Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. Search for a 24/7 plumber in Melbourne and you'll find dozens of results all making the same claim. Most are not what they appear. Some are call centres that take your details and dispatch a contractor — often someone who isn't local, isn't available right now, and charges a premium for the privilege. Some list after-hours numbers that ring out, or redirect to an answering service with no guaranteed response time. This guide explains how to tell a genuinely available 24/7 plumber from one that uses the label as a marketing claim. What 'Real' 24/7 Actually Means A genuinely available 24/7 plumber means a licensed plumber — not a call centre agent — answers the phone at 2am, confirms they can attend, gives you a realistic arrival time, and actually arrives within it. It means the van that arrives has the equipment to do the job: CCTV camera, high-pressure jetter, common parts. It means you're not told 'someone will call you back' and then waiting until 7am. Signs You're Calling a Call Centre, Not a Plumber The person answering cannot tell you which suburb the attending plumber is coming from, or how long it will take to arrive. You're told 'someone will call you back shortly' rather than given a direct answer and arrival estimate. The company name on the website doesn't match the name on the plumber's van or licence when they arrive. The quoted after-hours rate is given only vaguely ('additional charges may apply') rather than as a specific figure. The attending plumber cannot provide a VBA licence number when asked. What to Ask When You Call an After-Hours Plumber Who is attending — is it one of your plumbers or a subcontractor? What is their name and licence number? What suburb are they coming from and what is the realistic arrival time? What is the after-hours call-out rate and how is it structured — flat fee, hourly, or first-hour minimum? Will you receive a fixed-price quote before work starts, or is it time-and-materials? A Real 2am Callout: Murrumbeena Burst Water Main In the early hours of a weekday morning, a family in Murrumbeena woke to their front garden flooding — a burst water main. They called ATC Plumbing at 2am. Christopher answered directly. A plumber was on site within 45 minutes from Oakleigh South. The water was isolated, the burst section repaired, and the supply restored by 5:30am — before the family needed to leave for school and work. That's what a genuine 24/7 response looks like: a real person answering, a local plumber attending, and the problem resolved within hours rather than a callback in the morning. A Friday-Night Stormwater Backup at a Dandenong Club On a wet Friday night in October 2025, a function venue in Dandenong rang with stormwater backing up through a 300mm drain while the rain kept falling and guests were still on site. A real person took the call and an ATC Plumbing plumber was on the road shortly after — not the next morning. We ran a Ridgid CCTV camera down the line, found the blockage, and cleared it on the spot, fishing out a mobile phone that had gone down the drain in the process. The line was left running clear: a permanent fix, not a patch-up that fails the next time it rains. A Blocked Drain During Year 12 Exams in Clayton In November 2025 a school in Clayton had a blocked drain during Year 12 exams — close to the worst possible timing, with students sitting papers nearby. Rather than reach for noisy high-pressure equipment, our plumber used a quiet electric drain machine to clear the line without disrupting a single exam. After-hours work is not always a 2am emergency; sometimes it is about judgement and timing — choosing the right tool so the people around the job barely know you were there. How ATC Plumbing Handles After-Hours Calls When you call 1300 282 758 after hours, you reach ATC Plumbing directly — not a call centre. We're based in Oakleigh South with a service area across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside. We give you an honest arrival estimate based on where we are and where you are. We quote before starting work. We carry CCTV camera equipment, high-pressure jetting, and common parts on every van so most jobs are completed in a single visit. Fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix, whether it's 2pm or 2am. What Response Times Are Realistic After Hours? An honest arrival window matters more than a vague promise to be there 'right away'. Across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside, ATC Plumbing aims to be on site within about an hour of your call, and often within 30 minutes when the job is close by. A genuine local plumber can give you a realistic time and the name of who is coming; a call centre tends to stay vague because it still has to find someone to send. If you are deciding who to call at night, ask for an arrival time and who is actually attending. When you ring Around The Clock Plumbing on 1300 282 758 after hours, you are speaking to people who can tell you honestly how far away help is — not booking you into a queue. Common Questions About After-Hours Plumbing How much more does an after-hours plumber cost? After-hours rates are higher than standard business-hours rates — that's industry standard and honest to say so. What varies between providers is how much higher and how transparently it's communicated. ATC Plumbing quotes before starting work so you know the cost before we begin, not after. For pricing detail see our transparent rates guide. What counts as a plumbing emergency at 2am? Anything that poses a risk to safety, is causing active water damage, or cannot wait until morning without significant consequences: burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, gas smells, complete loss of hot water in winter with elderly or young children present, flooding. A slow-draining sink is not an emergency. When in doubt, call and describe the situation — we'll tell you honestly whether it needs immediate attendance. Can I verify a plumber's licence at 2am? The VBA BAMS register is publicly accessible 24/7 at bams.vba.vic.gov.au. Ask the attending plumber for their licence number before they start work — a licensed plumber will provide it without hesitation. ATC Plumbing's licence is BPC #50694, held by Christopher Unwin. What if the plumber says they can't fix it tonight? Sometimes a full repair requires parts or conditions that make completion overnight impractical. In that case, the right move is to make the property safe — isolate the water, cap the pipe, make sure there's no ongoing damage — and return first thing in the morning with the right materials. We'll always tell you clearly what we can and can't do tonight and why. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand. Related reading: choosing a trustworthy emergency plumber · what to expect during an emergency call-out · plumbing for elderly and vulnerable residents

