$0 Call-Out Fee · ★★★★★ 4.9 from 500+ Google Reviews · 24/7 Emergency Drain Response
★ 4.9 · 500+ reviews · $0 call-out
“Great service with a friendly team who really know their stuff.”
Bevan Rigato, Google review
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Four quick questions. Likely cause, how urgent it is and what to do next. Free, about a minute, no details needed.
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When a drain keeps blocking, the blockage is not always caused by something that can be washed away easily. Sometimes there is something solid inside the pipe, such as concrete, construction debris, hard scale or a large amount of root growth that might lead to stubborn obstruction.
Robotic cutting lets us deal with these harder problems from inside the pipe. The cutter is guided to the affected section and used to break up the material, so there is no need to dig up the ground just to reach the pipe.
It can also be useful during pipe relining, either to prepare the pipe beforehand or to reopen connections once the liner has been installed.
A robotic cutter is a small cutting machine that works inside a sewer pipe, including suitable vertical pipes where access allows. Robotic cutters can operate in pipes from 80mm to 150mm in diameter, depending on the equipment and pipe conditions. It is controlled by a technician from outside the pipe, with an air hose and CCTV camera showing what is happening inside.
That gives us a much better idea of what we are dealing with. Instead of sending equipment into a blocked pipe and hoping it clears the problem, we can see the obstruction and work on the affected area directly.
Without any excavation, the cutter is inserted into the access point. The cutting head can break through hard material attached to the inside of cast iron pipes and other air pipes. It can mechanically cut stubborn obstructions caused by tree roots, concrete, or construction debris.
This method can also be used around junctions and other areas where a standard drain cleaning tool may not be able to do the job properly.
Robotic drain cutting is generally used when the obstruction calls for more than a normal cleaning. CCTV helps determine whether that is the case.
Robotic cutting has several uses, and tree roots are only one of them. It can be used for:
Junctions and laterals can be tricky when they are blocked or covered by material. A robotic cutter can be guided to the opening and used to clear it without disturbing the rest of the pipe.
Accumulated concrete inside pipes may also need cutting. Once it has hardened inside a sewer line, ordinary drain cleaning may not be enough. The same can happen with thick scales that have built up on the pipe walls over time.
Sediments or minerals often accumulate in pipes, harden and restrict the water flow. Robot cutting can be the appropriate method for this.
Construction debris or solid dirt are common in pipes. They not only solidify and disrupt the flow, but may also attract more debris in the process.
During pipe relining, the liner saturated in epoxy resin is inserted into the old pipe and is cured. The liner often covers the opening intersection of the place where the pipe is connected to the main drainage system, blocking the wastewater pathway.
A small amount of root growth may be dealt with using other drain cleaning methods, but tap roots or a heavy root mass can require robotic root cutting to clear the pipe efficiently. We look at what is actually inside the pipe first and recommend a solution. To know more, read our tree root removal process.
Before a pipe is relined, the inside of the existing pipe needs to be prepared and cleaned thoroughly. The new liner has to pass through the old pipe and sit properly against its walls, with the work causing minimal disruption to the property. Large roots, concrete, timber pegs or thick build-up inside the line can get in the way and affect the process.
This is where robotic cutting can be useful. It gives us a way to remove material that is too hard or firmly attached for normal drain cleaning equipment.
For example, heavy roots can be cut before the liner is installed. Concrete or hard scale can also be removed where it is taking up space inside the pipe.
Not every pipe needs this solution. The pipe is checked first to help us assess the next steps.
Robotic cutting deals with obstructions inside a pipe. It does not repair a pipe that has collapsed completely.
A collapsed pipe is a dig or a reline decision. If the pipe is damaged but still suitable for a lining, pipe relining Sydney may be an option. If the pipe has collapsed too badly, the damaged section may need to be excavated and replaced.
This is why cutting is sometimes only one part of the job. Clearing an obstruction may be necessary before the actual pipe repair can begin.
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Upfront Pricing
Transparent ProcessesUp to 50-yr WarrantyDifferent drain problems call for different equipments, especially when dealing with blocked drains. High-pressure water jetting uses water to clean the inside of the pipe. It is useful for things such as grease, dirt, loose debris and some root growth.
An electric eel uses a rotating cable to break through a blockage, but tougher blockages may require robotic cutting. It can be enough for many common drain problems, particularly when the blockage is suitable for that type of equipment.
A robotic cutter is used when the material is harder or needs to be removed more precisely. Instead of washing the material away or pushing through it with a cable, the cutter works directly on it.
Concrete is a good example. A water jet may clean around it, but it will not necessarily remove hardened concrete from the pipe. A robotic cutter can work directly on the concrete where the pipe and obstruction are suitable.
