Blocked Drains Townsville
Fast & Professional Drainage & Blocked Drains Service
Second, we use only the best materials for all our installation and repair services. We have contact with the best providers of plumbing materials, and we purchase the items we use in all our projects from them only.
Last, our services are all affordable, and we make sure to work within your budget without compromising quality. For these reasons, you can rely on 1touch Plumbing to give you the best services for all your plumbing needs.
Signs You Have Blocked Drains & Drainage Issues
- The drainage is slow or inconsistent
- Odd sounds, such as gurgling noises, are coming from the pipes
- Unpleasant odours are emanating from the drains
- Water is backing up, or black debris is seeping up from the drains
What Causes Blocked Drains?
Over time, a build-up of hair, grease, soap and food waste can lead to a blockage. When grease binds with hair follicles and soap fragments, it can create a thick and difficult-to-remove obstruction. This is often how blocked drains are formed in your bathroom or kitchen sink.
Toilets are often clogged by household sanitary products, such as wet wipes and menstrual pads. Only toilet paper should ever be flushed down a toilet.
Underground pipes can be blocked or damaged if tree roots intrude into the drain area. It’s advisable to have regular plumbing maintenance inspections to ensure your pipes and drains aren’t compromised by any of these factors.
DIY Fixes For A Blocked Drain Are Not Always The Solution
If a blockage appears to be minor, the use of a plunger might quickly dislodge food particles or other minor causes of the blockage. If this is unsuccessful or for serious drainage concerns, your best option is to rely on an experienced professional. Other DIY fixes can worsen issue, damage and other problems that affect the integrity of your plumbing.
1touch Plumbing has handled jobs both large and small. Our experience ranges from simple toilet blockages and drains repairs to complex troubleshooting involving storm damage, tree roots and other blocked drain emergencies.
Townsville's Professional Drainage Plumber
A blocked drain or sewer left too long can lead to cost-prohibitive repairs or replacement. That’s why it’s best to deal with the problem quickly and efficiently. It’s also advisable to have regular plumbing maintenance to detect problems before they start.
The good news is that our plumbers are professional, friendly and courteous and will provide you with a full cost for approval before they commence any work. That way, there are no surprises, and you can be assured of top-quality service, guaranteed using the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment, tools and machinery.
With several years of experience working with private and commercial property owners in Townsville, 1touch Plumbing is a team committed to delivering the least disruptive and most economical and reliable outcomes to our customers.
Contact Our Blocked Drain Plumbers Today
We’re open for callouts 24/7, so contact the 1touch Plumbing team today for assistance with your blocked drains.
Call us on (07) 4751 7600 or email our team at admin@1touchplumbing.com.au to get started.
Our Latest Blocked Drain Blogs
What Is a Tempering Valve & Why Does Your Home Need One?
Have you ever stepped into a shower only to be hit with a sudden burst of boiling water or struggled with a lukewarm stream when you wanted a hot shower? That frustrating or dangerous experience is exactly what a tempering valve is designed to prevent. It keeps your water flow steady and safe by blending the right amount of hot and cold water, so every tap in your home delivers a comfortable temperature. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how tempering valves work, why they matter, and what signs to watch for if yours isn’t performing as it should. TL;DR What Is a Tempering Valve? A tempering valve is a small but essential safety device shaped like a “T” that is fitted to your hot water system. Its job is to take the boiling water from your heater and mix it with a precise amount of cold water before it travels through your pipes. This ensures the water coming out of your taps is hot enough for a comfortable shower but not hot enough to cause a serious burn. In Townsville, it is a legal requirement to store your hot water at a minimum of 60°C to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and protect your family. But this much hot water is not safe for use, so the tempering valve mixes in enough cold water to bring the temperature down to a controlled 50°C at the tap, giving you the perfect balance of hygiene and safety. How a Tempering Valve Works A tempering valve has three ports inside its brass body: When you turn on a tap, hot and cold water enter their inlets and meet in the central chamber of the valve, where a small, wax-filled thermostatic element sits. This wax senses the temperature of the water. If the water is hotter or cooler than the set 50°C: This process happens continuously while the water is running, ensuring that the water is perfectly balanced before it ever leaves the valve and travels to your tap. Tempering Valve vs TMV: What’s the Difference? Both tempering valves and thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) mix hot and cold water to prevent scalding, but they differ in precision, safety features, cost, and what places they suit best. 1. Accuracy and Safety Accuracy refers to how closely the water temperature at the tap matches the set target temperature. 