Problem
A property in Chisholm, Canberra ACT was facing major sewer issues. The main toilet was slow to flush, while the ensuite toilet worked fine. Every flush caused the external sewer outlet to flood, clearly pointing to a significant blockage underground. The homeowner had already attempted to remove some debris, which gave temporary relief, but the underlying problem remained and required professional intervention.
Assessment
When our team arrived, led by Andre, it was evident this wasn’t a simple blockage. The sewer line needed a thorough investigation. We identified two key issues:
- Root intrusion near the government connection point — tree roots had invaded the pipe collar, restricting flow and threatening the long-term reliability of the system.
- Severe root intrusion in the toilet line — this made it impossible to pass equipment through without specialist jetting.
Our recommendation was to excavate and raise the riser at the sewer connection to prevent future root intrusions. While this was advised, the customer preferred to hold off on that larger investment for now.
What We Did
We started jetting the main line from the toilet inspection opening, but the Jetter was behaving strangely. Switching tactics, Andre used an eel from the downstream manhole. Within moments, we struck the obstruction — a mass of roots — and cleared it with a dramatic release. The main line immediately flowed freely.
Next, we ran a CCTV drain camera to inspect the full line. From the house all the way to the government connection, the pipe was in excellent condition apart from the collar where the roots had entered.
Inside, we attempted to clear the toilet line with the eel, but the roots were too dense to push through. We explained the options to the homeowner: return with the Jetter to properly clear the line, or remove the toilet to access and clear from inside. Given it was already late evening, the client chose to manage the toilet line themselves for now, knowing they could call us back at any time.
Materials & Standards
- High-pressure water jetting was used in line with ACT plumbing safety standards.
- CCTV drain inspection confirmed the integrity of the pipes.
- Eel drain clearing was applied where jetting access was limited.
Our work followed AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage standards, ensuring safe, compliant, and long-lasting results.
Results
The main sewer line was restored to full flow, preventing further flooding and sewage backups. The customer was pleased with the efficiency, communication, and clear explanation of options moving forward.
Their 5-star review summed it up perfectly:
“Legendary work from the team at Water Tight.”
Tips
- Don’t ignore slow drains or gurgling toilets — these are often early signs of root intrusion.
- Regular CCTV inspections (every 2–3 years) help catch issues before they become major blockages.
- Consider excavation and riser upgrades where root intrusion is persistent — it’s an upfront investment that prevents recurring blockages.
Location Notes
This job was carried out in Chisholm, Tuggeranong ACT. The suburb has many established trees, which makes root intrusion into older sewer lines common. Homeowners in Tuggeranong should be particularly vigilant about drain maintenance to avoid costly emergencies.
Gallery
“Legendary work from the team at Water Tight.”
