VLOGS

A Start-to-Finish Look at How We Tackle Blockages the Right Way

When drains block up, it’s often a case of tree roots creeping into the system — and that’s exactly what Darius found on this Perth call-out.

In this job, you’ll see Plumbdog’s full blocked drain process in action, using all the right gear to locate, clear, and confirm the issue is fully resolved.

🔍 Step 1: Locate the Blockage

After arriving on site, Darius:

• Found the inspection opening (I/O)
• Immediately saw tree roots visible in the pipe
• Dropped in the CCTV camera to assess how far the roots had spread

💬 “You can often see roots right from the I/O, but the CCTV gives us the full picture — how deep they go, and where they’re coming in.”

💦 Step 2: Clear the Roots with High-Pressure Jetting

Once the blockage was confirmed, Darius:

• Fired up the high-pressure water jetter
• Used the jetter in tandem with the CCTV camera for precision cleaning
• Methodically worked through the pipe, breaking up and flushing out the roots
• Retrieved a bucketful of roots — a satisfying result!

✅ Step 3: Confirm It’s Clear

After clearing the blockage:

• Ran the CCTV one more time to confirm the drain was root-free
• Flushed the toilet inside the house to check for proper flow
• Backfilled the inspection point and relaid the pavers neatly

Job done. Drain cleared. Customer sorted.

When the Fence is in the Way and the Apprentice Doesn’t Know It’s a Septic Tank

This one’s a little messier than most — in every sense.
Rich was called out to follow up on an emergency job where one of our Plumbpups had been sent to assess a blocked drain sewerage issue at a commercial site.

He meant well… but quoted to bring the van and jetter around the back — completely unaware there was a giant fence in the way, and that access would involve a 5–10 minute walk around the block.

💬 “Blockages usually take a dozen trips to the van and back — this would’ve been a nightmare.”

Needless to say — Rich wasn’t particularly impressed. 😂

🔎 Step 1: Quick Site Assessment

Rich arrives and starts piecing it together:

• Above-ground pipework visible — traces what’s feeding what
• Spots a rock that seems a little out of place… sure enough, it’s covering the septic tank access lid
• Lifts the lid and sees what no one wants to see:

Backed-up sewerage in the inspection square

🪠 Step 2: Improvised Fix

Without the jetter (thanks, fence), Rich grabs a length of spare waste pipe lying nearby and gives the system a few plunges.

• The blockage clears — likely wet wipes (and a few mystery items)
• Classic moment of the day:

“Oh, there’s your lunch — a little bit of sweet corn!” 🌽

🚽 Step 3: Test & Recommendation

To finish off:

• Rich flushes the customer’s toilet to confirm the flow
• Water passes through cleanly — job temporarily sorted
• Recommends a jetter clean-out in the near future to ensure the system stays clear

💬 “Not ideal, but we made it work. And we’ll come back with the right gear to finish the job properly.”

🚨 Jungle Retreat Rocked by Midnight Gas Explosion

There were no alarms.

No sirens.

Just chaos and confusion in the dark.

⚠️ Gas Safety: Not Just Compliance — It’s Critical

• Annual gas inspections are essential
• Leaking LPG cylinders or fittings should never be ignored
• Professional maintenance by licensed gas fitters can prevent disasters

💡 Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

✅ Gas Safety Checks by Perth’s Real Plumbers

• Complete gas appliance testing
• Leak detection and repairs
• Gas compliance reports
• Safety upgrades and advice

🐶 “Can You Move Your Van?” — The Tradie Question That Haunts Us All 🚐🤣

Richard’s Rant from the Driver’s Seat… Literally.

Let’s set the scene.

It’s 40 degrees. You’ve just rolled up to the customer’s property. You haven’t even popped the bonnet on your tool bag. You’re mid-sip of your servo coffee…

And they say:

“Umm, can you move your van? I need to get my car out.”

💥 Enter: The Worst Part of the Job™ (as declared by Richard).

🤦‍♂️ What You’ll See in This Vlog:

• Richard trying to reverse a VW Crafter (a.k.a. a yacht on wheels)
• A long, narrow driveway with zero forgiveness
• A slightly emotional rant — the kind only tradies truly understand
• And a message for all customers everywhere:

“Check the text message we sent you… we did warn you!”

📱 Yes, We Actually Warn You in Advance!

At Plumbdog, we try to make life easier:

• Every job gets an automated SMS on the way
• It includes your ETA and a friendly reminder:

“If you need access to your vehicle, please move it out of the driveway prior to arrival.”

It’s polite, professional, and totally ignored 73% of the time. 😅

🎥 Watch the Chaos Unfold

🚐 A Message to Our Fellow Tradies

We see you.
We feel your gearbox grinding.
We too have stood in a stranger’s driveway whispering, “Why… like this?”

Drop a comment if this has ever happened to you — or if you’ve ever rage-Googled “how to reverse a van without breaking your soul.”

🐾 Plumbdog — Perth’s real plumbers, real vans, and real bruised egos from reversing in driveways.