Case Study: Blocked Drain in Oakleigh — Tree Roots, a CCTV Camera, and a Same-Day Fix

The Call

A family in Oakleigh had been putting up with a sluggish shower drain for about six weeks. They'd tried every supermarket drain cleaner on the shelf. Nothing worked for more than a day or two. When the shower stopped draining completely on a Sunday morning, they called Around The Clock Plumbing. We were on site within the hour.

The Initial Assessment

Our plumber ran a high-pressure water jet through the drain to clear the immediate blockage and restore flow. But clearing a blockage is only half the job — the real question is what caused it and whether it will come back. We deployed our CCTV drain camera to inspect the pipe from the shower to the main drain. What we found told the whole story: a mature tree root had infiltrated a clay sewer pipe joint approximately four metres from the house. The root mass had been slowly accumulating debris until the pipe was completely choked.

The Solution

The immediate blockage was cleared with the high-pressure jet. For the root intrusion, we offered two options: excavate and replace the affected section, or reline it using CIPP technology with no digging required. The homeowner chose pipe relining. We inserted a flexible liner coated in epoxy resin, inflated it against the pipe wall, and cured it in place. The result is a seamless, root-resistant pipe within the original pipe — stronger than the original clay and carrying a 35-year manufacturer warranty. Total time on site: under four hours. No excavation, no damage to the garden or driveway.

Why This Matters

Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of recurring blocked drains in Melbourne's older suburbs. High-pressure jetting without a CCTV inspection is just treating symptoms. ATC Plumbing uses CCTV inspection on every recurring or unexplained blockage to find the actual cause. Blocked drain that keeps coming back? Call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758. Same-day service across Melbourne's south-east.

Related Reading

Blocked drains caused by tree roots — Melbourne's most common problem. CCTV drain inspection — what it is, when you need it, what it costs. Is pipe relining worth it? See our blocked drain service at atcplumbing.com.au/services/blocked-drain-plumber.