JML Plumbing, one of Canberra's most recommended plumbing services. Photo: Region Media.
If you have a blocked drain in your home, chances are you’ll know it. Your sinks or toilets might be slow to drain, overflowing or making unusual gurgling sounds. Other times, the first sign of a blockage is the whiff of an unpleasant odour emanating from a drain.
A qualified and experienced blocked drain specialist can clear a clogged drain, fix a broken one and maintain your drains to keep your home’s plumbing operating at its best.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a blocked drain specialist, and where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great blocked drain plumber?
Choosing the right expert to fast-track fixing your blocked drain will take the stress out of a situation that, if not fixed quickly, can cause serious damage to your home or property.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a blocked drain specialist.
- Experience. Fixing heavy-duty blockages requires specialist knowledge that not all plumbers have. Check that your chosen specialist has the experience to get the job done.
- Reliable and respectful. Your blocked drain specialist should arrive when they say they will (give or take a few minutes) and be ready to work. They’ll treat your home just as they would their own, will be careful with your belongings and keep disruption to a minimum.
- Prompt communication. If you’re like most people, you’ll want your drain unblocked quickly. Select a blocked drain specialist who responds to your query quickly and can get to your home as soon as practical.
- Transparent pricing. Your blocked drain specialist should be upfront about how much things will cost. Quotes should be detailed and itemised and so should invoices. You shouldn’t be surprised at the end of the job with unexpected fees or charges.
- Specialist parts and products. For longevity and real value-for-money, opt for a blocked drain specialist who uses the best parts and/or products for the job (not always the ones that cost the least).
- Appropriate licences and insurances. In the ACT, all plumbers need to be licensed and meet eligibility requirements (such as having completed a relevant qualification). Double check that your blocked drain specialist is licensed and has current public and products liability insurance to protect you if work doesn’t go to plan.
Important essentials to check before engaging a plumber
Master Plumbers ACT recommends you conduct these checks before engaging a plumber. They’re easy and only take five minutes. They’ll ensure you don’t engage a dodgy plumber.
- Check that the plumber has a registered business by checking they’re registered through the Australian Business Registration website.
- Check that the plumber is registered on the Access Canberra List of Licensed Plumbers. If you can’t find their name, they’re probably not licensed.
- Check the plumber’s website and advertising. Make sure their ABN and license number are posted and check if they have Public Liability Insurance. Also check if they hold a membership in a reputable industry association such as Master Plumbers ACT. If they don’t have a website or don’t have this information on their site, it’s likely best to move on.
- Ask the plumber you choose to bring proof of their Public Liability Insurance when they arrive on site.
The best blocked drain plumbers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook and maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
JML Plumbing and Gas
JML Plumbing & Gas specialises in same-day blocked drains services across Canberra. In 2022, the company was nominated in the Canberra Region’s Local Business Awards and was runner-up in the best trades and service business category.
JML Plumbing & Gas, licensed in the ACT and NSW, has over 70 years’ combined experience in blocked drains. Its highly skilled workforce offers a wide range of plumbing services, using cutting-edge equipment, dedicated vehicles, and a workshop designed to test and perfect drain clearing equipment. The team provides cost-effective, flexible and up-to-date services.
With blocked drains, JML Plumbing & Gas has all the equipment needed for any plumbing needs and provides the best solution at fixed rates. JML Plumbing & Gas handles plumbing for all jobs, whether a 20-storey building with a flooding basement or blocked sewer stack line, to a single unit or house with an overflowing drainage pipe or blocked toilet. Blockages are cleared the same day.
ACT licensed plumber: 201244. Member of Master Plumbers ACT.
Jessica Johnson wrote on Google, “JML Plumbing & Gas was the only plumbing company I spoke with that didn't harass or pressure me to accept their quote … while my drain was blocked with roots, it wasn't the dire situation described by other companies. The blockage was cleared for less than $500.”
Water Tight Canberra
Founded in 2010 by Tom Martin, Water Tight Canberra provides plumbing, drainage and gas fitting services in the ACT and surrounding region. All work is guaranteed, and plumbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With Water Tight Canberra, drains are cleared as soon as possible and work areas left in pristine condition.
As a national 2019 Telstra Business Award winner, Water Tight Canberra has a reputation for clearing clogged drains, fixing broken drains and maintaining drains to keep home plumbing operating at its best. No job is too big or small and the Water Tight Canberra team has the skills, equipment and ability to get the job done asap so clients can get on with their lives.
When you choose Water Tight Canberra, you can expect to have your drains cleared as soon as possible, and the work area left in a pristine condition.
Customers say they appreciate Water Tight Canberra’s punctuality, commitment to customer service and honest advice.
Water Tight Canberra is currently offering a special offer for blocked drains in Canberra. Save 50 per cent on the use of a sewer CCTV camera when booking to have a drain cleared with an electric eel or jet rodder. To redeem, mention this offer when booking.
Telstra Business Award winner, Water Tight Canberra has a reputation for quality plumbing services – including repairing and replacing hot water systems – in the ACT and region.
On Google, Maria Hart wrote, “I called Water Tight to fix a blocked underground drain in my backyard. I had a plumber turn up following day and fixed the problem pronto. No more flooded backyard. Very pleased with the service provided.”
ACT licensed plumber: 2017441. Member of Master Plumbers ACT.
Rydeau Plumbing
Blocked drains can be serious and expensive. Family owned Rydeau Plumbing provides expert plumbing service seven days a week, with rapid response and competitive pricing. Expert plumbers unblock drains for residential and commercial clients, with a lifetime labour guarantee.