Honest Plumbing Prices for Melbourne Homeowners One of the most common frustrations Melbourne homeowners have with tradespeople is not knowing what something will cost until the invoice arrives. At ATC Plumbing, we believe pricing should be transparent and discussed before we start any work. Here's an honest guide to typical plumbing costs in Melbourne in 2026. These are indicative ranges based on standard residential jobs in Melbourne's south-east. Every job is different — complexity, access, parts required, and travel all affect the final price. ATC Plumbing always provides a firm quote before commencing work. Blocked Drains Clearing a standard blocked drain using high-pressure water jetting: $200–$450 depending on access and severity. CCTV drain camera inspection to diagnose a recurring blockage: $150–$300. These two are often performed together on recurring blockages, and many plumbers offer a combined price. Pipe relining costs depend on pipe diameter and length — contact us for an assessment and quote after CCTV inspection. Hot Water Systems Hot water system replacement costs in Melbourne vary significantly by system type. Gas storage systems: $1,200–$3,000 installed. Continuous flow gas systems: $1,500–$2,900 installed. Electric storage systems: $900–$1,600 installed. Heat pump systems: $2,500–$4,000+ installed, with Victorian government rebates available that can reduce this significantly. Same-day replacement is available in most cases across Melbourne's south-east. Gas Heater Servicing Annual service for a ducted gas heater including heat exchanger test, flue inspection, combustion analysis, and filter clean: $280–$380. Wall furnace and space heater service: $250–$350. If parts are required, these are quoted separately before work proceeds. Emergency gas heater repairs are quoted on assessment. Emergency Plumbing ATC Plumbing does not charge additional call-out fees purely based on the time of day. Our emergency response pricing is the same whether you call at 2pm or 2am. You will always receive a quote before we begin work — even in emergency situations. Emergency call-out with first hour of work: from $250–$350 for standard residential emergencies. General Plumbing Minor repairs (tap washers, cistern repairs, small leaks): $150–$250. Installation of tapware or fixtures (supplied by us): $200–$350 per fixture. Pre-purchase plumbing inspections: $300–$1200 depending on property size and scope. All prices include GST and are based on standard residential properties in Melbourne's south-east. What Affects Your Final Price The main factors that affect plumbing costs are: access difficulty (pipes under concrete slabs or in tight roof spaces cost more to reach), parts and materials required, whether the job is in a standard residential property or a strata/commercial building, and how long the job takes. We assess all of these before quoting. For any job, call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758 for a free phone assessment or to arrange a quote. We service Melbourne's south-east including Oakleigh, Brighton, Caulfield, Cheltenham, Moorabbin, and surrounding suburbs. Prices are approximates and each specific job is inspected and a fixed price quotation provided to each client prior to proceeding with any works. Common questions about plumbing prices in Melbourne Does ATC Plumbing charge hidden call-out fees? No. Around The Clock Plumbing does not spring surprise call-out fees on you, and any after-hours or weekend rate is explained before we attend — not added to the invoice afterwards. You approve a fixed price before any work starts, so the figure you agree to is the figure you pay. What is the difference between a fixed-price quote and time-and-materials? A fixed-price quote is one agreed figure for the whole job, given before work begins; time-and-materials charges you by the hour plus parts, so the final cost is not known until the end. ATC Plumbing quotes a fixed price upfront wherever possible and you approve it before we start, which takes the guesswork out of the bill. Will my plumbing invoice show labour and materials separately? Yes. ATC Plumbing provides an itemised invoice so you can see exactly what you paid for. Being able to read an invoice line by line is one of the simplest protections a homeowner has against being overcharged. How do I avoid bill shock from a plumber? Get the price in writing before work starts, ask whether it is fixed or hourly, confirm any after-hours rate upfront, and be cautious of anyone demanding a large deposit before they have seen the job. ATC Plumbing gives a written fixed-price quote before starting and never asks for a large upfront deposit. Do you charge more for after-hours or weekend work? After-hours, weekend and public-holiday call-outs can carry a higher rate, which is normal across the trade because of staffing costs. The difference with ATC Plumbing is that we tell you that rate before attending, so there is no surprise when the invoice arrives. How much does a plumber cost in Melbourne in 2026? As a guide, standard residential work generally runs from about $120 to $180 an hour, with emergency and after-hours rates higher, and a straightforward blocked drain or minor repair typically sits in the low hundreds. Because every job is different, ATC Plumbing inspects the work and gives a fixed price before starting rather than leaving you to guess. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Related reading: Read our licences and accreditations, our customer care charter, and our complete blocked drain guide. For hot water costs, see our full hot water system cost guide. Book at https://www.atcplumbing.com.au/book-online. Related reading: how to get a fair plumbing quote

