Question 1

How much does a blocked drain cost to clear?

Accepted Answer

Most straightforward blocked drains fall in the $250–$550 range depending on access and how the drain is cleared. Heavily root-affected lines requiring extended high pressure jetting cost more. You always receive an upfront price before we start, and it does not change without your approval.

Question 2

Do you offer emergency plumbing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 24 hours a day for genuine emergencies such as burst pipes, sewage overflows, major leaks and complete hot water failure. You speak directly to the plumber attending your job.

Question 3

Do you use CCTV drain cameras?

Accepted Answer

On every diagnostic job. Clearing a blockage without looking at the cause is guesswork. The camera shows you the condition of your pipes and lets us locate faults accurately.

Question 4

Can tree roots damage drains?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — roots are the single most common cause of blocked drains in Melbourne's older suburbs. They enter through joints and cracks in clay pipework seeking water, then grow into a dense mass that traps waste.

Question 5

How long does drain jetting take?

Accepted Answer

A typical residential jetting job takes 45 minutes to 2 hours, including a camera check afterwards to confirm the line is genuinely clear. Severe root intrusion or long commercial lines can take longer.

Question 6

How quickly can you attend?

Accepted Answer

Same-day service is usually available across our core suburbs, and emergencies are prioritised. We give you a realistic arrival window and call ahead — no all-day waiting.

Question 7

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), bank transfer and cash. Invoices can be emailed for landlords, property managers and businesses.

Question 8

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Doctor Plunger is a fully licensed Victorian plumbing business with current public liability insurance. Compliance certificates are supplied where required.

Question 9

Will I be dealing with a subcontractor?

Accepted Answer

No. You deal directly with the owner. There is no call centre and no subcontracting out of your job.

Question 10

Do you charge a call-out fee?

Accepted Answer

We offer a fixed-price service call that covers a 30-minute onsite diagnosis and written quotation. The fee is disclosed when you book — no surprises on arrival.

Question 11

What is the difference between an electric eel and high pressure jetting?

Accepted Answer

An eel bores a hole through a blockage, restoring partial flow. High pressure jetting scours the entire pipe wall and restores the full diameter, which lasts substantially longer — especially with roots or grease.

Question 12

Can you fix a drain without digging up my yard?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Jetting clears most blockages with no excavation at all. Where a pipe is broken, camera locating means any excavation is small and precisely targeted rather than exploratory.

Question 13

Why does my drain gurgle or smell?

Accepted Answer

Gurgling means air is being pulled through water in a trap, usually due to a partial blockage or a venting issue. Smells often indicate a dry trap, a partial blockage holding waste, or a damaged line. Both are worth investigating early.

Question 14

Do you provide plumbing reports for property purchases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A pre-purchase drainage inspection with camera footage and a written report is one of the cheapest pieces of due diligence you can do on an older Melbourne home.

Question 15

Should I repair or replace my hot water system?

Accepted Answer

If the unit is under about eight years old and the fault is a component such as a thermostat, element or valve, repair usually makes sense. Beyond that, or where the tank itself is leaking, replacement is the better spend. We will tell you honestly which applies.

Question 16

Do you work with insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can supply camera footage, photos and written reports suitable for insurance assessment of leaks and drainage damage.

Question 17

Which suburbs do you service?

Accepted Answer

Melbourne's inner north and eastern suburbs, including Northcote, Preston, Thornbury, Brunswick, Clifton Hill, Kew, Ivanhoe, Fairfield and Reservoir, plus surrounding areas. If you are nearby, just ask.

Question 18

Can you unblock a drain in an apartment or shared building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shared stacks need careful diagnosis to identify which section is at fault. We camera the line first so responsibility and repair scope are clear.

Question 19

What should I do while waiting for an emergency plumber?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the water at the meter if a pipe has burst, avoid using any fixtures connected to a blocked line, keep people and pets away from sewage, and move valuables clear of water. Then call us and we will talk you through it.

Question 20

Do you clean up after the job?

Accepted Answer

Always. Drop sheets go down, shoes come off inside, and the site is left clean. Respecting your home is not an optional extra.

Question 21

Do you offer maintenance plans?

Accepted Answer

Scheduled drain jetting and maintenance is available for cafés, restaurants, body corporates and homes with known problem lines. Ask us when you book.

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