2. Where They Are Used Queensland plumbing law specifies where each valve is required: 3. Maintenance and Lifespan Tempering valves usually last 5–8 years in Townsville. The tropical climate – high heat, humidity, and mineral-rich water – can cause them to wear out. If a tempering valve fails, a licensed plumber can replace it. Thermostatic mixing valves, however, are designed to be serviced rather than replaced. 4. Cost Tempering valves typically cost $150–$300 installed, depending on the valve type and plumber rates. TMVs are more expensive due to their high precision and servicing requirements, usually $400–$800+ installed. We have summarised the differences for your easy understanding. Feature Tempering Valve Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) Accuracy +/- 3°C +/- 1°C Primary Use Residential Homes Hospitals, Schools, Aged Care Fail-Safe No (Usually) Yes (Mandatory) Service Needs Replace when faulty Annual testing is required by law Cost Budget-friendly Significantly higher In Summary, If you just want to keep your family safe and meet Queensland plumbing requirements in a regular household, the tempering valve on your hot water tank is all you need. If you run a business, such as a home-based daycare, your plumber will likely tell you that a TMV is required to meet stricter safety standards. Why Your Home Needs a Tempering Valve A tempering valve is essential for safety, comfort, and compliance. It protects your household while letting your hot water system work efficiently. Stop Third-Degree Burns in Seconds Most hot water tanks store water at 60°C or higher, and this water can cause a third-degree burn in just one second. A tempering valve reduces the temperature to a safe maximum of 50°C before it reaches your taps. At 50°C, it takes about five minutes to suffer a serious scald, giving children, the elderly, and anyone with sensitive skin plenty of time to react. Meet Legal Requirements in Queensland In Townsville, tempering valves are required by law, so a licensed plumber must install or replace a tempering valve when: Without a tempering valve, your system is non-compliant, which can lead to fines, insurance issues, or failed inspections. Kill Bacteria While Keeping You Safe Heating water to a high temperature might seem wasteful if you’re only going to cool it before use, but it’s essential for health. High tank temperatures prevent harmful bacteria from growing, while the tempering valve ensures the water coming out of your taps stays safe to touch. It’s a simple way to keep your household hygienic without risking burns. Improve Your System’s Capacity A tempering valve can increase the amount of usable hot water from your tank. When your tank stores water at a very high temperature, you can mix it with cold tap water to reach a comfortable 50°C. This means the tank can supply hot water for more showers or baths than if the water were stored at a lower temperature, because each tap would already get the perfect temperature without adding cold water. Protect Your Plumbing Fixtures Water at 60°C constantly hitting taps, showerheads, and seals can damage your fixtures over time. By regulating the heat to a steady, low temperature, a tempering valve reduces this thermal stress, extending the lifespan of your tapware and preventing washers from wearing out prematurely. Get Consistent Temperature Without a tempering valve, the water coming out of your shower would be unpredictable. You would have to manually adjust the hot and cold taps every single time to get the temperature just right. The valve solves this by doing the mixing for you before the water leaves the pipes. This means you get the same comfortable temperature every time you turn on the tap, […]
Why Your Hot Water Runs Out Quickly & How to Fix It (Townsville Guide)
There’s nothing more annoying than losing hot water in the middle of your shower. Most often, the underlying cause is easily identifiable once you start paying close attention to the patterns. For example, does the hot water run out abruptly, or does the temperature slowly fade? Does it happen after a single short shower, or only when several taps or appliances are used at once? Once you recognise the pattern, you can often tell whether it’s something simple you can fix yourself or a problem that needs professional attention. In this guide, we’ll break down these patterns, explain what you can check and fix yourself, and when to call a professional, so your showers stay warm. TL;DR Quick Triage: Identify Your Hot Water System and the Exact Symptom Before you do anything