When you call about a plumbing emergency, here is what to expect during an emergency plumbing call-out with Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South: a real person answers the phone, a licensed plumber is dispatched fast — usually within an hour across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside, and often within 30 minutes — the property is made safe, the cause is diagnosed with proper equipment, you receive a fixed-price quote before any work begins, and the repair is done properly the first time, with a written summary left behind. No call centre, no "we'll see when we get there," no surprise invoice. What to expect during an emergency plumbing call-out, step by step A genuine emergency call-out should follow the same clear sequence every time. The order matters, because it is what separates a permanent repair from a quick patch that fails again next week: A real person answers and takes the details of what is happening. A licensed plumber is dispatched to your address — not booked in for "sometime tomorrow." The property is made safe — the water is stopped, and gas or power is isolated if needed. The cause is diagnosed properly, with equipment rather than guesswork. You get a fixed-price quote before any work starts, so you approve the cost first. The repair is carried out and the area is left clean. You receive a written summary of what was found and what was done. That sequence — fast arrival, accurate diagnosis, then a permanent fix — is the spine of every job we attend, whether it is a 2am burst water main (as we handled in Murrumbeena) or a blocked sewer on a public holiday. Who actually answers when you call after hours? A real, awake person — your call is answered through our Alltel answering service, not a voicemail box and not an overseas call centre reading from a script. The person who picks up logs your details and dispatches the nearest available plumber. There is a real difference between a genuine 24/7 plumber and a number that simply books you in for the next business day; we set out how to tell a real 24/7 plumber from a call centre in a separate guide. When you call, have your address ready, describe what you can see or hear, and say whether you have already turned the water off — it helps the plumber arrive with the right parts. How fast will a plumber actually arrive? Across Melbourne's south-east and Bayside our target is under an hour, and many calls are reached within 30 minutes. Honest answer: no one can promise an exact minute — the time of night, traffic and how many jobs are already active all play a part. What a well-run service can promise is that you will be told a realistic window when you call. We explain what affects emergency plumber response times so you know what is reasonable to expect. What happens once the plumber is at your door? The first job is always to make the property safe — stopping the water at the meter or an isolation valve, and isolating gas or power where there is any risk. Only then does the diagnosis begin, and this is where proper equipment matters. Rather than guessing where the trouble is, an ATC plumber uses the right tool for the fault: Sewerin A200 acoustic leak detector — pinpoints a concealed water leak to within 0.3–0.5 m, so we open the right spot, not the whole wall. Ridgid CCTV drain camera (40–305 mm) — shows exactly what is blocking or cracking a drain, on screen. Ridgid NaviTrack pipe locator — traces pipe runs, including non-metallic ones, without digging up the whole yard. Once the cause is clear you get a fixed-price quote before any work starts — you approve the price first, so the invoice is never a surprise (we keep all rates and quoting principles in one place in our transparent pricing guide). The repair is then done to last and backed by our 6-year workmanship guarantee, and you are left with a written summary. That same standard of care — punctual, tidy, clearly explained — is set out in our customer care charter. Can one plumber handle more than one emergency at once? A single plumber works one job at a time, but a properly run 24/7 operation dispatches the nearest available plumber and keeps every van stocked with the parts most emergencies need, so most repairs are finished in a single visit. If two emergencies land together, jobs are triaged by risk — active flooding, gas and sewage come first — and you are given an honest arrival window rather than a false promise. That is the difference between a real local team and an overflow call centre juggling the whole city. What should I do if it's a leaking ceiling or burst pipe right now? While you wait, turn off the water at the meter if it is safe to reach, switch off power to any affected area, and move valuables clear of the water. A bulging or dripping ceiling, a burst main and a sewage backup are exactly the situations we attend day and night. For a quick reference on the most urgent issues and the first steps to take, see our guide to 5 urgent plumbing emergencies and how to respond. Then call — the sooner the water is controlled, the smaller the repair. Frequently asked questions: What should I do before the emergency plumber arrives? If it is safe, turn off the water at the meter, switch off power to any affected area, and move valuables clear. Then describe what you are seeing when you call, so the plumber arrives with the right parts. Will I get a price before the work starts? Yes. With Around The Clock Plumbing you receive a fixed-price quote before any work begins, so you approve the cost first and the invoice is never a surprise. How quickly can a plumber reach me in Melbourne's south-east? Our target is under an hour across the south-east and Bayside, and many calls are reached within 30 minutes, depending on traffic, the time of night and how many jobs are already active. Does a real person answer the phone at night? Yes — calls are answered by a real person through our Alltel answering service, not a voicemail box or an overseas call centre, and the nearest available plumber is dispatched to you. Will the repair be permanent or just a temporary patch? The aim is always a permanent fix. The plumber diagnoses the actual cause with equipment such as a Ridgid CCTV camera or a Sewerin A200 leak detector, then repairs it to last — backed by a 6-year workmanship guarantee. Written/reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Association. Updated May 2026 Related reading: choosing a trustworthy emergency plumber · plumbing for elderly and vulnerable residents