Rydeau Plumbing works quickly knowing that a poorly functioning drainage system is risky and can be a health hazard. Fully trained, licensed and insured plumbers can use CCTV technology to pinpoint blockages. Expert plumbers identify signs of blocks and clogs, including noises, strong odours, slow draining, water pooling and backflow.
Blockages are then removed and, if necessary, pipes replaced, for both emergency and regular calls.
With over 29 years’ experience, Rydeau Plumbing also provides regular maintenance of drains and pipes, helping to avoid future blockages and costly emergencies.
Quality, cost-effective plumbing is a hallmark of Rydeau Plumbing’s service. The team never takes short cuts and returns to fix problems.
Rydeau Plumbing offers high-quality end-to-end solutions. Written quotes are itemised and pricing fixed.
Alexandra Patterson wrote on Google, “We have had so many plumbing problems at our new place. We’ve used Rydeau and Ben for every single job and wouldn’t even consider using a different plumber.”
ACT licensed plumber 2020784. Member of Master Plumbers ACT.
Blueline Plumbing & Gas
With over twenty years’ combined experience, Blueline Plumbing & Gas have built a reputation of excellence for catering to the regions residential plumbing and gas fitting needs. When it comes to blockage issues Blueline’s team of expert plumbers utilise the latest in technology to unblock drains, sinks and toilets fast.
This award-winning team were recognised in Canberra’s Local Business Awards and at the national Australian Small Business Champion Awards. It comes as no surprise that the team at Blueline Plumbing & Gas prioritise service, ensuring minimal disruption and offering peace of mind for clients.
With a focus on residential plumbing, water, and gas, their broad expertise ensures jobs are completed swiftly and correctly, saving customers both time and money. Blueline Plumbing & Gas also understand the importance of transparency, steering clear of short cuts and providing clients with clarity and solutions.
Blueline Plumbing & Gas use premium products and parts ensuring a dependable quality outcome. For added convenience they also provide a two-hour service window and 30-minute notification period for clients.
Importantly, Blueline Plumbing & Gas is fully licenced and accredited. Services are conducted with safety and regulation first, delivering results for clients the first time around. For prompt attention on your blocked drain woes look no further than Blueline Plumbing & Gas.
Geoff Fisher shared his experience with the team on Google, “Anthony from Blueline sorted out a blocked drain at our house. He’s professional, on time and provides good advice…. I’ve used Blueline on three occasions over the past couple of years and wouldn’t use another plumber.”
Jet Blast Plumbing
Jet Blast Plumbing is a local family run business that specialises in clearing blocked drains. With over 25 years’ experience, they offer a quick response time and are equipped with the latest tools to have your blocked drain cleared fast. Emergency call-outs are no problem as they have a plumber available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Jet Blast Plumbing are local, licensed and will locate and clear your blockage in no time. They are well equipped with a drain camera and high pressure water jetter which boasts 31 horsepower and expels 31 litres of water per minute.
Jet Blast Plumbing offers a $0 call out fee (some conditions apply) and will provide a flat rate fee before commencing any work. They are also qualified to carry out extensive drain dig up and re-location services.
As Vanessa Clark wrote on Google, "I submitted a query via the webpage, got a call within 5 minutes and within 15 minutes Tony was already at my place unblocking the drain".
ACT Licensed Plumber: 2018299.
Definitive Plumbing and Gas
Definitive Plumbing, Canberra owned and operated, provides reliable repair for blocked drains, fixing problems quickly to relieve stress and inconvenience. With over 10 years’ experience, the team clears and fixes blocked drains, including in emergencies. Definitive Plumbing only uses innovative tools to achieve results. Plumbers diagnose blocked drains with precision and work safely until the job is done. Definitive Plumbing is fully licensed and insured.
Brian Dunlop wrote on Google, “Fast response, professional and friendly from initial contact to job completion.”
If you’re looking for more specialised plumbing services, check out our other articles on the best plumbers, the best emergency plumbers, the best commercial plumbers, the best toilet repair specialists, the best hot water systems repairers and the best gas fitters in Canberra.
Your experience with blocked drain plumbers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you used any of the drain specialists listed above? Share your experience in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a blocked drain?
Keep your eye out for several warning signs to avoid blocked drain disasters. Act quickly if you think you have a problem or fixing the issue could cause you more time, money and stress. Some warning signs are noisy drains, smelly drains and slow drains. A clogged drain can affect your toilet too, perhaps causing water to rise more than normal or take longer to drain.
Can I call any plumber to fix my blocked drain?
No. Not all plumbers specialise in fixing blocked drains, so it’s best to ask what their qualifications and experience is when you call them.
How will my drain be unblocked?
Sometimes blocked drain specialists may need equipment, such as a CCTV camera, to locate your blockage. They may also need special equipment, such as an electric eel or jet rodder, to clear a drain. It’s best to ask how they will search for the blockage and how they will fix the problem. It’s also worth asking if the blocked drain specialist uses quality parts and products since these often last longer.
How do I know if my blocked drain specialist is qualified to do the job?
Make sure you read “Important essentials to check before engaging a plumber” earlier in this article for checks recommended by Master Plumbers ACT. The checks are easy to do and only take five minutes. They’ll ensure you don’t engage a dodgy plumber.
Do plumbers need to be licensed and insured in the ACT?
Absolutely. They should have a registered business, be registered on the Access Canberra List of Licensed Plumbers and have their ABN and license number on their website and advertising. They should also be able to show you proof of their Public Liability Insurance when they arrive on site. See more information in the “Important essentials to check before engaging a plumber” section earlier in this article.
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