else, take a moment to confirm two things: Doing a quick check can help you narrow the problem down to the most likely causes. Step 1: Identify Your Hot Water System Different hot water systems heat, store, and deliver hot water in different ways, which directly affects how quickly hot water runs out and how quickly the system can produce more. In Townsville homes, the most common setups include: To confirm what type of system you have, check the data label or compliance plate on your hot water unit—usually on the side of the tank or casing. This label shows: These details tell you how much hot water the system can supply, how quickly it can reheat, and whether it’s likely to meet your household’s current demand. Step 2: Identify the Exact Runs Out Quickly Pattern Now that you know which type of hot water system you have, the next step is to pay attention to how and when your hot water runs out. The pattern of the problem gives you a big clue about what’s causing it. 1. Hot water runs out after one short shower If your shower goes cold within 5–10 minutes, the issue is related to tank capacity or heating speed. This can happen because: 2. Other taps stay hot, but the shower goes lukewarm If taps in the kitchen or bathroom remain hot but the shower cools down quickly, the tank is fine – the problem is in the shower plumbing or mixing components. Common causes include: 3. Hot water availability changes from day to day Hot water levels vary day-to-day – sometimes your tank has enough, other times it runs low, depending on how and when your system heats the water. This is common with: By identifying your exact symptom pattern, you now know which category of causes to focus on: This makes it much easier to match your home’s situation to the real causes we have discussed below. Common Causes Your Hot Water Runs Out (and How to Confirm and Fix It) Insufficient Tank Capacity The most common reason hot water runs out is that your household demand exceeds the system’s capacity. For instance, a 125 L tank can empty quickly if multiple showers run back-to-back or if appliances like a dishwasher and washing machine are used simultaneously. That’s purely a tank-size issue – there simply isn’t enough stored hot water for your household needs. But often, plumbing and fixtures can make the problem worse. An older-style showerhead can use 15–20 L per minute, compared with a modern WELS 3‑star showerhead at around 9 L/min. In a 125 L tank, a 7‑minute shower with an older showerhead can nearly empty the supply, even if no other appliances are running. How to check for this issue: Monitor your household’s hot water use over 48 hours. If hot water only runs out when several showers or appliances are used at the same time, your system is likely undersized for your current household demand. Also, check your fixtures. Take a 10‑litre bucket and note how long it takes to fill from your shower or tap. If your shower fills the bucket quickly, as in the older example, it uses a lot of hot water, which can make your tank run out sooner. If it fills more slowly, your fixtures are efficient, and the problem is likely due to the tank size. How to fix: Sediment Buildup Townsville’s water contains minerals that crystallise when heated. Over the years, these minerals settle at the bottom of your tank as sediment or scale, taking up space where hot water should be and reducing usable capacity. How to check for this issue: Listen to your tank; if you hear rumbling, popping, or banging noises (similar to a kettle boiling) coming from the unit, that is the sound of steam bubbles escaping through a thick layer of sediment. How to fix: Failed Dip Tube In a properly functioning storage tank, hot water rises to the top while cold water stays at the bottom. A dip tube – a long plastic pipe inside the tank – directs incoming cold water straight to the bottom. This keeps the hot water at the top hot for usage. In Townsville’s tropical heat, these plastic tubes can become brittle and snap over time. When a dip tube fails, cold water enters at the top and mixes immediately with the hot water. This dilutes the hot water, so even though the heating element is working, the water coming out of your taps quickly becomes lukewarm. How to check for this issue: Notice if your tank, which previously supplied enough hot water for multiple showers, now goes lukewarm halfway through a single shower. Also, you’ll often see the water start at the correct temperature, then drop off unusually quickly. How to fix: Schedule a licensed plumber to replace the dip tube. This could cost you around $250–$400, and it restores full hot water capacity. Faulty Thermostats and Heating Elements Electric storage tanks use heating elements inside the tank to warm the water. These elements are immersed in water, and a thermostat controls when they turn on and off to maintain the set temperature of 60°C, as required […]
How to Prepare for a Cyclone: A Townsville Plumber’s Essential Guide