Why Preventative Plumbing Maintenance Makes Financial Sense Most plumbing emergencies don't come out of nowhere — they develop slowly and give warning signs that are easy to miss if you're not looking. Regular maintenance catches these issues before they become expensive emergencies. Here's what to maintain and how often. Annual Gas Heater Service An annual gas heater service by a licensed Type A gas fitter does three things: keeps the heater running efficiently, extends its service life, and — most importantly — checks for carbon monoxide risks from heat exchanger faults. A $200 annual service is significantly cheaper than a mid-winter breakdown callout or, worse, a health emergency from CO exposure. Book before winter when appointment slots are plentiful. Hot Water System Anode Inspection — Every 5 Years Sacrificial anodes in gas and electric storage hot water systems protect the tank lining from internal corrosion. When anodes are depleted, corrosion accelerates dramatically — leading to tank failure, leaks, and a full system replacement. Having the anode inspected every 5 years and replaced if depleted can add 5+ years to a tank's service life. It's one of the most cost-effective maintenance items in the whole house. Return Air Filter Cleaning — Every 3 to 6 Months The return air filter on your ducted heater or air conditioner collects dust and debris. A clogged filter forces the unit to work harder, reduces efficiency, and in gas heaters can trigger safety shutoffs. Cleaning or replacing the filter takes 5 minutes and should be done every 3–6 months. Locate the return air grille (usually in a hallway ceiling) and slide out the filter to check. CCTV Drain Inspection — Every 2 to 3 Years for Older Properties If you live in an older Melbourne home with clay sewer pipes and established trees, a CCTV drain inspection every 2–3 years is worthwhile. It shows the current condition of your pipes — root intrusion, joint deterioration, or pipe bellying — before a blockage forces the issue. Catching these problems early gives you time to plan and budget for relining rather than dealing with a sewage emergency. ATC Plumbing provides scheduled maintenance inspections across Melbourne's south-east. Call 1300 282 758 to discuss a maintenance plan for your property. Related reading: plumbing for property managers · commercial plumbing maintenance plans · plumbing for first-time homeowners · water hammer (banging pipes)

5 Plumbing Emergencies and How to Respond Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of a plumbing emergency can significantly limit damage to your home. Here are the five most common emergency situations and exactly what to do before the plumber arrives. 1. Burst Water Pipe or Fitting Turn off the water supply immediately. The meter is usually near your front boundary, set into the ground under a small lid. Turn the lever or wheel to stop the flow. If water has entered electrical areas of the home, do not touch electrical equipment and switch the power off at the meter box. Call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758 — we're available 24/7. 2. Gas Leak If you smell gas: don't operate any electrical switches (including lights), don't use your phone inside, leave the property immediately and leave doors open as you go, turn off the gas at the meter (the isolation valve is usually next to the meter), call your gas company's emergency line from outside (Multinet: 132 771, AusGas Networks: 1800 GAS LINE), and then call a licensed gas plumber. Do not re-enter the property until it has been cleared. 3. Blocked Sewer or Sewage Overflow Stop using all drains and toilets immediately — every flush adds to the problem. Do not attempt to clear sewage overflow yourself without appropriate PPE — it's a health hazard. Call a plumber immediately. This is a genuine emergency requiring same-day response. ATC Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency drain service. 4. No Hot Water Less urgent than the above, but still disruptive — especially for families. Check the basics first: gas supply, circuit breakers, pilot light, isolation valves. If none of these resolve it, call ATC Plumbing. We carry hot water units on our vans and can replace failed systems same-day in most cases across Melbourne's south-east. 5. Overflowing Toilet Turn off the water supply to the toilet — there's usually an isolation valve behind or below the toilet cistern. This stops the overflow. Attempt a plunger if you have one. If the blockage doesn't clear with a plunger, or if other drains in the house are also slow (suggesting a main sewer blockage rather than a toilet blockage), call a plumber. ATC Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency service — call 1300 282 758. Related reading: what to expect during an emergency call-out · plumbing for first-time homeowners · water hammer (banging pipes)

Why Blocked Drains Are So Common in Melbourne Melbourne's south-east suburbs have some of the oldest sewer and stormwater infrastructure in Victoria. Suburbs like Oakleigh, Caulfield, Brighton, Bentleigh, Murrumbeena, and Carnegie were largely developed in the mid-20th century when clay and concrete pipes were standard. Fifty years later, those pipes are deteriorating — and Melbourne's established tree canopy means root intrusion is endemic. Add in cooking fats, wet wipes, and general debris that accumulate in household drains, and it's no surprise that blocked drains in Melbourne are among our most common call types. The Most Common Causes- Blocked Drain Melbourne: The Complete Guide Tree root intrusion is the leading cause of recurring blocked drains in Melbourne's older suburbs. Roots enter through joint separations in clay pipes and grow until the pipe is obstructed. Fat, oil, and grease accumulate on pipe walls over time, narrowing the pipe diameter until even small debris can cause a blockage. Foreign objects — wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products, children's toys — cause toilet blockages. Despite labelling, no wet wipe breaks down in sewers the way toilet paper does. Structural pipe failure (collapsed sections, joint separations, pipe bellying) creates zones where waste accumulates repeatedly. What a Plumber Actually Does High-pressure water jetting is the professional standard for clearing blocked drains. Water is blasted through the pipe at up to 5000 PSI, cutting through root masses, grease, and debris. It's more effective than electric eels for most blockages and safer for older pipes. CCTV drain inspection follows for any recurring or unexplained blockage — a camera fed through the drain shows exactly what's causing the problem. Pipe relining is the permanent solution for structural damage: a resin liner inserted and cured inside the pipe creates a seamless, root-resistant pipe without excavation. What Does It Cost? A straightforward blocked drain cleared with high-pressure jetting: $200–$450 depending on access and severity. CCTV inspection: $150–$300, often combined