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Unblocking Drains and Sewers Near You: Your Comprehensive Guide to our Professional Plumbing Services
Encountering a blocked drain or sewer is a frustrating and often unhygienic problem that can disrupt your entire household. Whether it's a slow-draining kitchen sink or a backed-up toilet, it's a job that requires swift action. A skilled plumber is the professional you need to diagnose and resolve the issue, often using specialised tools to get your plumbing system flowing freely again.
What is a Drain and Sewer Unblocking Service?
A drain and sewer unblocking service involves a professional plumber using their expertise and tools to clear an obstruction within your plumbing system. These blockages can occur in a variety of places, from the U-shaped pipe directly under your sink (the P-trap) to the main sewer line that carries all household waste to the municipal system. Plumbers can pinpoint the exact location and nature of the blockage and apply the most effective method, whether it's a simple drain snake or an advanced hydro-jetting machine.
How a Plumber Unblocks a Drain
When you call a professional plumber for a blocked drain, they follow a systematic approach to ensure the problem is solved safely and effectively.
- Diagnosis: The plumber will first assess the situation to determine the location and severity of the blockage. They might ask questions about which drains are affected and when the problem started. For more complex issues, they may use a CCTV drain camera to visually inspect the inside of the pipes.
- Choosing the Right Tool: Based on the diagnosis, the plumber will select the appropriate tool.
- Drain Snake (Auger): For localised clogs in a sink or toilet, a drain snake is often the first choice. This is a long, flexible metal cable that the plumber feeds into the pipe to physically break apart the blockage or retrieve it.
- Hydro-Jetting: For severe blockages, especially those caused by a build-up of fats, oils, and grease (FOG), a plumber might use a hydro-jetting machine. This tool blasts highly pressurised water through the pipes, scouring the inside walls and flushing out all debris, providing a complete and long-lasting clean.
- The Unblocking Process: The plumber will then use their chosen tool to clear the obstruction. They will work carefully to avoid damaging your pipes. For example, when using a powerful drain snake, they know exactly how to operate it without causing harm to older, more brittle pipes.
- Testing and Cleanup: Once the blockage is cleared, the plumber will run water through the drain to ensure it is flowing correctly. They will then clean up any mess, leaving the area tidy.
The Dangers of DIY and the Value of a Professional
While it might be tempting to tackle a blocked drain yourself, especially with chemical cleaners, this can be a dangerous and costly mistake.
- Risk to Pipes: Many chemical drain cleaners contain corrosive substances that can eat away at older pipes, especially PVC, leading to leaks, cracks, or even bursts. A plumber recently recounted a job where a homeowner had been using a chemical drain cleaner for months, and by the time he arrived, the plastic P-trap under the sink was so brittle it crumbled in his hand, turning a simple unblocking job into a more expensive pipe replacement.
- Ineffective Solution: Chemical cleaners often only burn a small hole through a blockage, leaving the majority of the build-up intact. This means the problem will likely return in a few days or weeks, forcing you to spend more money on another temporary fix.
- Safety Hazards: The chemicals in these products are highly toxic and can cause severe skin burns and respiratory issues. A professional plumber has the correct safety gear and the expertise to handle blockages without putting themselves or your home at risk.
A professional plumber provides a safe, effective, and lasting solution. They don't just clear the immediate problem; they identify the root cause and ensure it's properly dealt with, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Customer Stories and Results
A family in Fourways was battling a recurring kitchen sink blockage for months. They tried every DIY remedy, but the drain would clog up again within a week. When a professional plumber arrived, he performed a quick inspection and recommended hydro-jetting. It turned out that years of cooking oil and grease had created a solid, concrete-like build-up that a simple snake couldn't fully clear. After an hour of hydro-jetting, the pipes were spotless, and the drain has been running smoothly ever since. The family now knows to dispose of their grease properly and save themselves from a similar headache.
Post-Service Care: Preventing Future Blockages
Once your drain is clear, the best way to keep it that way is with good habits.
- Scrape plates into the bin: Before rinsing dishes, scrape all food scraps into the rubbish bin or compost. Even small pieces can contribute to a clog.
- Dispose of fats and oils properly: Never pour fats, oils, or grease (FOG) down the sink. Pour them into a jar or tin, let them cool and solidify, then throw them in the bin.
- Use a drain strainer: A simple mesh strainer in your plughole will catch food particles and other debris before they enter the pipes.
