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Plumbing Blocked

Functional plumbing is something a lot of us in Australia take for granted. But the truth is, it can be all too easy to find yourself at the business end of a blocked pipe.

Here is our countdown of the top 6 reasons your plumbing might be blocked, how you can fix the issue, and ways to mitigate your risk going forward.

 

6. Fat Blockage

A lot of people wash the fat from a frying pan down their kitchen sink with nary a second thought. What most don’t realise is that it’s common for the fat to cool and solidify while still in your pipes. As the fat builds up over time, you can find yourself with a severe blockage that’s incredibly hard to budge without the proper equipment.

If you suspect a fat blockage in your pipes it’s best to get a professional plumber involved. They’ll be able to dislodge the fat with the proper tools and get your pipes back in working order.

To avoid the issue of a fat blockage in the first place, refrain from tipping any excess grease and fat from your frying pan down your drain. Instead, tip it into a container and throw it out with your food scraps.

 

5. Toilet Paper Blockage

Unsurprisingly, this blockage occurs in the toilet. Sometimes excess toilet paper can block or clog your toilet drainage.

This is usually a fairly minor blockage. Plunging the toilet is often enough to dislodge the toilet paper and get things running smoothly again.

 

4. Foreign Objects

This problem is particularly common in households with small children. Some kids have a seemingly endless fascination with flushing the toilet and all it takes is one toy dropped into the bowl to cause a blockage.

In fact, any item other than toilet paper can cause issues if flushed down the toilet. Sanitary items like pads and tampons are common culprits. Baby wipes and nappies have also caused many a plumber headaches.

A good rule of thumb: if it’s not toilet paper, don’t try to flush it.

 

3. Concrete or Grout Blockage

If you’ve recently moved into a newly built or renovated house only to get blocked drain after blocked drain, you might have your tilers to thank for it.

Some tilers don’t dispose of leftover grout from their work appropriately, instead they pour it down the drain. The grout or concrete will then settle at the bottom of the pipes and set, leaving the pipe partially blocked and prone to issues.

This one is an issue for the professionals. Plumbers will use either a jet rodder or a robotic cutter to remove the set concrete in the pipe. In severe cases, the pipe will need to be entirely dug up and replaced.

 

2. Tree Roots

Even if you have no large trees in your yard, tree roots might be the cause of your blocked pipes. Roots can travel long distances in search of water, particularly in times of drought or low rainfall.

Even very small breaks or cracks in your pipes can give roots access enough to block up your system. Badly glued joints can also be all tree roots need to take over.

If you suspect tree roots are the cause of your blocked pipes then it’s time to call the professionals. A licensed plumber will have the tools necessary to properly clear the roots from your pipes.

 

1. Bad Installation

Plumbing is a licensed trade for a reason. Pipes laid incorrectly can cause any number of issues that can lead to blockages or even structural damage to your property.

A couple of common issues associated with bad installation include:

Pipe Backfall

This is an issue where the pipes are laid without the requisite minimum fall to keep water flowing fast enough through the pipe. Pipe backfall can cause paper and other sediments to settle to the bottom of the pipe, eventually creating blockages.

Crushed or Collapsed Pipes

Crushed or collapsed pipes commonly occur if the pipes aren’t laid deep enough underground. Failure to surround underground pipes with sufficient sand or gravel is another common cause.

Pipes laid incorrectly can easily break when heavy vehicles such as a car or truck travel over them. Even tiny cracks can invite tree roots to cause blockages, but a partially or fully crushed pipe can spell a major problem.

 

Get Quality Plumbing Services in Brisbane

Blocked plumbing can happen to anyone, but not everyone is qualified to fix the issue. SJK Collective plumbers are certified professionals who’ve been dealing with plumbing issues in Brisbane for years. We’ve got you covered.

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    Ros Moran Avatar Ros Moran

    Nathan and Dom were so professional when they installed the air conditioners to our property. They were on time, only too happy to remove their shoes and kept the areas where they worked clean and tidy. They cleaned up everything and took all their rubbish away. They were polite and just so lovely to deal with. Such a credit to your company. Thanks again Nathan and Dom!