with jetting on the same visit. Pipe relining costs depend on pipe diameter and length — a CCTV assessment is required before accurate quoting. ATC Plumbing provides upfront pricing before starting any work. No hidden fees, no surprises. When to Call ATC Plumbing Call us if your drain is completely blocked, DIY methods haven't worked, the same drain keeps blocking despite being cleared, multiple drains are slow simultaneously, or you can hear gurgling from other drains when you flush the toilet. That's why we created the Blocked Drain Melbourne: The Complete Guide blog! Same-day blocked drain service across Melbourne's south-east. Call 1300 282 758. Prevention Tips for Common Drain Causes For fat, oil and grease (FOG): never pour cooking fats down the drain — let them cool and dispose in the bin. Regular hot water flushing helps slow accumulation but won't reverse serious build-up already on pipe walls. For soap scum and hair: fit a hair catcher over every shower and bath outlet. This is the single most effective prevention for slow bathroom drains and typically costs under $10. Hair and soap scum are the most common cause of slow bathroom drains and often respond to a simple DIY clear before a plumber is needed. Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Drains How do I know if I have a blocked drain or a blocked sewer? If only one fixture is affected — just the shower, or just the kitchen sink — it's a localised drain blockage. If multiple fixtures back up simultaneously (flushing the toilet causes the shower to overflow, or the laundry floor drain floods when the washing machine drains), you have a main sewer blockage. Main sewer blockages are more urgent and need immediate professional attention. Can I use chemical drain cleaners? Chemical drain cleaners can shift very mild blockages but are largely ineffective against the most common causes — root intrusion, solid objects, and structural pipe failure. They can damage older clay and PVC pipes with repeated use, and pose a safety risk to any plumber attending after their use. High-pressure jetting is safer, more effective, and doesn't damage your pipes. Why do I hear gurgling from other drains when I flush the toilet? Gurgling indicates air being displaced in the drain system — a sign the sewer line is partially blocked downstream of where multiple fixtures connect. It often precedes a full sewer backup. Call a plumber before the situation escalates to an overflow. There's a bad smell coming from my drain — what does it mean? A sulphurous or sewage smell from drains usually means the trap has dried out (common in infrequently used floor drains — just run water into them), or there's a partial blockage allowing sewer gases to escape. If the smell persists after running water into all floor drains, a CCTV inspection is the right next step. Related reading: pre-purchase plumbing inspections · why the same drain keeps blocking · tree roots in drains · hydro-jetting for blocked drains · what to do in a sewer backup · CCTV drain inspection · pipe relining vs replacement · how to plunge a blocked toilet · DIY: unblock a drain before calling a plumber

What Is a CCTV Drain Inspection? A CCTV drain inspection involves feeding a waterproof camera on a flexible rod through your drain pipes to visually inspect them from the inside. The camera transmits live footage to a monitor so our plumber can see exactly what's happening — cracks, joint separations, root intrusion, pipe collapse, grease build-up, and foreign objects are all clearly visible. It's the diagnostic equivalent of an X-ray for your drainage system. When Do You Need One? We recommend a CCTV inspection for any drain that has blocked more than once in 12 months, any unexplained slow drainage that doesn't respond to DIY clearing, before buying an older property (pre-purchase inspection), when multiple drains are slow simultaneously, and when you suspect tree root intrusion. Without a camera, a plumber is guessing at the cause — and guessing costs you money in the long run. What Can a CCTV Camera Find? A drain camera reveals tree root intrusion at specific joints, cracked or broken pipe sections, joint separations where pipes have shifted or settled, pipe bellying (sagging sections where waste pools and blockages form), foreign objects lodged in the pipe, incorrect fall or grading, and connections to the wrong drainage system. Pre-Purchase Drain Inspections A CCTV drain inspection before purchasing an older Melbourne property is one of the most valuable things a buyer can do. Drain replacement or relining is a significant expense — knowing the pipe condition before you sign gives you negotiating power and avoids nasty surprises after settlement. ATC Plumbing provides written reports suitable for use in property negotiations. How Much Does It Cost? A CCTV drain inspection typically costs $150–$300 for a standard residential inspection. When combined with high-pressure jetting on the same visit, many plumbers offer a combined price. ATC Plumbing carries camera equipment on every van — we can inspect on the spot when attending a blocked drain call. Call 1300 282 758 for same-day CCTV drain inspection across Melbourne's south-east. Related reading: pre-purchase plumbing inspections · stormwater drainage problems in Melbourne · the complete guide to blocked drains

Why Tree Roots Are Melbourne's Biggest Drain Problem Melbourne's south-east suburbs sit on hundreds of kilometres of ageing clay sewer pipes laid in the 1950s and 60s. These pipes have joints every 900mm–1800mm — each one a potential entry point for tree roots. Roots are drawn to sewer pipes because they offer warmth, moisture, and nutrients. Even a hairline crack at a joint is enough for fine root tips to enter. Once inside, they grow — slowly at first, then progressively until the pipe is blocked. Which Trees Are the Worst Offenders? In Melbourne's south-east, the most problematic trees for sewer pipes are large fig species (including Port Jackson and Moreton Bay figs), willows, poplars, camphor laurels, and liquidambars. Smaller trees like bottlebrush and grevillea can also cause issues when planted directly above sewer lines. Council street trees are a frequent culprit — their roots extend well beyond the footpath and directly into ageing sewer lines. Why Jetting Alone Won't Fix It High-pressure jetting clears the root mass from inside the pipe and restores flow immediately. But it doesn't close the crack or joint separation that allowed roots to enter in the first place. Within weeks to