- Be mindful of what goes down: Avoid rinsing coffee grounds, flour, or other starchy foods down the drain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do plumbers identify the cause of a blockage?
Plumbers use a combination of methods. For simple clogs, they might start with a plunger and a drain snake. For recurring or more complex issues, they use a CCTV drain camera, which gives them a live visual of the inside of the pipes to see exactly what is causing the blockage and where it is located.
2. Can a professional plumber fix a burst pipe caused by a blockage?
Yes, a professional plumber has the skills and tools to repair or replace burst pipes. A blockage can sometimes cause enough pressure to crack or burst a pipe, which requires immediate attention from a qualified professional.
3. Is hydro-jetting suitable for all types of pipes?
Hydro-jetting is extremely powerful and effective, but it may not be suitable for old, fragile, or cracked pipes. A reputable plumber will often perform a camera inspection beforehand to ensure the pipes are in good enough condition to withstand the high pressure.
4. What is the difference between a drain and a sewer line?
A drain is the pipe that carries water from a single fixture (like a sink or shower). A sewer line is the main pipe that connects all the drains in your home and carries the waste to the municipal sewer system or a septic tank. A blockage in the sewer line will affect multiple drains in your house.
5. How long does a typical unblocking job take?
A simple clog cleared with a drain snake can often be done in less than an hour. A more complex job involving hydro-jetting or a camera inspection could take several hours, depending on the severity of the blockage and the length of the pipes.
6. Why does my kitchen sink drain keep getting blocked?
The most common cause of recurring kitchen sink blockages is the build-up of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) along with food scraps. Over time, these substances accumulate and harden, leading to a restricted flow and eventual blockage.
7. Can a plumber unblock a drain without a call-out fee?
Most professional plumbers charge a call-out fee, which typically covers their travel to your home and the initial assessment and first hour of labour. It's always best to confirm their pricing structure before they begin work.
8. What are the signs of a main sewer line blockage?
Signs of a main sewer line blockage include multiple blocked drains in your home, water backing up into a shower or toilet when you flush, gurgling sounds from your drains or toilet, and a foul, sewage-like odour coming from your drains.
9. Is it cheaper to do it myself or hire a professional?
While the upfront cost of DIY might seem cheaper, a professional provides a lasting solution. If a DIY attempt fails or damages your pipes, you could end up with a much larger and more expensive problem.
10. What can a professional plumber do that I can't?
A professional plumber has access to specialised tools like industrial drain snakes, CCTV cameras, and hydro-jetting machines. They also have the knowledge to identify the root cause of a problem, such as a collapsed pipe or tree root intrusion, and fix it safely and effectively.
Why you can trust us to get it right:
At Kandua, getting your home projects done is simple, safe, and stress-free.
- Tell us what you need – Or let our smart AI Home Companion help diagnose your problem if you’re not sure where to start.
- Get answers as you go – While posting your job, you can ask our smart AI home companion anything — from understanding typical costs, to how the process works, to how long it might take. Ask questions whenever they pop up, and get clear, helpful answers instantly.
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With Kandua, you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands from the first click to the final handshake.
A plumbing problem is never just “a small thing”. A dripping tap can turn into damp walls. A slow drain can become a full-on overflow. And when a geyser acts up, it’s suddenly everyone’s problem.
Kandua helps you get it sorted quickly by matching you with a vetted plumber for your job — whether it’s a repair, installation, inspection, or an urgent call-out.
A few quick answers (so you don’t have to scroll)
How do I choose a good plumber?
Pick someone who communicates clearly, explains the cause (not just the symptom), prices transparently, and can provide the right compliance paperwork where it’s required.
Do I need a plumbing certificate (COC) in South Africa?
Sometimes, yes — especially for bigger plumbing work and specific installations. If a job needs a Plumbing CoC, it must be issued by the right person (more on that below).
What should plumbing cost?
Most plumbers charge a call-out fee + hourly labour + materials. After-hours and specialist work (leak detection equipment, camera inspections, gas, hot water systems) usually costs more.
What should I do first in a plumbing emergency?
Turn off your main water supply, keep water away from electrics (switch off power if needed), and call a plumber.
Common plumbing problems (and what they usually mean)
You don’t need to diagnose like a plumber — but it helps to know what the signs typically point to.
