It’s not uncommon to not know the ins and outs of our water systems and the terms for those that work with them. In general, most think of plumbers when there is anything wrong with their water systems. 

For many of us, there is no difference between drainage and plumbing. They are commonly used interchangeably but they refer to two separate systems. Plumbing deals with clean water coming in, while drainage deals with water going out. 

Main differences between a drainage plumber and a regular plumber

Though both a regular plumber and a drainage plumber work on your water systems, they deal with opposite ends. 

Plumbers are generalists and deal with the front end of your water and gas. They manage how these come into your home. Starting with your main water pipes and often ending in faucets, taps and gas outlets. Common problems your plumber will help you fix are:

• Leaky pipes 
• Low water pressure
• Faulty water heaters
• Leaking toilets or taps

A plumber for drains deals with the back end. They specialise in the various ways that used water leaves your home. This can include drains, drainage pipes, gutters and the grading of your home. They will often have a different set of tools than plumbers so it’s important to make sure that 

In short, if it has to do with the systems bringing clean, fresh, water to your home, it’s plumbing. If it has to do with how water leaves your spaces or home, then it's drainage. 

Key jobs a drainage plumber can help with 

Our drainage systems are an incredibly important part of our homes. If they aren’t working properly or are damaged in some way, they can cause serious issues for the rest of the property including:

• Water damage to foundations 
• Rotting of any wood in the structure 
• Mould buildup 
• Flooding 
• Hygiene and hazardous waste buildup 

A drainage plumber can help with a range of jobs including:

Drains

Our homes are filled with drains and if there is a problem with any of them, you should call a drainage plumber to fix it. Even if you aren’t sure that there is a problem, Drainage plumbers can perform drain inspections with specialised cameras to look for blockages or damage. 

If they find a blockage or a potential blockage, they can clean it out for your to make sure that dirty water can be taken away rather than building up. This works on everything from sink and bathroom drainage problems to sewerage drains and outdoor overflow drains. 

Leaks

One of the most common plumbing problems, leaks are also the hardest to detect drainage issues. Leaks can often cause higher than normal water bills, if this is happening then you may need to book an inspection with a drainage plumber. 

They use specialised equipment to detect leaks in your system quickly and easily, whether it’s a crack or a burst water pipe. If the leak is small, they can fix it without the need to dig up the pipe

Pipes 

Major bursts may require them to dig up the pipe to replace it but your drainage system is important to maintain otherwise smells, mould and worse can grow. Like leaks, there is the potential that they can fix this damage with a technique called pipe relining but it may depend on the extent of the damage.

A drainage plumber will also be able to detect and deal with tree roots that may have wrapped around your pipes. As these grow they can put pressure on the pipes and may cause damage. Drainage plumbers will be able to remove these or repair any damage. 

Low water pressure

If you’re finding that your water pressure is low from your taps or shower then you may need to get in contact with a drainage plumber. These issues can sometimes be dealt with by a regular plumber but if the problem is drainage then a regular plumber won’t be able to help you. 

Disposal of liquid waste

Septic tank water or grease traps can also be drained and removed by a drainage plumber. These substances should be handled by professionals as they can be hazardous. A professional will have the appropriate skills, equipment and safety gear to dispose of liquid waste safely. 

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How to avoid your drains becoming blocked

One of the main issues that drainage plumbers are called to deal with is blocked drains. These can damage your pipes, cause bad smells and flooding if left. The most common causes of drain blockages come from allowing substances to freely go down your drain. Including:

• Fat
• Grease
• Hair
• Leaves and twigs

Blocked toilets can also be a problem because of flushed toiletries like baby wipes, tampons, condoms, sanitary pads and tissue papers.

For many of these issues, ensuring that you don’t allow these substances to enter your drain will prevent the problem. Using hair or drain strainers can be a good way to prevent these from blocking your drain. If grease makes it down your drain, run hot water through it to make sure that it cant build up and solidify. 

Other common causes of blocked drains are:

• Tree roots
• Heavy rains or storms
• Broken pipes
• Poorly installed pipes

It can be a good idea to get an inspection done by a plumber after particularly bad storms or heavy rain to ensure that your plumbing and drainage are working properly. And it’s always a good idea to ensure that your blocked drains plumber is appropriately qualified and licensed to conduct the work you need. 

How much does a drainage plumber cost?

Drainage plumbers will often charge a fixed price per job. Some common costs for drainage solutions are:

• Unblock a toilet or kitchen drain - $80 to $200
• Clear a short stretch of blocked drain - $300 to $500
• Replace drainage piping - $1000 to $3000
• Replace the entire drainage system - $5000 to $20,000

Some costs may vary depending on how severe the blockage or damage is. For instance, Superior Plumbing Drainage and Gas in Perth generally charges:

• $200 - $250 for easy blockages 
• $300 if they have to use the camera and a drain snake 
• $350 for severe blockages that require powerful tools

Questions to ask your drainage plumber

When it comes time to hire a professional plumber for drainage work, make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you appropriately qualified, accredited or licensed?
• Do you hold valid insurance (professional indemnity and public liability insurance)?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• How long will my job take?
• Do you have references I can follow up on?