Drain Blockage
Drain Blockage | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Speedwell
When sinks burble, showers back-up, or the street outside your Speedwell home suddenly smells like a swamp, HEP’s local engineers sprint into action. Armed with high-pressure jetters, CCTV cameras, and decades of know-how, we diagnose blockages fast and clear them even faster—without turning your kitchen into a construction site. From fat-berged kitchen lines to root-infested outdoor drains, we restore flow safely and leave everything spotless, so you can get back to normal life before the kettle even finishes boiling.
Our 24/7 emergency call-out guarantees rapid response for planned maintenance or urgent drain opening, all priced transparently and backed by a satisfaction promise. Friendly, accredited, and fully insured, the HEP crew treats every property in Speedwell as if it were their own—because reliable drainage isn’t just plumbing, it’s peace of mind.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my drain in Speedwell is blocked?
Typical warning signs include: slow-draining sinks, baths or showers; gurgling sounds from pipes or plugholes; unpleasant odours coming from the drain; water backing up into fixtures; and outside, standing water around manhole covers. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to call us before the blockage worsens and causes water damage.
What usually causes drain blockages in homes and businesses around Speedwell?
Indoor blockages are often caused by a build-up of fats, oils and grease (FOG), food scraps, hair, soap scum, wet wipes and sanitary products. Outdoor drains can be obstructed by tree roots, sediment, leaves and debris washed in by heavy rain. Older clay or cast-iron pipework in Speedwell properties can also crack or collapse, trapping debris and causing repeated clogs.
How do your plumbers clear a blocked drain and how long does it take?
After a quick assessment, our team will decide on the most effective method: high-pressure water jetting for stubborn build-ups, mechanical rodding/augering for solid obstructions, or an eco-friendly enzyme treatment for minor grease problems. For recurring issues, we can carry out a CCTV camera inspection to pinpoint damage or root ingress. Most household blockages are cleared within an hour; more complex jobs may take 2–3 hours, but we’ll always give you an upfront estimate before starting.
Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners instead of calling a plumber?
Over-the-counter chemical cleaners can sometimes shift light grease clogs, but they’re highly caustic. Frequent use can corrode metal or PVC pipes, damage septic systems, and harm the environment. They also pose a burn and inhalation hazard if misused. If your drain is still slow after one gentle attempt, or if water is completely backed up, it’s safer and ultimately cheaper to have a professional clear it mechanically or with hydro-jetting.
What areas do you cover around Speedwell and how fast can you respond?
Our engineers cover all of Speedwell plus the surrounding suburbs—Eastville, Stapleton, Fishponds, St George and Bishopston. We operate 24/7, including weekends and holidays. For emergency blockages we aim to arrive within 60 minutes anywhere in Speedwell; non-urgent appointments can be scheduled at a convenient time the same or next day.
How can I prevent drains from blocking again after you’ve cleared them?
• Keep food scraps, coffee grounds and cooking fats out of kitchen sinks—use a strainer and wipe pans with a paper towel before washing. • Run hot water with a squirt of washing-up liquid down the sink each week to help disperse grease. • In bathrooms, fit hair catchers over plugholes and empty them regularly. • Never flush wipes, cotton buds or sanitary items—bin them instead. • Outside, clear leaves from gutters and gully grates; book an annual CCTV drain survey if you have mature trees nearby. • Finally, consider a professional maintenance jetting service once a year for high-use or commercial drains.