NSW Contractor Licence 123739C30+ years on Sydney drains

Emergency blocked drain response
Call 0472 753 487

Sewer safety first

Call if wastewater is backing up through toilets, floor wastes or the outside gully. Several fixtures reacting together often point to the sewer line.

Call 0472 753 487Send drain details
Root-blocked clay sewer pipe exposed during the Ryde repair
  1. 01StopLimit water use when toilets, gullies or floor wastes are rising.
  2. 02Keep clearKeep people and pets away from sewage and wet electrical areas.
  3. 03CallSay which wastewater fixtures are backing up and where it appears.

Fast answer

Check the private sewer line

When several wastewater fixtures react together, the blockage is usually beyond one fixture. Clear the private sewer from safe access, then consider CCTV if the same line blocks again or it is unclear which pipe is involved.

Signs the blockage is in the sewer line

  1. 01Several wastewater fixtures back up together
  2. 02The overflow gully rises during water use
  3. 03Toilets gurgle or lose their normal water level
  4. 04Wastewater appears at a floor waste or outside opening

Clearing the sewer

Trace the shared sewer blockage

Several wastewater fixtures reacting together usually point to a branch or main sewer blockage. Clearing restores flow; CCTV can then show roots, damage or where the problem sits.

Large tree root removed from a damaged clay sewer pipe in Ryde
Tree roots removed from the damaged clay sewer during the Ryde repair.

How the next step is chosen

01
Sewer jetting
For main lines that can safely be jetted to remove roots, debris or wall build-up.
02
CCTV and locating
To show the pipe condition and where a repeat problem sits.
03
Targeted repair or relining
When inspection confirms a defect and the pipe suits the chosen repair.

Completed work

Related drain projects

See the problem, what was found, the work completed and the result from real Sydney drain jobs.

What happens

Check the sewer, clear the blockage and inspect when needed

The line is made safe, cleared through the right access point, and inspected where needed to reduce repeat overflow risk.

  1. 01

    Check

    Confirm whether wastewater is actively backing up.

  2. 02

    Access

    Locate the sewer access and note which fixtures are backing up.

  3. 03

    Clear

    Clear the obstruction and restore flow.

  4. 04

    Inspect

    Check for underlying root or pipe damage.

Before you book

Blocked Sewer questions

Straight answers about when this service helps, what is involved and what happens next.

View all drain questions
Is a blocked sewer an emergency?

It is urgent when wastewater is backing up, overflowing outside or rising through more than one fixture. Stop adding water and call 0472 753 487.

Why are my toilet and shower blocked together?

Multiple fixtures backing up usually points to a shared branch or main sewer line blockage rather than a single fixture problem.

Is the blocked sewer my responsibility or Sydney Water’s?

It depends on where the blockage is. Property owners generally arrange work on private wastewater drains, while Sydney Water manages problems in its wastewater network.

Can tree roots block a private sewer line?

Roots can enter through a crack, open joint or other defect and trap wastewater material. Clearing restores flow; CCTV can record the entry point and pipe condition when repair advice is needed.

When does a blocked sewer need CCTV inspection?

CCTV can help after clearing when the blockage returns, roots or damage are suspected, the problem location is unclear or you need to know which pipe is involved.

Helpful reading

Drain guides worth a look

  1. Collage showing root blockage, damaged pipe, and replacement pipework5 June 2026 · 2 min readTree Roots In Sewer Drains: How They Get In, Signs And Repair OptionsTree roots are a recognised cause of recurring sewer blockages. Learn how they enter damaged pipes, what the warning signs mean and how repair options are assessed.Read guide
  2. Stormwater pipework installed in a prepared drainage trench10 July 2026 · 3 min readSewer vs Stormwater: Who Needs to Arrange the Work?Tell a sewer blockage from a stormwater problem, then work out whether the property owner, strata, council or Sydney Water may need to arrange the work.Read guide
  3. Exposed clay drain pipe with root damage visible in the trench5 June 2026 · 3 min readWhen Drain Relining Is Worth It vs When to DigRelining can avoid some excavation, but it only suits certain pipe conditions. CCTV checks the pipe before the repair is chosen.Read guide

Sydney service areas

Blocked drain help across Sydney

Choose your part of Sydney, or call with your suburb and tell Scott what the drain is doing.

All locations

Blocked drain help

Get help with the blockage

Call if the drain is overflowing or backing up, or send your suburb, symptoms and access details.

Call 0472 753 487

Add photos if they help show the drain, overflow or access point.

Request help

Send the drain details

Send your suburb, which drains are backing up and any useful access details. Scott will come back to you with the next step.