You are mid-shower, belting out your best rendition of a pop classic, when the water starts backing up around your ankles. Not exactly the relaxing spa experience you were hoping for, right? Blocked drains are a Wellington homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing frustration, inconvenience, and sometimes even a bit of panic.
But before you start Googling DIY drain snaking techniques (some things are best left to the professionals!), a crucial question arises: plumber or drainlayer? Both seem to deal with pipes and water, so who’s the right superhero for your clogged drain crisis? Fear not, fellow Wellingtonian! This guide will unravel the mystery and equip you with the knowledge to call the right plumbing professional and get your water flowing freely once again.
Blocked drains are a universal plumbing woe. But here in Wellington, the city’s unique history and landscape can add some interesting twists to this common problem.
The Plumbing Puzzle
Wellington’s story as a harbour city goes hand-in-hand with its drainage systems. Back in the 19th century, many areas relied on open streams and channels to carry wastewater. Thankfully, those days are long gone, replaced by a network of underground pipes. However, some older neighbourhoods might still have sections of these original streams lurking beneath the surface, which can pose challenges for drain maintenance.
Another factor to consider is Wellington’s love affair with trees. Those leafy streets and green spaces are beautiful, but tree roots can be sneaky invaders, sometimes finding their way into drains and causing blockages.
So, while blocked drains are a familiar foe, Wellington’s past and its fondness for greenery add some local flavour to the mix. Let’s now break down the types of drains in your home and what might be behind those unwanted backups:
- Sink drains: These handle wastewater from sinks and dishwashers. The usual culprits here are grease buildup, food scraps, and small objects accidentally washed down the drain.
- Toilet drains: Designed for a specific purpose, these drains are generally less prone to blockages. However, foreign objects or excessive toilet paper can still cause problems.
- Stormwater drains: These essential drains carry rainwater away from your roof and property. Leaves, debris, and even misplaced toys can sometimes block these drains, leading to puddles or even flooding.
The Usual Suspects: Why is Your Drain Blocked?
Blocked drains are an equal-opportunity nuisance, but here in Wellington, a few local culprits can add to the usual woes.
Universal Foes
- Grease Buildup: This greasy villain clogs all types of drains, especially those from kitchens. Cooking fats and oils solidify as they cool, forming a sticky mess that traps other debris.
- Food Scraps: Leftover bits of food like stringy vegetables and coffee grounds can get caught in your sink drain and form a blockage.
- Foreign Objects: Unfortunately, our drains sometimes become unintentional wastebaskets. Tissues, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, and even small toys can easily find their way down the drain and cause problems.
The Special Guests
- Tree Roots: As mentioned earlier, Wellington’s abundant trees are a blessing and a curse for drains. Tree roots can burrow into cracks or joints in pipes, eventually causing blockages.
- Remnants of Old Drainage Systems: In some older neighbourhoods, sections of the original 19th-century open streams and channels might still be present underground. These older systems can be more susceptible to blockages from debris or even collapse over time.
Plumbers vs. Drainlayers: Who’s the Superhero for Your Blocked Drain?
So, who should you call to your Wellington home – a plumber or a drainlayer? Both seem to deal with pipes and water, so it can be confusing to know which tradie to summon. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between plumbers and drainlayers.
The Plumber: Master of All Things Flowing
Think of your friendly Wellington plumber as the all-rounder of the plumbing world. They possess a vast knowledge of various pipes, fittings, and water systems within your house. Here’s what plumbers typically handle:
- General Plumbing Repairs: Leaky taps, malfunctioning toilets, and blocked drains in easily accessible areas (like sink drains) are all within a plumber’s domain. They’ll have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix these issues efficiently.
- Fixture Installation and Repair: Need a new tap installed or a shower head replaced? A plumber can handle everything from installing new fittings to repairing existing ones.
- Hot Water Cylinders: Having trouble with your hot water cylinder? Plumbers are trained to service and repair these essential water heaters, ensuring your showers stay steamy.
The Drainlayer: Champion of the Underground
Drainlayers are the specialists who delve into the hidden world beneath your feet. Their expertise lies in the intricate network of underground drainage systems that carry wastewater away from your home. Their expertise includes:
- Underground Drainage Systems: Drainlayers are the go-to professionals when it comes to inspecting, repairing, or installing underground drains. They have specialised equipment like CCTV cameras to diagnose problems deep within the system.
- Tree Root Removal: Those pesky tree roots that invade drains? Drainlayers have the tools and techniques to remove them effectively, preventing future blockages.
- Stormwater Drain Maintenance: Keeping stormwater drains clear of debris is crucial. Drainlayers can clean and maintain these essential drains to prevent flooding around your property.
A Handy Comparison Table
Here’s a quick reference guide to summarise the differences:
When Should You Call a Plumber?
Facing a blocked drain can be a frustrating experience, but luckily, Wellington homeowners have a team of plumbing superheroes at their disposal. Here’s when a friendly plumber might be the best option to tackle that unwelcome backup:
Blockages in Accessible Areas
Plumbers are the go-to for blockages in easily accessible areas like:
- Sink Drains: These drains are prone to accumulating grease, food scraps, and small objects. A plumber can typically address these blockages using various methods, depending on the severity. Simple blockages might be cleared with a good old-fashioned plunger, while more stubborn clogs might require a drain snake (a long, flexible metal cable that can break up and remove debris).
