A camera report from a drain plumber usually comes as a USB video + a short written note. Most homeowners aren’t sure what they’re looking at. Here’s how to read one, the five things that matter, and the questions worth asking.
Our Plumbing Blog
Welcome to the Drain Masters Plumbing blog – your trusted resource for all drainage solutions and blocked drains advise. From identifying early signs of a blockage to understanding the best solutions for stubborn clogs, our guides are here to help you keep your drains flowing smoothly. Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, our expert advice can save you time, stress, and money. Need immediate help or more information on our drainage services? Get a free quote from the Gold Coast & Tweed Heads drainage specialists at Drain Masters Plumbing.
What $480 actually gets you on a blocked drain call-out
$480 flat for the first hour on a blocked drain. People reasonably ask what that covers and what it doesn’t. Here’s a plain breakdown of what’s included, what isn’t, and why the all-inclusive price exists.
No-dig reline or dig and replace: how we decide which is right for your sewer
Pipe reline is marketed as the modern fix for any sewer problem. Dig and replace is the old-school option that some plumbers still default to. Both are valid. Here’s how we decide which is actually right for your job.
5 lessons from a year of fixing drains across Tweed Heads
Blocked drains, stormwater failures and the odd star picket. After a year of drainage work across Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Chinderah and the Northern Rivers, the same patterns keep showing up. Here’s what we see most often and what to do about it.
From the archive, Chapel Hill sewer: council sent them to our side, old tree gone but roots still finding the break
Historical case study. A Chapel Hill homeowner had a recurring blocked sewer. Council investigated a year earlier and sent them to the property-side responsibility. We cleared the blockage, found an old tree-root-caused break still letting new roots in. Quoting the repair and submitting Form 4 to council. Also located an old irrigation leak that was unrelated.
From the archive, Commercial stormwater change-over: bolts, nuts, rust, oils, 2-3 days with the hydro-excavation crew
Historical case study. A commercial block was changing occupancies and needed the main stormwater lines cleared. The lines were packed with industrial debris: bolts, nuts, rust, oils. Could not legally flush to the main stormwater, so hydro-excavation crew sucked the debris as we cleared it. Two to three days of work.
From the archive, Matty’s own Kingscliff place: full backyard retaining wall, drainage, stormwater, pathway
Historical case study. When Matty bought his own place in Kingscliff three years ago, he renovated the whole backyard himself. New retaining wall, waterproofing, Aggie drainage, new stormwater line out to the street, sewer tidy-up, and a slate stepping-stone pathway. The signature piece, same spec he builds for customers.
From the archive, Urban Utilities contract: CCTV investigation of a pump-blocking stormwater issue
Historical case study. Urban Utilities engaged us to investigate what was blocking one of their pumps. CCTV survey of the upstream stormwater lines feeding the pump area. Infrastructure photos redacted for privacy; the stormwater approach is shown.
From the archive, Pub beer-line conduit clear: vacuum excavation, hydrojet, disinfectant, repeat
Historical case study. A beer company engaged us to prepare 225mm conduits for new beer lines at a Brisbane pub. Vacuum excavated access, hydrojet cleared the old debris, disinfectant through the lines, then a second hydrojet pass. We have done a few of these.
From the archive, Brisbane commercial food court: after-hours hydrojet, 4-5 Asian cuisine kitchens, extensive fat
Historical case study. Brisbane commercial food court with 4-5 Asian cuisine shops shared a main drain. Years of fat built up. We attended after hours when the shops were closed, hydrojet the lines, CCTV confirmed clear.
From the archive, Brisbane high moisture downstairs: builders debris + an underwater spring
Historical case study. New Brisbane homeowner with high moisture readings downstairs. Behind the house we found a pile of builders debris left against the wall and an underwater spring sitting below the drainage outlet. Installed a 300mm pit with a pump to lift the water into the stormwater line.
From the archive, 90mm PVC cracked by roots: why we always lay 100mm in the ground
Historical case study. 90mm PVC in the ground, cracked by nearby tree roots, extensive root ingress. Unsuccessful at clearing the line. Quoted the pipe repair. The lesson: never lay 90mm in the ground.