Cyclone season in Townsville brings torrential rain, gusting winds, and flooding, which can severely damage your home, your plumbing, and your sense of safety. Knowing what to expect and preparing ahead can save you thousands in damage and give your family peace of mind. This guide walks you through the key risks your home faces and the steps you can take to be ready before, during, and after a cyclone hits. TL;DR Know Your Risk in Townsville (And What ‘Cyclone-Ready’ Means) Townsville is one of Australia’s highest cyclone-risk zones. The cyclone season runs from November to April, with most cyclones occurring between January and March. This is the same time as the wet season, so you must ensure your home and plumbing can withstand extreme rain, flooding, and storm surge. When a cyclone hits, there are three main risks that directly affect your home: 1. The 100,000-Litre Rain Load In Australia, cyclones are classified by wind speed. A Category 3 cyclone, with wind speeds of 165–224 km/h, is common in Townsville and can dump around 400–500 mm of rain over 48 hours. On a 200 sqm roof, this amounts to 100,000 litres of water that must flow through your gutters and downpipes. If gutters are partially blocked with leaves, if downpipes are undersized, or if they discharge poorly, water has nowhere to go. It overflows onto the eaves, soaks the ceiling insulation, and can reach light fittings and wiring. This increases the risk of water damage, electrical hazards, mould growth, and structural weakening of ceilings or walls. 2. Townsville’s Reactive Soil Many Townsville suburbs sit on highly reactive clay soil, often called black soil. Here is what that means during cyclone season: That movement can crack brittle pipes and dislodge joints, causing leaks, flooding, and water intrusion into walls, floors, and foundations. 3. Backflow and Storm Surge If you live in low-lying areas like South Townsville or Railway Estate and are close to the coast, you may face storm surge. When a cyclone hits, the strong winds push seawater or river water towards the land. If the water level outside rises above the pipes and drains in your home, it can flow back. This means that toilets, shower drains, or floor drains can start spilling seawater or dirty water into your house, causing flooding, damaging floors, walls, and carpets, and creating serious hygiene risks. To deal with all the above risks, your home and plumbing need to be cyclone-ready. That means making sure water can drain away quickly, your roof and downpipes are secure, and backflow protection is in place where needed. In the following sections, we’ll guide you step by step on exactly what to check and do to keep your home safe when a cyclone hits. What To Do Before Cyclone Season Locate and Test Your Main Water Shutoff Water damage doesn’t always come from rain. If a tree falls on an external tap or exposed pipe, or a pipe bursts under pressure, thousands of litres of water can flood your home. Before the season begins, locate your main shutoff valve, usually near the water metre at the front of your property under a green or black plastic lid. In Townsville, mineral-rich water can make valves stiff or stuck over time. Gently use pliers or multigrips to check if it turns. Do not force it – if it won’t move, have a plumber replace it before cyclone season. Knowing your valve works in advance means you can shut off the water quickly if a pipe bursts during heavy rain. Check Gutters Walk around your house and tap your PVC downpipes. A hollow sound usually means water can flow freely, while a dull thud indicates the pipe may be clogged with leaves or debris. If you can safely remove the blockage from the ground, do so carefully. If it’s too high to reach or difficult to clear, schedule a plumber to fix it. Also, if a downpipe empties right next to your walls, attach a temporary extension or flexible drainage hose to redirect water 2–3 metres away towards the street or another safe discharge point. Look at your rain heads; these are the boxes where your gutters meet the downpipes, usually located at the roof edge. Even from the ground, you can often see debris like leaves, grass, or weeds accumulating inside them. Simply note which downpipe locations have visible blockages so the plumber knows exactly where to focus when clearing them. Clearing these areas ensures your gutters and downpipes can safely handle heavy rain. Sewer Backups and Surcharge Townsville’s sewer system is gravity-fed, meaning it relies on downward pipes to move waste. During a cyclone, heavy rain can flood these pipes, causing sewage to back up into your home through toilets, floor wastes, or bathroom drains. Locate your Overflow Relief Gully (ORG), the grated drain outside near your kitchen or bathroom wall. Its job is to release sewage outside rather than into your home. Make sure it’s clear of mulch, pots, or debris. If it’s blocked and you cannot access it safely, arrange for an expert to clear it. Sump Pumps and Retention Pits If your home is low-lying or has a basement or subfloor, you may rely on a sump pump, a device that removes water from the foundation. Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The float switch (that rises with water) should trigger the pump automatically. If the pump doesn’t start, it should be repaired or serviced. Also, follow the outlet pipe to the street kerb. If it’s blocked by debris, leaves, or overgrown grass, the pump will struggle or burn out. Remove the blockage by hand or with a garden hose. If it is severe or difficult to reach, have a plumber fix it safely. Most sump pumps use 240V mains power. During storms, Townsville often loses electricity, which stops the pump. If your home depends on this pump to stay dry, install a battery backup or […]