“My water bill jumped”
Often linked to a hidden leak (toilet running silently, underground line leak, cracked pipe behind a wall). If you’ve ruled out obvious dripping taps, it’s worth booking leak detection early — it can save you from expensive “guess and break” repairs.
“My drain keeps blocking”
One blockage can be a once-off. Recurring blockages usually mean a deeper issue: build-up in the line, an incorrect slope, roots, or damage. This is where a camera inspection is a game-changer because it stops the cycle of temporary fixes.
“My geyser is leaking / overflowing / tripping power”
Geysers are high-pressure systems and often linked to electrical components too. If the geyser is leaking, the overflow is running constantly, or the power is tripping, don’t gamble — get a plumber involved quickly.
“Low water pressure everywhere”
Could be municipal supply — or it could be your pressure control valve, a partially closed stopcock, a clogged filter, pipe restrictions, or a leak. A good plumber will help you narrow this down fast.
When it’s a DIY job — and when it isn’t
DIY can work for simple, low-risk things (like replacing a shower head, cleaning an aerator, tightening a visible fitting).
Call a plumber when:
- the leak is hidden (walls/ceilings/floors)
- there’s sewage, a strong drain smell, or repeated backups
- you’re dealing with geysers, hot water systems, or pressure issues
- the job involves gas
- you may need a certificate for compliance, insurance, or future sale of the property
- you want the job done properly the first time (instead of paying twice)
Certifications, registrations & compliance in South Africa (what matters and when)
This is the part most people only learn after they’ve paid. Here’s the simple version.
1) Plumbing CoC (Certificate of Compliance)
A Plumbing Certificate of Compliance is a document confirming that plumbing work meets required standards and rules. You typically want a CoC when:
- major plumbing work is done (especially on water supply systems)
- hot water systems are installed or materially altered
- compliance is needed for insurance, sale of a property, or peace of mind
- the job is significant enough that you’d want proof it was done correctly
Important: not every small repair results in a CoC, but when a CoC is required, it must be issued by the appropriately authorised plumber (see PIRB below).
2) PIRB (Plumbing Industry Registration Board)
In South Africa, you’ll often hear plumbers mention PIRB. In practical terms:
- PIRB is linked to professional plumbing registration/designations.
- A PIRB-licensed plumber is typically the person who can issue a PIRB Plumbing CoC where applicable.
When you should ask about PIRB licensing:
If your job involves compliance paperwork, geysers/hot water systems, major installations, or work you’ll want certified for insurance or property transfer, ask upfront:
“Will I receive a Plumbing CoC, and are you licensed to issue it?”
3) Gas plumbing compliance (LPG / Natural Gas)
Gas work is a separate category because it carries higher risk. For gas installations and repairs, you should expect:
- the right gas-related registration/authorisation from the installer, and
- a Gas Certificate (often called a certificate of conformity/compliance) for the installation or modification.
When it’s needed:
New gas installations, changes to gas lines or appliances, or work that materially affects the gas system.
If a plumber is doing gas work, don’t be shy about asking:
“Will I receive the gas compliance certificate for this work?”
4) Solar geysers & heat pumps (hot water specialists)
Solar geysers and heat pumps sit in that “specialist” zone: plumbing, pressure, safety components, sometimes electrical integration too.
When you should care about specialist competency:
Installations, system changes, recurring failures, or when you want the job signed off properly. Ask whether the plumber is experienced specifically with solar hot water or heat pump systems — they’re not the same as a standard geyser swap.
5) Electrical CoC (sometimes relevant)
This is not a plumbing certificate — but it becomes relevant when hot water work involves electrical changes. If electrical components are installed/altered, the right electrician should handle that portion and issue the correct electrical compliance documentation.
Simple rule: plumbing paperwork for plumbing work, gas paperwork for gas work, electrical paperwork for electrical work.
Pricing: what to budget for plumbing in South Africa
Plumbing pricing varies a lot depending on where you live and what the job involves. Hiring a plumber in South Africa can cost anywhere from about R450 to R900+ per hour, with the overall price influenced by the job’s complexity, urgency, travel distance, and the plumber’s experience.
As a realistic rule of thumb :
- Standard labour often lands around R450–R850 per hour (excluding any call-out fee), with many homeowners commonly seeing ~R600–R900 depending on area and job type.
- Specialist work (complex diagnostics, difficult access, multiple points of failure) can push higher.
- Many plumbers quote ex VAT, so if you’re comparing quotes, always confirm whether VAT is included.
