Introduction
When drains or stormwater lines block, many homeowners try DIY fixes — plungers, drain snakes, vinegar, pressure hoses, or even chemical cleaners. Unfortunately, DIY drainage often causes more damage, especially in Brisbane where older homes use fragile clay or concrete pipes.
Here’s why DIY drain cleaning can be risky and when you should call a qualified drainage contractor.
1. Chemicals Damage Pipes
Supermarket chemical cleaners use corrosive substances that:
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Weaken PVC joints
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Eat through seals
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Accelerate pipe failure
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Kill your surrounding soil
They can also splash and cause burns.
2. High-Pressure Water Can Burst Old Pipes
Using a Karcher or pressure washer through the drain can:
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Blow apart fittings
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Create cracks
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Push debris further down the line
Professional jetters use controlled PSI and trained operators.
3. You Can’t See the Real Problem
Without CCTV cameras, homeowners guess what’s wrong.
But the real cause could be:
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Tree roots
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Collapsed pipe
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Broken joint
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Misaligned pipe falls
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Foreign objects
Guesswork leads to recurring blockages.
4. DIY Tools Often Get Stuck in the Drain
Inserting coat hangers, cheap drain snakes, or flexible rods can worsen blockages or get jammed inside the pipe.
5. Brisbane Stormwater Systems Are Complex
Many Brisbane suburbs have:
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Steep block gradients
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Hidden easements
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Shared drainage lines
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Old terracotta pipes
DIY methods rarely work for these systems.
When to Call a Professional
You should call HITZ Drainage Contractors when:
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Drains overflow during rain
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Multiple fixtures back up
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Water pools outside
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Blockages keep returning
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You hear gurgling or smell odours
We use CCTV inspection, jetting, excavation, and drainage replacement to fix the real issue — permanently.