months, roots regrow through the same entry point. If your drain keeps blocking in the same spot despite being jetted, you have a structural problem — not just a blockage. The Permanent Solution — Pipe Relining CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) relining seals the joints and cracks that roots exploit. Once a resin liner is cured inside the pipe, those entry points no longer exist — the liner creates a seamless, root-resistant internal surface. We CCTV inspect first to confirm root intrusion, jet to clear, then reline the affected section. No excavation, no surface damage, 35-year warranty. High-Risk Suburbs in Melbourne's South-East Suburbs with the highest rate of tree root drain problems include Caulfield, Oakleigh, Murrumbeena, Carnegie, Bentleigh, Brighton, Malvern East, and Glen Iris. If you live in an older home in any of these areas and have established trees nearby, your sewer line is at elevated risk. Call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758 — we carry CCTV cameras on every van. Related reading: stormwater drainage problems in Melbourne · the complete guide to blocked drains

Blocked Drain vs Blocked Sewer — The Key Difference A blocked drain is a localised blockage in a single fixture pipe — the kitchen sink, shower, or toilet. A blocked sewer means the main drain line serving the whole property is blocked — because all drains eventually flow into one main sewer line that connects to the street. Telling them apart is straightforward, and it matters because the cause, the fix, and the cost are all different. How to Tell Which One You Have Blocked drain: only one fixture is affected. The kitchen sink is slow but the toilet flushes normally. Or the shower backs up but everything else is fine. Blocked sewer: multiple fixtures are affected at the same time. When you flush the toilet, water backs up into the shower. When the washing machine drains, the laundry floor drain overflows. Multiple slow drains throughout the house simultaneously always suggests a main sewer blockage. What Causes a Blocked Sewer Line? Tree root intrusion into the main sewer line is the most common cause in Melbourne's older suburbs — exactly the same problem that blocks individual drain lines, but in the larger main sewer pipe. A structural collapse or joint failure in the main sewer is another cause. Accumulation of fat, grease, and non-flushable items (wipes, sanitary products) can also build to a critical mass in main lines over time. Who Is Responsible for What? The sewer pipe on your property — from the house connection to the boundary — is your responsibility to maintain and repair. The pipe in the street is managed by your local water authority (in Melbourne's south-east, usually South East Water or Yarra Valley Water). If the blockage is past your property boundary, contact your water authority. If it's on your property, call a licensed plumber. Same-Day Blocked Drain and Sewer Service If you're unsure whether you have a blocked drain or a blocked sewer, call ATC Plumbing on 1300 282 758. We'll assess and advise before committing to any work. Same-day service across Melbourne's south-east. Related reading: stormwater drainage problems in Melbourne · the complete guide to blocked drains

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. If your drain keeps blocking — even after another plumber has already cleared it — the problem almost certainly isn't the blockage itself. It's what's causing the blockage that no one has properly diagnosed. This guide explains why recurring blocked drains happen, what genuine diagnostic work looks like, and how to stop the same drain failing every few months. Why Does the Same Drain Keep Blocking After Jetting? High-pressure water jetting is an effective way to clear a drain. But jetting removes the symptom — not the cause. If a drain has recurring blockages, something is feeding them: tree root regrowth, a cracked or collapsed pipe section, a joint offset that catches debris, or a pipe pitch that lets solids settle. Until that underlying condition is found and fixed, the drain will block again — sometimes within weeks. The three most common causes we find in Melbourne south-east and Bayside homes: Tree root intrusion — roots enter through a joint crack and regrow after cutting. Common in pre-1980 clay and concrete pipes throughout Melbourne's inner south-east. Pipe damage — a cracked, collapsed or offset section that accumulates debris at the exact same point every time. Grease and fat build-up — particularly in kitchen drains where lipids congeal on deteriorated or rough pipe walls. What Real Diagnosis Looks Like: CCTV Drain Inspection A recurring drain problem requires a CCTV drain camera inspection — a camera fed through the pipe to record the pipe wall, joints and any damage in real time. We use a Ridgid CCTV system with sufficient resolution to identify root mass, fractures, joint separation, pipe belly and collapsed sections even through bends. Without camera footage, a plumber is guessing. Clearing a recurring drain blind is like treating a fractured bone with paracetamol — it addresses the feeling, not the fracture. Once we have footage, we give you an accurate diagnosis and a permanent fix recommendation, not just another clear. Permanent Fixes: Pipe Relining vs Targeted Replacement Once the camera confirms the cause, we discuss your options honestly. For pipe damage or persistent root entry at specific points, CIPP pipe relining is often the right answer: a structural liner is installed inside the existing pipe, sealing cracks and closing root entry points without excavation. Our relining work carries a 35-year structural warranty. Where a section is too severely collapsed to reline, targeted excavation and replacement of that section is the right call — and we'll say so, clearly, rather than selling you a solution that won't last. Fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix. That's the approach that ends a recurring drain problem, rather than turning it into a quarterly expense. A Real Example: Recurring Sewer — Three Prior Plumbers Had Missed It In February 2026 we attended a home in Oakleigh where the owner had called three different plumbers over 18 months for a repeatedly backing-up sewer. Each plumber had cleared it and left. When we put our CCTV camera through, we found a 40mm section of completely collapsed pipe roughly 4.5 metres from the access point — invisible to jetting alone, but accumulating solids on every flush. We relined that section in a single visit. The