Types of Hot Water Systems Explained: A Townsville Homeowner’s Guide
Hot water is the second-largest energy expense for the average Australian home, typically making up around 15% to 25% of your total energy bill. So, choosing an efficient hot water system is one of the most effective ways to slash your living costs. But what works best for you will depend on your local climate, household size, and the energy sources available at your property. To find the best fit for your property, it helps to understand the four main technologies used across the country: In this guide, we break down the types, pros and cons, costs, and local suitability of these systems to help you make the right decision for your home. Two Approaches to Heating Water: Storage or Continuous Flow Every Townsville home uses one of two methods to get steaming water to its taps. You either keep a large volume of water hot in a tank all day or heat it instantly as it travels through a pipe. 1. Storage Hot Water Systems A storage system is like a massive insulated kettle. It maintains a reservoir of hot water, typically 80-400 litres, so it is ready for your morning rush. The system consists of an internal tank made of copper or steel. A thick layer of foam insulation surrounds the tank to trap heat. Inside, a sacrificial anode rod attracts corrosive minerals found in Townsville’s hard water supply. This rod rusts, so your tank does not. A thermostat monitors the water temperature and activates a gas burner or electric element when the temperature drops. Hot water rises to the top for use, while cold water enters at the bottom to restart the heating cycle. Advantages Disadvantages Who Is This Best For? Large families with four or more people benefit most from storage tanks. These systems suit busy Townsville homes where multiple people shower around the same time each day because the tank can feed several outlets simultaneously without losing pressure. 2. Continuous Flow (Instantaneous) Systems Continuous flow units heat water only when you turn on a tap. These small, wall-mounted boxes do not have a tank, which eliminates the need to store and reheat water constantly. When you open a hot water tap, a flow sensor inside the unit detects the movement and immediately ignites a gas burner or activates an electric element. This heat source directly warms the copper coil – known as a heat exchanger – which then transfers that heat to the water as it moves through the coils. This process happens instantly, providing hot water on demand. Many modern units also include a digital keypad that allows you to set a precise temperature, such as 50°C, which prevents accidental burns as you try to balance the temperature by mixing cold water. Advantages Disadvantages Who Is This Best For? Smaller households of one to three people prefer these units because they eliminate energy waste. They also suit Townsville homes with limited outdoor space, or for people who shower at different times. 4 Types of Hot Water Systems to Know About Picking the right hot water system comes down to two main things: the technology that heats the water and the energy source that powers it. Each type heats water differently, which affects your ongoing costs and its environmental impact. 1. Electric Hot Water Systems Electric storage systems are the most common type of hot water system in Australian homes, used by approximately 50% of households. These systems are available in both storage-based and instantaneous options. In Townsville, storage tanks are most common since they can use cheaper off-peak electricity. Instantaneous units are rare for whole-house use because they require a large, immediate draw of power – often requiring specialised three-phase wiring – which makes them much more expensive. However, you have a third option of an electric tank with solar PV if you already have solar panels. You can use a solar diverter or timer to programme the system to heat water during midday when your panels are producing the most energy. These systems typically last 10 to 15 years, with tankless models often outlasting tank units, which can start losing performance after about 8 years as sediment builds up. Pros Cons Upfront and Ongoing Costs A standard unit costs between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on size and whether you need any switchboard upgrades. Running costs are around $600 to $900 a year, but an off-peak tariff can cut this significantly. In Townsville, Ergon Energy’s Tariffs 31 and 33 can reduce your hot water electricity rates by about 40 to 45% (dropping from the standard rate of $0.33 per kWh down to $0.18 or $0.19). Who Is This Best For? An electric system is ideal for Townsville homes with solar panels or for those on a tight budget. It’s also a low-maintenance, “no-fuss” option for rentals. If you can pair it with a timer to run during the day or an off-peak tariff at night, it becomes a much more sensible financial choice. 