A blocked drain stops a household quickly: water won’t go down, the toilet backs up, or a smell comes up from the gully outside. Supa Nova clears blocked drains for homes and businesses in Johannesburg, and we look for the reason the drain blocked so it doesn’t happen again next month.
Blocked drain? Call 011 485 1324 or 082 891 1577.
Drains we unblock
- Kitchen sinks blocked with fat and food waste
- Basins, baths and showers blocked with hair and soap
- Toilets that won’t flush or that overflow
- Outside gullies and manholes
- Main sewer lines between the house and the municipal connection
How we clear a blockage
- Find where it is. We check which fixtures are affected to work out whether the blockage is in a single branch or the main line.
- Clear it. We use drain machines and rods, or high-pressure jetting where the line needs it.
- Find the cause. Roots, collapsed pipes, poor falls and grease build-up all cause repeat blockages. Where needed, we put a CCTV camera down the line, so you can see what’s causing the problem.
- Test it. We run water through the line before we leave.
Why drains block in Johannesburg’s older suburbs
Many homes in suburbs like Orange Grove, Norwood and Houghton have clay or pitch-fibre drain pipes that are decades old. Tree roots get in through the joints, and pitch-fibre pipes can flatten over time. In newer complexes, the usual cause is fat and wet wipes in shared lines.
Your drain or the council’s?
If the blockage is in the municipal sewer, Johannesburg Water is responsible. Report it on 011 375 5555. If it is in the pipes on your property, up to the connection point, it is the owner’s responsibility. If you’re not sure, we can tell you which it is.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to unblock a drain?
There’s no call-out fee. A simple blockage costs labour for a short time on site plus travel. Main-line blockages that need jetting cost more. The travelling fee is R400. Our hourly rate is available on request, and quotations are free. We quote before starting.
Should I use drain-cleaning chemicals?
They can clear a light blockage in a sink, but they rarely clear roots or a main line. Strong chemicals can also damage old pipes. If the drain blocks again within a few weeks, the cause needs fixing.
Is a blocked drain an emergency?
A sewer backing up into the house is, because it is a health risk. Stop using water and call us.