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    SJK Collective serviced my air-conditioner. I had noticed mould inside and requested a deep clean of the unit. Their service was professional, on time and efficient. I am now thankful for a clean air-conditioner! Highly recommended using SJK Collective!

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  • Excellent service, especially after hours. Reasonable callout fees too. Definitely give these guys a try. Updating this review to include a comment on their recent installation of our kitchen rangehood. Neat and tidy, no fuss, and the electricians were professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended.

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    SJK Collective were prompt, professional and punctual. They phoned me directly, which was appreciated than just getting a text message, and they confirmed the appointment the day before attending. The technician that turned up (Nathan), was friendly, professional and knowledgeable, and was able to point out several easy but practical maintenance tips. Would happily use SJK again.

    Mag “Magpye” Pye Avatar Mag “Magpye” Pye

    Needed a few outdoor lights to be replaced as well as installation of a couple additional ones as well. SJK were quick to deliver a quote and were able to book a date quickly as well. Cailem and his apprentice arrived right on time, were incredibly professional and raised a couple things with us throughout the installation that required our input before proceeding. Did a great job cleaning up too. Will happily get them out for any future work we need done.

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    Dean Gradidge Avatar Dean Gradidge
  • SJK Collective were prompt, professional and punctual. They phoned me directly, which was appreciated than just getting a text message, and they confirmed the appointment the day before attending. The technician that turned up (Nathan), was friendly, professional and knowledgeable, and was able to point out several easy but practical maintenance tips. Would happily use SJK again.

    Mag “Magpye” Pye Avatar Mag “Magpye” Pye
  • We had SJK install a new Fujitsu ducted air at home. The service was great! Guys were very punctual, personable and professional. They gave us confidence the job was done really well. We are really happy to recommend!

    Ros Moran Avatar Ros Moran
  • We had Nathan and Jeff out today to service three air conditioners. They were extremely professional, thoughtful, highly knowledgeable, and very efficient. We were incredibly impressed and would unreservedly recommend them! Many thanks for such excellent work and fitting us in-- especially during such a busy time!

    Katie R Avatar Katie R
  • SJK Collective serviced my air-conditioner. I had noticed mould inside and requested a deep clean of the unit. Their service was professional, on time and efficient. I am now thankful for a clean air-conditioner! Highly recommended using SJK Collective!

    Alicia Rafferty Avatar Alicia Rafferty
  • Responsive, excellent communication, team members on time, pleasant to deal with and across all details of my order. Couldn’t recommend this company more. Professional and an example to other companies on great customer experience. Thank you for the recommendation Jordan, the great work Egan and Ben and great customer service and communication Lincoln and Mikaela! Would definitely recommend this company for any future electrical and plumbing needs!

    Dean Gradidge Avatar Dean Gradidge
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    Michelle Bond Avatar Michelle Bond
  • Excellent service, especially after hours. Reasonable callout fees too. Definitely give these guys a try. Updating this review to include a comment on their recent installation of our kitchen rangehood. Neat and tidy, no fuss, and the electricians were professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended.

    Elly “Elly” Bruce Avatar Elly “Elly” Bruce
  • Nathan and Dom were so professional when they installed the air conditioners to our property. They were on time, only too happy to remove their shoes and kept the areas where they worked clean and tidy. They cleaned up everything and took all their rubbish away. They were polite and just so lovely to deal with. Such a credit to your company. Thanks again Nathan and Dom!

    Kerri King Avatar Kerri King
  • Needed a few outdoor lights to be replaced as well as installation of a couple additional ones as well. SJK were quick to deliver a quote and were able to book a date quickly as well. Cailem and his apprentice arrived right on time, were incredibly professional and raised a couple things with us throughout the installation that required our input before proceeding. Did a great job cleaning up too. Will happily get them out for any future work we need done.

    James Drewe Avatar James Drewe

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SJK Collective

SJK Collective

SJK Collective are a team of experts who will get the job done affordably and professionally! Situated in Brisbane, SJK Collective is a locally owned company who have been around for over 10 years. With a motto of ‘no problems, only solutions’ SJK Collective offers a full scale electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, gas and solar service to Brisbane and surrounding regions.

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