Typical cost structure
- Call-out fee (covers travel + initial assessment)
- Labour (hourly)
- Materials/parts
- After-hours premium (nights, weekends, public holidays)
- Specialist equipment (camera inspections, leak detection gear)
Typical hourly ranges you’ll see (guideline)
- Basic plumbing: ± R350 – R600/hour
- Average general plumbing: ± R500 – R850/hour
- Specialist / urgent work: ± R900 – R1,400/hour (sometimes more after-hours)
A realistic “small job” expectation
Even for something that sounds simple, budget for a call-out + 1–2 hours labour plus small parts. That’s why bundling a few small fixes in one visit often saves money.
10 genuinely helpful plumbing FAQ's
1) When should I get a drain & sewer camera inspection instead of just unblocking?
If the blockage keeps coming back, multiple fixtures are affected (e.g., toilet + shower), you’re getting gurgling sounds or sewer smells, or the plumber suspects roots/pipe damage. A camera inspection helps confirm why it’s blocking (build-up vs roots vs collapse) so you don’t keep paying for temporary fixes.
2) Is it safe to use drain cleaner chemicals for blocked drains?
Occasionally for minor, slow drains — but be cautious. Chemical cleaners can damage older pipes, create heat reactions, and are hazardous for you and the plumber. If you’ve used chemicals, tell the plumber before they work on the drain. For recurring blockages, mechanical clearing + camera inspection is usually safer and more effective.
3) How does professional leak detection work, and will it require breaking tiles or walls?
Leak detection typically uses non-destructive tools (depending on the leak type), like acoustic listening, pressure testing, and moisture mapping to narrow down the source. It usually reduces “guess-and-break”, but a small access point is sometimes still needed to confirm and repair the leak once the location is identified.
4) My geyser overflow pipe is dripping — is that normal?
A brief drip during heating can be normal because pressure rises as water heats. But constant dripping, heavy flow, or water running when no hot water was used can signal a pressure/valve issue or a failing component. If the overflow suddenly changes behaviour, get it checked—especially if you also notice low hot water, temperature fluctuations, or tripping power.
5) What’s the difference between a standard electric geyser, a heat pump, and a solar geyser — and what breaks most often?
- Electric geyser: simplest; common failures are element, thermostat, valves, and leaks from corrosion.
- Heat pump: heats water efficiently using a compressor; common issues include refrigerant leaks, compressor/fan faults, and control problems.
- Solar geyser: uses solar collectors; common issues include circulation problems, leaks, valve failures, and controller/sensor faults (depending on system type).
A plumber can advise which system suits your area, water hardness, usage, and roof layout.
6) Do I need special plumbing for installing a water filtration system?
Often, yes—especially for whole-house or under-sink systems. The plumber needs to confirm pipe sizes, water pressure, placement (so it’s serviceable), and whether a pressure-reducing valve or bypass loop is needed. Filter choice also depends on your water source (municipal vs borehole vs tank) and what you’re trying to remove (sediment, taste/odour, chlorine, bacteria).
7) Can a plumber install a washing machine or fridge water line, and what usually goes wrong?
Yes. Common problems are incorrect connectors, leaking valves, poor hose quality, and water hammer/pressure issues. A plumber will usually check that the shut-off valve works properly, connections are correct, and that the appliance has the right pressure and drainage setup.
8) What’s involved in installing a water tank backup system for a home?
Typically: tank placement, inlet/outlet plumbing, a pump (if needed), a non-return valve, and a safe changeover arrangement so tank water can’t feed back into the municipal supply. The right setup depends on whether you want the tank for garden use only, toilet flushing, partial household backup, or full backup.
9) When do I need septic system maintenance, and what are warning signs?
Warning signs include slow drains throughout the house, sewage smells outside, soggy ground near the tank/soakaway, gurgling pipes, and sewage backing up. Septic systems usually need periodic pumping/servicing depending on household size and tank capacity. Avoid flushing wipes/grease/chemicals—those are common causes of failures.
10) For gas plumbing (LPG or natural gas), what checks should I expect after installation or repair?
You should expect leak testing, safe routing of gas lines, correct fittings, and verification that appliances are correctly connected and ventilated where required. For installations or modifications, you should also expect the correct gas compliance certificate for the work performed. If a plumber is doing gas work, ask upfront what documentation you’ll receive and who is issuing it.
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