- Toilet Blockages: While less common than sink blockages, toilets can also get clogged. If the blockage seems caused by an object or excessive toilet paper, a plumber can often dislodge it using a toilet auger (a specialised drain snake).
The “Mystery Blockage”
Sometimes, the culprit behind a blocked drain isn’t readily apparent. Here’s where a plumber’s expertise comes in handy:
- Suspected Object in the Drain: If you think an object (like a toy or jewellery) might be causing the blockage, a plumber can use a drain camera to visually inspect the pipes and locate the object. They can then employ specialised tools to retrieve it without damaging your pipes.
- Uncertain Cause of the Blockage: If you’re unsure what’s causing the blockage, a plumber can use their knowledge and experience to diagnose the problem. They might perform a visual inspection or even a hydrojetting service (using high-pressure water to clear debris buildup).
More Food for Thought
Sometimes a plumber can also be a good option for certain blockages:
- Limited Experience with DIY Solutions: If you’re not comfortable tackling the blockage yourself with a plunger or drain snake, a plumber can quickly and efficiently solve the problem.
- Multiple Blocked Drains: If you’re experiencing blockages in multiple drains within your home, it could indicate a problem within the main drainage system. While a drainlayer might be needed eventually, a plumber can initially investigate the issue and advise you on the best course of action.
When Should You Call a Drainlayer?
Sometimes, the enemy lurks deep within the hidden network of pipes beneath your Wellington house. That’s when it’s time to call in the reinforcements – a drainlayer, the champion of underground drainage systems. Here’s when a drainlayer becomes your best weapon:
The Main Sewer Line Blues
The main sewer line is the critical artery that carries wastewater away from your home and connects to the city’s main sewer system. If you suspect a blockage here, a drainlayer is the professional you need. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Equipment: Drainlayers possess specialised knowledge and equipment to diagnose and address blockages in the main sewer line. They often use CCTV drain cameras to inspect the line for problems and locate the blockage.
- Advanced Techniques: Once the blockage is identified, drainlayers can employ various methods to clear it. High-pressure water jetting is a common approach, where a powerful jet of water blasts away debris buildup and clears the blockage. In severe cases, drain excavation might be necessary, but a drainlayer will always explore less disruptive options first.
The Pesky Tree Root Problem
Wellington’s beautiful trees are a source of pride, but their enthusiastic root systems can sometimes wreak havoc on your drainage. If you suspect tree roots are causing the blockage, a drainlayer is your best bet:
- Locating and Removing Roots: Drainlayers have the expertise and tools to locate tree roots within the drainage system. They can use various methods for removal, including mechanical cutting or chemical treatments (always applied safely and according to regulations).
Recurring Blockages
If you’re experiencing frequent blockages in the same area, it could indicate a more complex issue within your underground drainage system. A drainlayer will then need to use his detective skills:
- Identifying Underlying Issues: Drainlayers can use CCTV camera inspections and other diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the source of the recurring blockages. This could be anything from damaged pipes to a poorly designed drainage system.
- Long-Term Solutions: Once the cause is identified, a drainlayer can recommend and implement a long-term solution to prevent future blockages. This might involve drain repairs, replacements, or even a complete drainage system redesign.
Further Points to Ponder
There are other situations where a drainlayer might be the most efficient option:
- Extensive Blockage or Collapse: If a blockage is severe or there’s a suspected collapse within the underground drainage system, a drainlayer’s expertise and equipment are crucial for a proper diagnosis and repair.
- Peace of Mind: For complex drainage issues or if you’re unsure about the cause of the blockage, a drainlayer can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best course of action.
Additional Considerations
Here are some other factors you should evaluate:
The Power of Licensing
In Wellington, both plumbers and drainlayers are required to be licensed by the New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. This ensures they possess the necessary qualifications and adhere to safety regulations. Always ask for proof of licensing before hiring a professional for your blocked drain woes.
Plumbers with Drainlaying Skills
Some qualified plumbers might also hold drainlaying qualifications. This allows them to handle a wider range of blockages, including those in easily accessible areas and potentially even some issues in the main sewer line (depending on the plumber’s specific skillset). It’s always worth checking with a qualified plumber to see if they can address your specific blocked drain situation.
Cost Considerations
Generally, drainlaying services might be more expensive than plumbing services for blocked drains. This is because drainlaying often involves specialised equipment and techniques for tackling complex underground blockages. However, the cost can vary depending on the severity of the blockage, the chosen solution, and the professional’s experience.
Where to Find Your Hero
- The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board: https://www.pgdb.co.nz/ – this website allows you to search for licensed plumbers and drainlayers in your area.
- Master Plumbers: https://www.masterplumbers.org.nz/ – the Master Plumbers website can help you find qualified plumbers in Wellington.
- The New Zealand Plumbers, Drainlayers & Gasfitters Association: https://nzpdg.org.nz/ – their website can help you find qualified drainlayers in Wellington.
The Final Word
The battle against blocked drains can be stressful, but with the knowledge of who to call, you can emerge victorious. Here’s a quick recap:
- Plumbers: Your go-to for blockages in easily accessible areas like sink drains, toilet blockages suspected to be caused by objects, and situations where you’re unsure of the cause.
- Drainlayers: The specialists for tackling blockages deep within the underground system, including the main sewer line, suspected tree root intrusion, and recurring blockages.
When in doubt, a qualified professional is always the best bet. Here in Wellington, contacting a licensed plumber or drainlayer ensures you get the expertise and equipment needed to resolve your blocked drain woes efficiently and safely.