The condition of the pipe also matters. CCTV camera pipe inspections give us a clearer picture before we decide which equipment to use.
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A sewer pipe can have smaller pipes joining it at different points. These connections are called junctions or laterals.
When a liner is installed inside the main pipe, it can cover one of these openings. The liner may have repaired the main pipe, but the smaller connection still needs to be open for proper water flow.
A robotic cutter can be used to reopen the junctions in relined pipes. First, CCTV is used to locate the connection. The cutter is then guided to that point and used to remove the section of liner covering the opening.
The job needs to be done carefully. The aim is to open the connection without damaging the liner around it. Once the work is complete, another CCTV check can confirm that the junction is open and clear.
The cost of robotic cutting in Sydney is around AUD 400- AUD 700.
However, the amount of material that needs to be removed or the severity of the blockage makes a difference. So do the size and condition of the pipe, the location of the obstruction and how easily the equipment can reach it.
A CCTV inspection gives us a better idea of the work involved. We can then explain what needs to be done and give you an upfront cost before the work goes ahead.
If robotic cutting is being carried out as part of a pipe relining job, the total cost will also include this particular service.
4.9★ from 500+ Google reviews, mostly blocked drains and pipe relining across the Inner West.
Robotic cutting can be used in some old earthenware pipes, but the pipe materials and condition need to be checked first to make sure it can withstand it. CCTV inspection helps determine whether the pipe is suitable for the work.
It depends on what is causing the blockage and the severity of the problem. An electric eel may clear a standard blockage, while concrete, heavy scale or a large root mass may need robotic cutting. Robotic cutting is more suitable for major blockages where precision is important.
No. Some pipes are ready for relining without any cutting. In other situations, hydro-jetting is used. Robotic cutting is only needed when the installed liner covers the pipes. It is used to reopen the junctions and remove the liner covering the pipe.
In case concrete or other building material has made its way through the pipe, solidified, and is obstructing the water flow, robotic cutting can be an ideal solution. But it has to be checked whether the pipe is suitable for the equipment. CCTV inspection can help determine that.
From a recurring blockage to a damaged sewer pipe, Sewer Surgeon provides practical blocked drain services for homes, businesses and properties across Sydney.
Trenchless methods to repair damaged underground pipes without major excavation or unnecessary disruption to your property.
See pipe relining →Our professional blocked drain plumbers clear blocked pipes with effective methods like hydro-jetting and prevent issues from coming back.
See blocked drains →We remove intrusive roots that can enter underground pipes, cause blockages, and damage your drainage system.
See tree root removal →We see what's happening inside your pipes and identify root intrusion, broken pipes, or other drainage issues.
See CCTV inspections →Our high-pressure water cleaning removes roots, grease, debris, and other stubborn buildup from suitable drains.
See hydro-jet cleaning →We provide practical solutions for blocked stormwater drains and other stormwater problems affecting your property.
See stormwater →When a drain overflows or a sewer backs up, our team is available 24/7 to help resolve urgent problems.
Same-day blocked drain service in every suburb below, from our Forest Lodge base. View all service areas
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Blocked drains AbbotsfordBlocked drains AnnandaleBlocked drains AshfieldBlocked drains BalmainBlocked drains BirchgroveBlocked drains CamperdownBlocked drains CroydonBlocked drains Dulwich HillBlocked drains EnmoreBlocked drains ErskinevilleBlocked drains Forest LodgeBlocked drains GlebeBlocked drains HaberfieldBlocked drains Hurlstone ParkBlocked drains LeichhardtBlocked drains LewishamBlocked drains LilyfieldBlocked drains MarrickvilleBlocked drains NewtownBlocked drains PetershamBlocked drains RozelleBlocked drains St PetersBlocked drains StanmoreBlocked drains Summer HillBlocked drains SydenhamBlocked drains TempeIf you are dealing with recurring blockage, there could be something hard stuck inside your sewer pipe. To avoid further damage, call Sewer Surgeon on 1300 734 677.
We can inspect the pipe and find out what is causing the problem. From there, we can explain whether robotic cutting is suitable or whether another method or repair would be more appropriate.
The important thing is to find the cause of the problem rather than keep clearing the same blockage without knowing why it is happening. Get in touch with us for the best solutions.
For emergency plumbing, please call 1300 734 677 for our 24/7 service or fill out our online form to book our services.
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Saved us from disaster by relining our ancient, root infested & hard to access sewer line. Also replaced piping under house. Skilled dedicated & trustworthy I can't thank them enough. Great team.
1300 734 677