What to Do When a Sewer Line Is Blocked
September 2, 2025
20 Peacock Street, Burwood VIC 3125
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Let’s be honest, sewer line blockages are right up there with the worst plumbing problems you can face. It’s smelly, it’s messy, and if you’re not careful, it can lead to some serious health hazards. We’re talking about bacteria, viruses, and all sorts of nasties that can cause illnesses like gastro, hepatitis, and even typhoid. And if that sewage starts seeping under your home? Hello, structural damage.
Now, if you live in an older Melbourne home, especially around places like Burwood or Camberwell, fixing a blocked sewer line isn’t always straightforward. Many of these homes don’t have modern access points or ORGs (Overflow Relief Gullies), which makes locating the problem tricky, to say the least.
Here’s a recent example of how we handled one particularly tough case.
Not long ago, we got an emergency call one evening. Three neighbouring townhouses were all dealing with the same issue, a major sewer main blockage.
The kicker? Not one of the homes had an ORG. That meant there was nowhere for the backed-up sewage to escape, so it started affecting all three properties. To make matters worse, there were no external access points. The only way in was through a toilet in Townhouse 2. Not ideal.
But our team got to work straight away. We removed the toilet, got access, and cleared the blockage that same night. We worked well into the evening so everyone could use their water again.
A week later, we came back to install ORGs and create proper access points so this wouldn’t happen again.
It was a messy job, but it could’ve been so much worse without quick action.
Think you might have a sewer issue bubbling up?
Here are the usual red flags 🚩
In Melbourne’s older suburbs like Burwood and Glen Iris, tree roots are often the culprit. The old clay and metal pipes are no match for a determined root system. They crack, roots sneak in, and before you know it, you’ve got a major blockage.
Other common causes include:
Here’s what to do right away:
If it clears, great. If not, it’s time to call an emergency plumber.
A few simple steps can save you a whole lot of hassle:
Look, we’re all for a bit of DIY when it makes sense. Vinegar, bicarb, a trusty plunger, they all have their place.
But if the blockage is deep in your system, or caused by roots or a collapsed pipe, DIY won’t cut it. And please avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners. They can corrode your pipes and release fumes that make things worse.
If it’s more than a minor clog, give us a call to help with your blocked drain. We’ll bring the right tools and know-how to sort it properly.
We’re not some big-name franchise. Moz Plumbing is a family-run business with deep roots in the eastern suburbs. We’ve worked on homes around Burwood Brickworks, Deakin Uni, and beyond. We know exactly what Melbourne’s ageing pipe systems are like.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Look for slow drains, gurgling toilets, bad smells, and wastewater backing up. If you’ve got a cleanout pipe, check for overflow.
You can try, especially if it’s a minor grease or soap buildup. Use vinegar, bicarb, boiling water, and a plunger. But if the issue keeps coming back or seems serious, call us.
Usually a sign of a blocked or damaged main sewer line.
Yes. An Overflow Relief Gully gives sewage somewhere to escape outside, rather than backing up into your home.
It depends on the cause. Grease blockages are cheaper to fix than tree root invasions or collapsed pipes. We offer free inspections and quotes, just give us a buzz.
If things are looking or smelling suspicious, don’t wait. Give us a ring for fast (0478 841 918), friendly help. Whether you’re in Burwood, Ashwood, Box Hill, Camberwell, Glen Iris, or nearby, we’re just around the corner and ready to help.
No pressure. No drama. Just local plumbers who know their stuff.