2. Gas Hot Water Systems Gas units are a popular choice for homes with an existing connection. These hot water systems can be either storage-based or continuous flow. Most locals prefer continuous flow gas systems because they take up less space and don’t waste energy keeping water hot all day. In Townsville, choosing these units mostly comes down to your fuel source, since it does not have the big natural gas networks seen in southern cities. If your street has a direct connection, natural gas is cheap and convenient. Most homes, however, rely on 45 kg silver Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, which work well but are 2 to 3 times more expensive than mains gas once you include bottle rentals and delivery. Pros Cons Upfront and Ongoing Costs A gas system usually costs between $1,800 and $3,500, including a standard installation, though adding new gas lines can push the price up. Running costs range from $400 to $1,000 a year, with mains gas at the lower end and LPG […]
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are many warning signs that there is a blocked drain on your property. The most common symptom of a blocked drain is a foul or unpleasant smell emitting from the drain. Additionally, slow drainage or incomplete drainage are also signs that your drain could be blocked. Strange gurgling sounds may also be indicative that there is a draining problem somewhere within your drain system.
A blocked drain can be caused by many things. Whether you suspect you know what the culprit is or you’re completely unsure, the best course of action is to call in a professional plumber. That being said, the most common reason why a drain becomes blocked is due to solid materials or items obstructing the flow of liquid. Items that frequently obstruct a drain include hair, tissue, sanitary towels and more.
If you are going to attempt to clear a blocked drain yourself, it’s important that you follow the correct procedures. The most popular DIY method of clearing a blocked drain is to pour hot water down the drain, followed by some baking soda and vinegar. Wait between 5 and 10 minutes before pouring more hot water down. However, it is advised that you call out a plumber to unclog a drain in order to make sure that it is cleared correctly and safely.
Blocked stormwater drains typically show signs like pooling water around your property, slow drainage during heavy rain or gurgling noises from the pipes. If left unattended, blocked stormwater drains can lead to flooding and property damage. If you suspect a problem, it’s best to consult a plumber experienced in clearing Townsville blocked drains.
To prevent blockages, avoid flushing items like wet wipes, paper towels, sanitary products and excessive amounts of toilet paper. Even items marketed as “flushable" can cause issues, as they don’t break down easily in the pipes. Only flush human waste and toilet paper to keep your drains clear.
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture and can invade small cracks in underground pipes. Over time, as the roots grow, they cause significant blockages by obstructing the pipe or even breaking through it. If you have large trees near your home, regular plumbing inspections can help detect root intrusions early. Need blocked drain plumbing solutions? Our experienced team is ready to help!
Blocked shower drains are often caused by a build-up of hair, soap scum and other debris. Over time, these materials can accumulate in the pipes, restricting water flow and leading to slow drainage or standing water in your shower. If you’re facing this issue, it’s essential to contact a plumber who specialises in blocked drain plumbing to resolve the blockage before it worsens.
It’s best to leave clearing blocked drains to professional plumbers. While some home remedies might seem effective, improper attempts can worsen the problem or cause damage to your pipes. A professional plumber will have the right tools and expertise to clear the blockage safely and thoroughly, ensuring no further issues arise. If you notice signs of a blockage, such as slow draining or gurgling sounds, contact a professional as soon as possible to resolve the issue before it escalates.
When multiple drains are blocked simultaneously, it often indicates a more severe issue with your main sewer line. This requires a professional to locate and fix the problem. A professional plumber in Townsville can quickly assess the situation and offer a solution to prevent further damage.
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