Blocked Drain Services in Canberra & Queanbeyan
We pride ourselves on customer service – providing polite, professional and reliable services with high quality workmanship.
Are you having issues with blocked drains in Canberra or Queanbeyan? Look no further than JML Trades! Our team of skilled plumbers is fully equipped to tackle any blocked drain issue you may encounter. From toilets and bathrooms to kitchens and laundries, we’ve got your plumbing needs covered. We also specialize in clearing stormwater drains and sewer lines, ensuring your plumbing woes are a thing of the past.

Signs of a Blocked Drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan
If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it’s likely that you’re facing a blocked drain issue:
- Water drains slowly or not at all in sinks, baths, or showers.
- Unpleasant odors emanate from drains, whether internal or external.
- The water level in your toilet remains unusually high after flushing.
- Strange noises, like gurgling sounds, coming from your drains.
- Sewage appearing and causing unpleasant odors in unrelated drains.
- Overflow Relief Gully (ORG) overflowing with sewage on your property.
Severe blockages and overflowing drains may require the assistance of an emergency drain plumber to prevent further damage to your property.
If you’re unsure of the next steps, read our guide on what to do when your drain is blocked for practical advice on identifying and managing common drain issues.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan
Blocked drains can occur for various reasons, including:
- Kitchen waste buildup, such as grease, oil, fat, food scraps, starches, coffee grounds, tea leaves, dirt, and soap scum.
- Bathroom waste accumulation, including feces, toilet paper, tissues, hair, skin, soap scum, dirt, and shampoo.
- Intrusive tree roots infiltrating your plumbing.
- Flushing foreign objects down toilets.
- Aging or faulty plumbing infrastructure.
- Ingress of dirt and sand through pipe cracks.
- Leaves and twigs entering through outdoor drains and gutters.
Our Approach to Clearing Blocked Drains in Canberra and Queanbeyan
At JML Trades, we rely on time-tested plumbing techniques and top-quality equipment to clear blocked drains effectively in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Our equipment includes:
- Pipe camera: For thorough inspection of your plumbing.
- Electric eel: Ideal for removing stubborn blockages.
- High-pressure water jetter: Effective at clearing blockages caused by buildup.
- Excavator: Used for excavating underground pipes if necessary.
- Hydro-plunger: Provides powerful pressure for blockage removal.
- Foaming root killer: Helps prevent root intrusion in the future.
Rest assured that all our plumbers are licensed to perform drain unblocking services in Canberra (ACT) and Queanbeyan (NSW).
Stormwater Drains & Sewer Lines
JML Trades is fully licensed to clear stormwater drains and sewer lines in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Blocked stormwater drains typically result from organic matter buildup, such as leaves, soil, and twigs, while blocked sewer lines are often caused by foreign objects, tree roots, or aging infrastructure.
Notably, many residents may not be aware that responsibility and costs for blocked stormwater drains and sewer lines in Canberra could fall under Roads ACT (stormwater) or Icon Water (sewage). If the blockage is on public land in the stormwater or sewer tie, the relevant authority covers the repair and associated costs. In many cases, Roads ACT or Icon Water may authorize our plumbers to conduct the necessary repairs on their behalf.
Regular maintenance and proactive care can help reduce the risk of future blockages. Read our guide on how to prevent blocked drains for practical tips to keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.

Recent Job: Blocked Drain Cleared at a Canberra Townhouse
A blocked drain beside a single-level townhouse in Stirling had started causing concern for the homeowner.
The grated drain sits close to the brick wall and paved area of the home. If water stopped moving away, it could quickly collect around the side of the townhouse and spread across the paving.
Our team inspected the blocked drain, cleared the blockage and checked that water could flow away again.
The work gave the homeowner peace of mind and helped protect the area beside the home from backed-up water.
If the blockage had continued, water could have risen around the grate, spread towards the wall and affected nearby parts of the townhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the causes of blocked drains?
Most blockages are caused by tree roots entering the drains seeking water and nutrients. Once a tree root has entered a drain, it will continue growing larger and thicker until it is cleared. If they enter the drainage system they tend to grow back even after being cleared. Debris and silt building up from garden materials washing into stormwater sumps and open drains can also cause blockages. Fat and oils are common blockages in drainage systems.
In some circumstances, faults in the drains are from incorrect installation and the earth moving from underneath the pipe. This can remove support from underneath the pipe, resulting in collapsed pipes.
How long will it take to fix?
It depends on the cause of the blockage. We’ll use our specialist tools to find out exactly where the problem is, what’s causing it, then give you an accurate estimate from there.
When can you get here?
A fully qualified team member can be there on the same day as your call! We understand blocked drains can be stressful, and pride ourselves on same-day service. Please note additional charges may apply for after-hours.
How do I know if my drains are blocked?
Slow drainage, bad smells, gurgling noises, overflowing, or just plain blocked, there are a range of signs that can show if your drain is blocked. A few common ones include:
Slow drainage
If something is blocking a pipe, water will take longer to drain. If you notice a sudden change in your drainage speed, it’s wise to get a professional to have a look.
Unpleasant odours
If food debris is stuck in your pipes, it can make a strong smell as it decomposes! Smells can get worse as you run water through too.
Gurgling noises
When something is stuck in your drain, air pockets can get trapped. As water runs, the trapped air escapes and makes a gurgling sound.
Overflows/raised water levels
If you notice your toilet water levels rise higher than usual after flushing, you may have a blockage. If the water rises high enough to overflow, it’s a good idea to contact a specialist right away! We offer 24/7 emergency callouts to protect the health and hygiene of your home.
For all your blocked drain issues, contact JML Trades on (02) 6193 4089 or send us an email. Rest assured that all our plumbers are licensed to perform drain unblocking services in Canberra (ACT) and Queanbeyan (NSW).
Contact Details
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16 Hincksman St,
Queanbeyan West NSW 2620 -
Phone: (02) 6193 4089
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E-mail: office@jmlplumbing.net.au
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We are open 24 hours




