even for older pipes.
Before beginning, experienced plumbers assess your pipe condition and material through CCTV inspection. They check how the pipes were installed and look for signs of wear or damage. If there’s any concern that high-pressure jetting could cause harm, they’ll recommend alternative solutions instead.
All work must comply with VBA plumbing standards, giving you confidence that your property, whether heritage or modern, is protected.
The Process
A typical hydro jetting session takes one to two hours. The plumber brings in a high-pressure machine with a flexible hose that feeds directly into your drain.
The technique relies on pressurised water to do the work, so there’s no need for harsh chemicals. You won’t be left waiting around - plumbers get in, clear the blockage, and have everything flowing again with minimal disruption.
Dealing with persistent blockages? Ezy-Plumb’s high-pressure hydro jetting service can blast away even the toughest clogs. Contact Us Today.
Pipe Relining
Pipe relining, also called trenchless pipe repair, allows plumbers to completely rehabilitate damaged pipes without excavating your property. No tearing up your garden, driveway, or paths. No weeks of disruption. Just permanent repairs that can last longer than your original pipes.
The Technology Behind Relining
Pipe relining involves inserting a flexible liner saturated with epoxy resin into your damaged pipe. Once in position, the liner is inflated and cured, forming a smooth, seamless new pipe within the old one. There are two main methods used by Melbourne plumbers.
Why Relining Beats Traditional Replacement
The benefits are substantial. Relining can cost a fraction of full pipe replacement. There’s no excavation required, saving you thousands in restoration costs for driveways, landscaping, and paths. The process is much faster, often completed in a single day rather than weeks. Most importantly, the relined pipe is stronger than the original, resistant to tree root intrusion, 100% leak-proof, and guaranteed for 50 years to lifetime.
When Relining Is the Right Choice
Pipe relining is ideal for pipes with cracks and breaks, tree root damage, corrosion and rust, joint displacement, and general deterioration. However, pipes must be structurally sound enough to support the liner. If your pipes have completely collapsed or have major structural failures, traditional replacement might be necessary.
A CCTV inspection determines whether your pipes are suitable for relining. Plumbers assess the damage, check pipe condition and alignment, and provide you with options and quotes for the work.
Preventive Maintenance Programs
Advanced drain cleaning focuses on preventing issues before they become costly problems. Through regular CCTV inspections and hydro jetting, Melbourne plumbers help keep drains in good condition, especially in older homes or properties with large trees. Remember, preventive maintenance costs less than emergency repairs and extends the life of your pipes while reducing the risk of serious damage.
Choosing the Right Technique for Your Situation
Not every drainage problem requires every technique. Understanding which method suits your situation helps you make informed decisions and ensures you’re getting the right solution.
For Recurring Blockages
If you’re calling a plumber every few months for the same blockage, it’s time for a CCTV inspection. There’s an underlying cause - likely tree roots, pipe damage, or serious buildup, and you need to identify it before you can fix it properly. Once diagnosed, hydro jetting and relining typically provides a permanent solution.
For Older Properties
Melbourne has beautiful heritage homes, but their plumbing systems often need attention. A comprehensive CCTV inspection should be your first step, revealing the overall condition of your pipes. Depending on what’s found, preventive hydro jetting or selective relining of damaged sections can modernise your plumbing without the massive disruption of complete replacement.
Before Purchasing Property
Never buy a Melbourne property without a professional drain inspection. The cost of a CCTV inspection is nothing compared to discovering major drainage problems after settlement. The inspection provides negotiating power if problems are found and peace of mind if pipes are in good condition.
For Commercial Properties
Businesses cannot afford extended downtime from plumbing failures. Preventive maintenance programs combining regular CCTV inspections and hydro jetting keep your systems running smoothly while providing documentation for compliance and insurance purposes.
The Bottom Line
Advanced drain cleaning techniques have transformed how Melbourne properties manage their drainage systems. CCTV inspections provide accurate diagnosis without guesswork, hydro jetting delivers thorough cleaning that lasts years, and pipe relining repairs damaged pipes without excavation.
Whether you’re dealing with recurring blockages, considering property purchase, or just want to prevent future problems, working with plumbers who have these capabilities ensures you’re getting the best possible outcome.
Visit EzyPlumb.com.au to book your comprehensive drain assessment.
