VLOGS

When your washing machine stops pumping out water, it’s more than just annoying — it can point to hidden plumbing shortcuts.

Rich was called to a massive home in City Beach, WA, where the laundry machines weren’t draining properly. What looked like a simple trap setup turned into a real plumbing detective case.

What Rich Found

•A trap connected across multiple appliances

•A capped-off spigot held together with tape & blu-tack 😬

•A spigot hole drilled far too small — catching fluff and lint

•Hidden black plastic lodged inside the trap blocking flow

The Fix

With a screwdriver and a bit of persistence, Rich:

•Opened up the trap
•Cleared the hidden plastic and debris
•Enlarged the spigot hole for proper flow
•Restored full drainage to the laundry machines

“Sometimes even the fanciest homes hide the dodgiest plumbing shortcuts.”

The Result

•Washing machines draining perfectly again

•Long-term fix to prevent repeat blockages

•Homeowner reassured with a clear explanation

Location: City Beach, WA

Takeaway: Properly drilled spigots and clear traps are essential for avoiding unnecessary blockages. If things don’t add up, always call a professional plumber.

Got washing machine or drainage issues in Perth?
Call your local plumbing problem-solvers – Plumbdog Plumbing

Chris headed out to Hillman, WA after a customer reported drains backing up.

CCTV inspection revealed the main shaft — over 3m deep — was completely choked with tree roots.

The Problem

Normally, a situation like this would mean:
•Digging up the yard (near fence line)
•Major excavation around pipes
•A costly repair bill

The Fix: High-Pressure Jetter

Instead of digging, Chris used high-pressure jetting to blast the roots out, revealing:

•Two major cracks in the 90° bends
•Full blockage cleared all the way to the sewer line
•Visual confirmation for the homeowner of pipe condition

This approach avoids immediate excavation while giving the client relief from blocked drains and a plan for future repairs.

Takeaway

Tree roots in sewer lines are a recurring issue. Using CCTV inspections and jetting:

•Clears current blockages effectively

•Allows informed decisions about future repairs

•Minimises disruption and cost

Location: Hillman, WA

•Want a plumber who shows you exactly what’s happening underground? Call Plumbdog Plumbing

Evan was called to Greenwood, WA after the client noticed gurgling and bubbling every time they flushed the toilet — a classic sign of a partial blockage.

The Problem

On inspection, Evan suspected a blockage somewhere in the drain line. The symptoms:

•Toilet gurgling and bubbling

•Slow drainage

The Process & Fix

Evan tackled the blockage methodically:

•CCTV inspection – drain was full, limited visibility
•High-pressure jetting – pierced through the blockage
•Tree root discovery – roots growing into the drain at an old rod end access point
•Cutting head mulching – removed the roots immediately
•Rear-facing jetting – fully cleared the junction and flushed the line
•Final test – drains running freely, gurgling gone

“Old rod ends are classic entry points for tree roots. Left unchecked, they’ll keep causing blockages — CCTV and proper cleaning are key.”

The Result

•Drains running freely

•Gurgling and bubbling stopped

•Long-term solution against root regrowth

•Peace of mind for the homeowner

Location: Greenwood, WA

Takeaway: Regular inspections and proper drain cleaning prevent recurring blockages from tree roots.

Got gurgling toilets or slow drains in Perth?
Call the dogs that sniff them out – Plumbdog Plumbing

James was called out to Armadale, WA where a customer’s stormwater system had stopped draining properly.

The Problem

Once dug up, it was clear why:
•Flexible pipe patched with duct tape
•Drains completely chock-a-block with tree roots
•Thin, unsuitable tubing that couldn’t handle a machine clean

The Fix: Full Stormwater Replacement

Instead of wasting time trying to clear what couldn’t be saved, James recommended a full replacement with proper materials.

•Installed new stormwater pipe – no more flimsy flexi pipe
•Removed all root-filled sections completely
•Added blue metal & waterfoil for better soakage and long-term performance
•Restored yard with paving and lawn put back in place

Takeaway

Shortcuts like duct tape and thin flexi pipe will always fail. A proper installation with the right drainage media means:

•Reliable stormwater flow

•No repeat blockages from roots

•A system designed to last

Location: Armadale, WA

Need your stormwater fixed properly the first time? Call the experts at Plumbdog Plumbing