20 January 2026
Drain Inspection Wynnum West, Brisbane: Root Blockage Solved
Gurgling Drains? How We Solved a Recurring Blockage in Wynnum West
Is there anything more unsettling than flushing the toilet and hearing a strange, deep “glug-glug” sound coming from your pipes? It’s often the first warning sign that something isn’t right deep underground.
For many homeowners, these noises are easy to ignore—until the water starts coming back up instead of going down. Recently, our team at Fallon Solutions attended a property to perform a drain inspection Wynnum West, helping a local resident get to the bottom of a recurring and frustrating plumbing mystery.
The Problem: Gurgling Noises and Aggressive Tree Roots
The homeowners in this specific Wynnum West property were dealing with a classic, yet stressful scenario. Every time they flushed the toilet, they were greeted with distinct gurgling noises.
In the world of plumbing, gurgling is rarely a good sign. It usually indicates that air is trapped in the sewer line because water isn’t draining freely. It is the plumbing equivalent of a blocked nose; the system is struggling to breathe.
The customers suspected they knew the culprit. They had a history of blocked drains, and right next door stood a magnificent, yet troublesome, Moreton Bay Fig tree. While these trees are iconic in Queensland, their root systems are notoriously aggressive. They can travel significant distances in search of moisture, often sensing the water inside your sewer pipes and cracking through joints to get to it.
The customer needed to know exactly where the blockage was occurring and how severe the root intrusion had become.
The Solution: CCTV Pipe Inspection
To address the issue accurately, guesswork wasn’t an option. Digging up the yard to find a pipe blockage is expensive and messy. Instead, our technician utilised advanced diagnostic technology.
- High-Definition CCTV Pipe Inspection
We deployed a specialised drain camera into the sewer line. This is a flexible, waterproof camera with high-intensity lights that feeds live video back to a monitor above ground. This allowed us to perform a comprehensive drain inspection of the internal condition of the pipes.
- Locating the Intrusion
The camera confirmed the customer’s suspicions. We located a significant intrusion of tree roots stemming from the neighbour’s Moreton Bay Fig. The roots had entered the pipe, creating a net that caught waste and toilet paper, slowing the flow of water and causing that tell-tale gurgling sound.
- Complimentary Plumbing Inspection
Because the customer was a member of our Home Protection Plan, our technician also performed a complimentary general plumbing inspection while on-site. This involves checking taps, toilets, and hot water systems to ensure the rest of the home’s plumbing is in top condition, providing a holistic health check for the property.
The Benefits of a Professional Drain Inspection
Why was a camera inspection the right choice for this Wynnum West home?
- Precision Diagnosis: We didn’t just assume it was the tree; we saw it. This means we can recommend the exact repair needed—whether that is high-pressure water jetting (Jet Rodder) to cut the roots, or relining the pipe to prevent them from coming back.
- No Unnecessary Digging: By pinpointing the exact location of the drain blockage, we avoided excavating the entire garden.
- Prevention of Sewage Backups: Catching the issue at the “gurgling” stage prevented a complete sewage overflow, which is a hazardous and costly disaster to clean up.
- Evidence for Neighbours: When dealing with tree roots from a neighbouring property, having video footage of the intrusion can be helpful when discussing solutions with neighbours.
Why Choose Fallon Solutions?
At Fallon Solutions, we understand that plumbing problems often happen at the most inconvenient times. We have been serving Brisbane and suburbs like Wynnum West for over 60 years. Our team arrives in fully stocked vehicles, ready to diagnose issues using the latest technology, including CCTV pipe inspection gear.
We pride ourselves on being transparent. We explain the problem in plain English and provide upfront options so you are never left in the dark about the condition of your home. Learn more about our drain services here.
Conclusion
If your drains are talking to you, listen to them. That gurgling sound is a warning that a blockage is building up. Whether it is a Moreton Bay Fig or a build-up of household waste, identifying the cause early is the key to saving money and protecting your home.
If you suspect you have a blocked drain or need a professional drain inspection Wynnum West, contact the team at Fallon Solutions today. We are here to help get your plumbing flowing freely again. Call us on 1300 054 488 or send us an enquiry here.
