Completed project — Pearla Plumbing & Electrical

The job

Pearla Plumbing & Electrical was called out to investigate a blocked laundry outlet line, affecting the downstairs laundry and washing machine waste. What looked like a simple blockage turned out to involve tree root intrusion, damaged pipework, and a section of the line unsuitable for further use.

The investigation

On arrival, our team accessed the inspection point located in the corner of the backyard, removed the inspection opening, and carried out a CCTV drain inspection of the line.

The inspection identified approximately two sections of tree root intrusion within the main line, contributing to a main line blockage and restricting flow.

We also inspected the 50mm washing machine outlet line located in the small room underneath the staircase. This section was found to still be blocked and, on further inspection, heavily damaged — too damaged to reliably clear and return to service.

The diagnosis

We discussed the findings with the client and explained the recommended rectification method. Our first step was attempting to clear the root mass using a high pressure water jetter in conjunction with CCTV, to remove the intrusion and confirm the condition of the line once cleared.

During inspection, we also noted a large section of PVC pipework that appeared to have been repaired or replaced previously. The first root-affected section was identified at a PVC junction approximately 1 metre from the original stack line — a section not suitably accessible for permanent repair without excavation.

For the damaged 50mm washing machine outlet section, we recommended rerunning the pipework and reconnecting to the existing stack line, removing reliance on the damaged section and providing a more reliable connection.

The solution

Based on the CCTV findings, our recommended scope of works was:

  • Excavation at approximately the base of the staircase to around 1 metre deep, to expose the first damaged section of PVC pipework allowing root intrusion
  • Cut out and remove the damaged PVC section, then replace with new PVC pipework, including new inspection openings to improve access for future maintenance and servicing
  • Reline approximately 2 metres of existing terracotta pipework identified as allowing tree root entry
  • Form a new 50mm penetration through the brickwork inside the laundry room to run new 50mm PVC pipework and connect into the existing stack line
  • Terminate and decommission the damaged section that the current 50mm outlet line runs into, as it was not suitable for continued use
  • Backfill excavation and reinstate the patio and surrounding area to original condition once works were completed

The result

The combination of targeted excavation, PVC pipe replacement, and pipe relining resolved both the root intrusion in the main line and the damaged washing machine outlet — restoring reliable drainage to the laundry without requiring a full pipe replacement across the property. New inspection openings were also installed, giving the client easier access for any future maintenance.

All reline works completed on this project are backed by a 25 year warranty.

Why this job mattered

Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of recurring blocked drains in older properties with terracotta pipework, and it rarely resolves with jetting alone if the root has entered through a cracked joint or damaged section. This job is a good example of why a CCTV inspection before repair work matters — it identified two separate issues (root intrusion and unrelated pipe damage) that a jet-only approach would have missed, avoiding a repeat callout down the track.

Dealing with a blocked drain or recurring plumbing issue? Contact Pearla Plumbing & Electrical to book a CCTV inspection and get a clear diagnosis before any repair work begins.