Case Study – Blocked Drain in Braybrook

Recently, we received a customer enquiry regarding a blocked sewer drain at a home in Braybrook, Melbourne. The customer explained that all plumbing appliances in the home were being affected. Richard, our plumbing operations manager and estimator, took the call and organised an emergency response.

Arrival on Site

Matthew attended site at the appointed time with all the drain cleaning equipment, including a high-pressure water jet, sewer machine (sewer snake) and CCTV equipment to give him the best opportunity of unblocking the drain.

Unfortunately, what Matthew found was a clogged drain located at the property boundary that he could not clear. After persisting with all options to clear the drain, Matthew explained to the owner in detail what he had found and that the only option was to excavate and replace the damaged section of pipe.

Free Fixed Price Quotation and 100% customer Satisfaction Guarantee

 Providing a Fixed Price Quote

Matthew organised with the owner for Richard, our estimator, to provide a fixed price detailed quote to carry out the plumbing repairs required to get the sewer drain running with the added security of a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.

Richard explained the quote to the owner to make sure he had a clear understanding of the works that were required to repair the blocked drain. The owner then had a clear understanding and was confident the works would be carried out to the highest of standards and, on completion, his property would be left as it was found without the blocked drain.

Below Ground Drainage Approvals

The quote was accepted, and with all below ground drainage works in Victoria your licensed plumber must apply to the relevant water authority for a consent to connect approval. The they must lodge a below ground drainage inspection with the Victorian Building Authority prior to works commencing. Richard completed all applications and, after receiving approval, he scheduled the works to commence at a time and day that suited the owner.

Excavation

Matthew and Ben, two of our expert Plumbers, were allocated the job of excavating and repairing the blocked drainpipe. Matthew was the plumber that originally attended site to try and unblock the drain, so he was aware of the exact location and depth of the clogged drainpipe.

After arriving on site, they completed a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) before commencing with the excavation work. What they found was the property sewer boundary trap, lead off and vent had collapsed. They needed to remove this section of pipe to be able to inspect the drain with a camera in both directions - upstream towards the house and downstream to the main sewer drain.

What they found was the drain had further damage in both directions and further works were required to be able to permanently fix the plumbing problem. Video footage was shown to the owner and they explained the reasons these works needed to be carried out. Another fixed price quote was provided for the additional work to which the owner was grateful for the clear lines of communication and agreed to continue.

Excavation Risks

Essendon Plumbing Services always contacts ‘Dial before you Dig’ before any excavation works are carried out. It is a free national service that assists in preventing damage and disruption to Australia’s vast infrastructure networks. The response informs the applicant of any registered national infrastructure assets in the area of the proposed works to prevent the loss or damage to infrastructure and harm to the greater community.

Other items to consider when working outside the property boundary or within easements are Council road opening permits, these are generally required when working within footpaths and nature strips and Vic Roads would need to be notified of any works that may interrupt public roads and possibly require a traffic management plan.

Repairing & Testing the Drain

Excavation then continued to allow all damaged sections of sewer pipe to be replaced. Trench shoring was installed assuring a safe workplace, then all damaged sewer drains were replaced. All new pipework was tested ready for an inspection with the Victorian Building Authority for the following morning.

Matthew and Ben passed their inspection and the excavation was ready to be backfilled. Once completed, all rubbish and excess soil was removed from site and the finished job was ready to be inspected by the owner. Ben and Matthew received a tick of approval from the owner and Essendon Plumbing Services had another satisfied customer.

Contact Us

Essendon Plumbing Services has an experienced team of Master Plumbers ready to find and fix your plumbing problem, no matter where they are or when you need us.

If you have a blocked drain in Melbourne and are looking for a plumbing company that goes above and beyond then call us now on 1300 193 298 or book online.