drain hasn't failed since. When Should You Request a CCTV Drain Inspection? Request a camera inspection if the same drain has blocked more than once in 12 months; if your previous plumber cleared it but couldn't explain why it blocked; if you're buying a property and want to know the pipe condition before settlement; or if you're in a home built before 1980 with original clay or concrete drain lines. A CCTV inspection is a modest upfront investment that typically saves several call-out fees — and avoids the water damage that accompanies a full sewer backup. Common Questions About Recurring Blocked Drains Why does my drain block even after it's been jetted? Jetting clears the blockage but doesn't fix what's causing it. Root regrowth, pipe damage or a joint offset will produce a new blockage at the same point. A CCTV inspection identifies the underlying cause so it can be permanently addressed. How long does a CCTV drain inspection take? Most residential inspections take 30–60 minutes. You receive a verbal briefing on the day and a written summary — useful for insurance claims or property sales. Is CIPP pipe relining a permanent fix? CIPP pipe relining carries a 35-year structural warranty. It seals cracks and closes root entry points from the inside, eliminating the recurring failure point without digging up your yard or driveway. Do you provide a fixed-price quote before starting work? Yes — we provide a fixed-price quote before any work begins. No hidden call-out fees, no surprises on the invoice. See our transparent pricing guide for detail. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand. Related reading: plumbing in heritage and older Melbourne homes · stormwater drainage problems in Melbourne · the complete guide to blocked drains

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. High-pressure water jetting — also called hydro jetting — is the professional standard for clearing blocked drains. Unlike a hand-held drain snake, which pokes a hole through a blockage and leaves debris behind, a water jet uses sustained high-pressure flow to cut through root masses, break up grease and fat accumulation, and flush all debris clear of the pipe. This guide explains how it works, what the numbers mean, and when jetting is the right tool versus when a deeper diagnostic is needed. How High-Pressure Water Jetting Works A hydro jet unit pumps water from a tank through a hose fitted with a specialised nozzle, which is fed into the drain. The nozzle has forward-facing jets to cut through the blockage and rear-facing jets that propel the head through the pipe while simultaneously flushing debris back toward the access point. The combination of pressure and flow rate is what makes it effective — pressure alone cuts; flow clears. ATC Plumbing operates a Bar Group unit rated at 5,500 PSI and 28 litres per minute. That combination of pressure and flow is sufficient to cut through established root masses in residential and light commercial drains — not just surface debris — and to flush the cut material clear rather than leaving it to reaccumulate downstream. What 5,500 PSI Actually Means in Practice Pressure is only one part of the equation. A common misconception is that higher PSI always means better performance. In drain jetting, flow rate (litres per minute) is equally important — it determines whether debris is actually transported out of the pipe once cut. A high-pressure unit with low flow will cut root material but may not move it far enough to clear the blockage completely. Domestic jetter units typically run at 1,500–2,500 PSI and 8–12 L/min — adequate for grease and light debris in household drains. Professional units like ours at 5,500 PSI and 28 L/min handle heavy root infiltration, compacted debris and commercial grease deposits that domestic units cannot shift. Truck-mounted jetting rigs (used for larger council or main-line work) operate at significantly higher flow rates again — different application, not the same job. When Jetting Is the Right Tool — and When It Isn't Hydro jetting is the right first response for most drain blockages — particularly where grease, debris accumulation or light root intrusion is suspected. It's fast, thorough, and leaves the pipe interior clean rather than just punched through. Where jetting is not the complete answer is in drains with a structural problem: a cracked or collapsed pipe section, a significant joint offset, or a root entry point that will simply regrow. In these cases, jetting clears the blockage but doesn't fix what's causing it — and the drain will block again. This is why we follow recurring blockages with a CCTV camera inspection: fast arrival and jetting clears the immediate problem, then accurate diagnosis via camera finds the underlying cause, then a permanent fix — relining or targeted repair — ends the cycle. Hydro Jetting vs Drain Snake: The Key Differences A drain snake creates a hole through the blockage. Jetting removes the blockage and cleans the pipe wall — significantly reducing the chance of rapid reblocking. A snake cannot remove grease and fat that has adhered to the pipe wall. High-pressure flow scours the wall surface. Jetting is more effective for root masses — the high-pressure forward jets cut through root material that a rotating snake cable would struggle to penetrate. A snake may be preferable for very fragile older pipes where high-pressure water could cause further damage — this is assessed on-site before jetting begins. Common Questions About High-Pressure Water Jetting Will high-pressure jetting damage my pipes? In sound pipes, no. The pressure is calibrated to clear blockages, not damage pipe walls. For older clay or deteriorated pipes, we assess condition before applying full pressure — and a CCTV inspection beforehand removes any guesswork. Can jetting remove tree roots permanently? Jetting cuts tree roots present in the pipe but doesn't prevent regrowth — roots will return through the same entry point. A permanent solution requires sealing that entry point, either via CIPP pipe relining or targeted pipe repair. What is the difference between PSI and flow rate in a jetter? PSI (pounds per square inch) is the pressure that cuts through the blockage. Flow rate (litres per minute) is what flushes debris clear of the pipe. Both matter — a high-PSI, low-flow unit cuts but doesn't clear. Our Bar Group unit at 5,500 PSI and 28 L/min delivers both. Do you provide a fixed-price quote before jetting? Yes — we quote before starting work. No hidden call-out fees, no surprises. If a CCTV inspection is recommended after jetting, that's quoted separately and explained clearly before proceeding. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand. Related reading: stormwater drainage problems in Melbourne · the complete guide to blocked drains

