Water Tight Canberra plumber using hydro-jetter to clear blocked toilet in Chisholm

A blocked toilet in a Chisholm home quickly turned into a smooth, same-day fix thanks to Water Tight Canberra’s expert approach. Our plumber Tuggeranong team, attended promptly, diagnosed tree root intrusion in the sewer line, and restored full flow, leaving another homeowner impressed with the professionalism and quality of work.

“Andre attended to address an issue with our pipes. He was extremely professional and did a fantastic job would definitely recommend.”
Homeowner, 5-Star Google Review


Problem

The homeowner in Chisholm noticed their toilet was draining unusually slowly, a classic sign of a developing sewer blockage. Left unresolved, this could have led to a complete toilet backup, water damage, and health risks due to sewage overflow.

Tree roots are a frequent culprit in Chisholm’s older properties, where original earthenware pipes allow roots to infiltrate small cracks and joints. Once inside, they expand, catch waste, and form dense blockages that restrict flow.

With one of the home’s most essential fixtures at risk, the situation demanded urgent attention. For residents facing a blocked toilet or any sewer issues, calling a blocked drain Canberra specialist ensures the problem is cleared safely and effectively, preventing it from escalating into a serious sanitation hazard.


Assessment

Our licensed Canberra plumber, Andre Zakman, attended the property to conduct a full drain inspection and assessment. Using our CCTV drain inspection equipment, he confirmed that the blockage was located around 0.5m upstream from the sewer tie, where tree roots had entered the pipe.

This inspection was supported by accurate tie plan mapping from Block 18, Section 511, Chisholm, allowing us to pinpoint the issue without unnecessary excavation.

By integrating our CCTV and jetting equipment, we confirmed that the drain was otherwise in good condition once the roots were removed. For residents looking to prevent future problems, professional drain cleaning Canberra services provide an effective way to maintain clear pipes without the need for full replacement.

Learn more about our advanced diagnostics here: CCTV Drain Inspection Canberra.


What We Did

Andre arrived promptly for the scheduled appointment and set up the high-pressure hydro-jetter to clear the affected line.

After a quick 20-minute hose repair at the start (not billed to the customer), he spent just under two hours methodically jetting the line clear of all tree roots. The process involved:

  1. Inserting the jetting nozzle into the sewer inspection point.
  2. Clearing the main line towards the tie.
  3. Flushing debris and confirming flow using CCTV re-inspection.
  4. Providing recommendations for long-term management.

Once the drain was fully cleared, the toilet drained smoothly with no residual restriction. Andre then discussed ongoing preventive maintenance options with the homeowner, including installing an inspection opening (IO) at the toilet connection for easier future access.

Disruption to the home was minimal, no excavation, no odour, and no downtime.


Materials & Standards

All jetting and cleaning equipment used is compliant with AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage Standards, ensuring the integrity of the existing pipework was preserved.

Where future upgrades are recommended, we specify watermarked fittings and 50-year life expectancy materials. This ensures homeowners in Canberra enjoy long-term reliability, not just a temporary fix.

Our focus on compliance and prevention means every blocked drain job meets Water Tight Canberra’s strict quality control process, no shortcuts, no guesswork.


Results

Before our visit, the toilet drained so slowly it risked backing up entirely. After the hydro-jetting and inspection, it now operates at full capacity with unrestricted flow.

The customer’s 5-star Google review reflects exactly what we aim for on every job:

“Andre attended to address an issue with our pipes. He was extremely professional and did a fantastic job would definitely recommend.”

By tackling the problem early, the homeowner avoided a costly emergency callout or full pipe excavation. They now have peace of mind — and a plan for ongoing maintenance to prevent future blockages.


Tips

If your toilet begins to drain slowly or gurgle, don’t ignore it — it’s usually an early sign of tree root intrusion.
invest in our drain cleaning Canberra service, and receive professionally jetted and inspected drains every 2–3 years, especially in established suburbs like Chisholm, where mature trees and clay pipes are common.


Location Notes

Chisholm’s homes often feature earthenware or terracotta sewer systems, which are prone to tree root ingress and joint separation. Preventive maintenance and CCTV inspections are the best way to avoid avoid unexpected plumbing issues and costly repairs.

For prompt, reliable assistance when problems occur, Water Tight Canberra is your trusted plumber in Tuggeranong, offering expert blocked drain solutions, comprehensive plumbing maintenance, and emergency plumber services to get your home back in working order fast. Call us today on (02) 6195 9991.


Before: Slow-draining toilet and roots visible in sewer line.
After: Drain fully cleared, unrestricted flow confirmed.

“Andre attended to address an issue with our pipes. He was extremely professional and did a fantastic job would definitely recommend.”
Homeowner, 5-Star Google Review

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