Updated May 2026 — Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. Commercial drain blockages are a different problem from residential ones — in cause, consequence and the response required. A blocked drain in a food tenancy, industrial facility or multi-tenancy commercial building needs to be understood on its own terms, not treated like a household sewer backup. This guide explains how commercial drain problems differ, what grease traps and trade waste systems involve, and why getting the diagnosis right before clearing matters more in a commercial setting than anywhere else. How Commercial Drain Blockages Differ from Residential In a residential property, drain blockages are typically caused by tree roots, fat and grease, or foreign objects. The drain serves a predictable set of fixtures — kitchen, bathroom, laundry — and the consequence of a blockage, while disruptive, is usually contained to the household. In a commercial property the variables multiply: Volume — commercial kitchens, food processing, and industrial sites produce far higher drain loads than residential properties. Grease accumulates faster, debris volumes are larger. Trade waste compliance — commercial food tenancies are required by their water authority to manage trade waste (grease, food particles, oils) before it enters the sewer. Grease traps are the primary mechanism. A blocked or overflowing grease trap is a compliance issue, not just a plumbing problem. Consequence — a blocked drain in a commercial kitchen or food outlet may force closure. The cost of downtime and lost trade typically far exceeds the cost of the plumbing repair. Pipe infrastructure — commercial properties often have larger-diameter pipes, more complex drain networks, and sometimes stormwater and sewer lines that have been incorrectly cross-connected over time. Grease Traps: What They Are and What Goes Wrong A grease trap (also called a grease interceptor) is a tank installed between the kitchen drainage and the sewer connection. It slows the flow of wastewater enough for fats, oils and grease to cool, solidify, and float to the surface — where they're retained in the trap rather than entering the sewer. The retained material is pumped out periodically by a licensed liquid waste contractor. The most common grease trap failures we attend are: a trap that hasn't been pumped often enough and is full (grease bypasses into the sewer and accumulates in the downstream drain); a cracked or failed trap body leaking into the ground; and a trap that has been incorrectly sized for the kitchen volume. In all three cases, simply jetting the downstream drain is not the solution — the trap itself is the source of the problem and needs to be inspected and addressed. Real Example: Dandenong Plaza Trade Waste, 2023 In 2023 we were called to Dandenong Plaza for a recurring trade waste drain problem in the food court precinct. The downstream drain had been cleared multiple times by other contractors without resolving the issue. Our CCTV inspection identified a grease accumulation pattern consistent with a grease trap that had been bypassing — the trap was full and grease was passing directly into the sewer drain. We coordinated the pump-out, inspected the trap body, and cleared the downstream pipe in a single managed attendance. The blockage pattern stopped. Real Example: Dandenong Club Stormwater, October 2025 In October 2025 we attended the Dandenong Club on a Friday night for a blocked 300mm stormwater main that had caused flooding. Alongside clearing the blockage with high-pressure jetting, our CCTV camera located a mobile phone that had been flushed into the system — found and retrieved from approximately 12 metres into the line. The combination of a major blockage, large-diameter pipe, and time-sensitive situation (Friday night, active venue) illustrates the kind of commercial drain job that requires equipment and experience beyond a standard residential callout. Fast arrival → accurate diagnosis → permanent fix, regardless of the hour. What to Do When a Commercial Drain Blocks Stop putting material down affected fixtures immediately to prevent backup escalation. Identify which fixtures are affected — a single sink backing up is different from all drains on a floor backing up simultaneously. Call a plumber with commercial drain experience who will bring a CCTV camera, not just a jetter. If the blockage involves a grease trap, notify your liquid waste contractor. Document the incident for your property manager and insurer. Common Questions About Commercial Drain Blockages How is a commercial grease trap blockage different from a regular drain blockage? A grease trap blockage means the trap is full or failed and grease is bypassing into the sewer drain. Simply jetting the downstream drain will not fix it — the trap needs to be pumped out and inspected. Clearing the drain without addressing the trap will produce a repeat blockage quickly. How often should a commercial grease trap be pumped out? Frequency depends on kitchen volume and trap size — typically every 1–3 months for a busy food tenancy. Your water authority trade waste agreement specifies the minimum requirement. A trap reaching capacity before the scheduled pump-out indicates it's undersized or the schedule needs adjusting. Do you work on commercial properties outside business hours? Yes — ATC Plumbing is available 24/7 including weekends and public holidays for commercial drain emergencies. We have attended Friday night callouts, Christmas period emergencies, and weekend stoppages for commercial clients including Jasbe Petroleum sites, McDonald's, and Dandenong Club. Can you provide documentation for a property manager or insurer after a commercial drain job? Yes — we provide written job reports including CCTV footage summaries, cause of blockage, work performed, and recommendations. These are suitable for property management records, insurance claims, and body corporate documentation. Written and reviewed by Christopher Unwin — founder, Around The Clock Plumbing Pty Ltd, Oakleigh South. BPC Licence #50694, Type A gas, 22 years' experience. National Council member, Master Plumbers Australia & New Zealand. Related reading: commercial plumbing maintenance plans · the complete guide to blocked drains