DrainSpy TV

A Hidden Water Leak Repaired Beneath a Busy Shopping Centre

REC CAM 09

Deception Bay 0.25

CCTV Inspections

A Hidden Water Leak Repaired Beneath a Busy Shopping Centre

The shopping centre management became aware of unusually high water consumption after reviewing water usage records. Despite extensive inspections, no visible leaks could be found anywhere on the property. Specialist acoustic leak detection confirmed the leak was located beneath the concrete access ramp leading to the disabled toilet facilities. Once the exact location had been identified, Deception Bay Plumbing was engaged to complete the excavation and repair. The investigation revealed: ✔ Hidden under-slab water leak. ✔ Approximately 6,000 litres of water being lost each month. ✔ No visible signs of leakage above ground. ✔ Leak located beneath the disabled access ramp. ✔ Underground 25mm copper water service affected. ✔ Targeted excavation required to minimise disruption.

Jul 19, 2026

Blocked Drain Cleared in Redcliffe – 16 Years of Fat Build-Up Removed

REC CAM 08

Redcliffe 0.17

Grease & Fat

Blocked Drain Cleared in Redcliffe – 16 Years of Fat Build-Up Removed

DrainSpy Brisbane was called to a residential property in Redcliffe after the homeowner experienced slow draining fixtures and recurring sewer blockages. The drainage system had gradually deteriorated over many years until wastewater could no longer flow freely through the sewer line. Our initial inspection indicated a significant obstruction within the main drain. After carrying out a CCTV drain camera inspection, we identified the cause of the blockage as approximately 16 years of accumulated fat, grease and food residue that had hardened inside the pipe walls. Over time, fats, oils and grease (commonly referred to as FOG) cool and solidify inside sewer pipes. Layer after layer builds up until the internal diameter of the pipe becomes severely restricted, eventually causing complete blockages. The customer reported: ✔ Slow draining sinks. ✔ Gurgling drains. ✔ Intermittent sewer blockages. ✔ Wastewater backing up. ✔ Strong drain odours. ✔ Repeated drainage issues becoming worse over time. Without professional intervention, the blockage would have eventually resulted in a complete sewer overflow.

Jul 9, 2026

Leak detection Deception Bay Shopping Centre

REC CAM 07

Deception Bay 0.06

CCTV Inspections

Leak detection Deception Bay Shopping Centre

DrainSpy Brisbane was contacted by the management of a busy shopping centre in Deception Bay after unusually high water consumption began affecting operating costs. Despite extensive visual inspections by onsite maintenance staff, no leaking taps, burst pipes or visible signs of water loss could be found. Water usage records showed the property was losing approximately 6,000 litres of water every month, indicating a concealed leak somewhere within the underground water supply system. Because the leak wasn't surfacing above ground, it was suspected to be beneath the reinforced concrete slab servicing the shopping centre. Hidden under-slab leaks can remain undetected for months or even years, quietly wasting water while washing away supporting soils beneath buildings. If ignored, they can eventually lead to ground movement, slab settlement, expensive structural repairs and ongoing increases in water costs. The shopping centre required a specialist leak detection company capable of accurately locating the leak without destroying large sections of concrete or disrupting tenants. Our investigation identified the issue as a concealed under-slab copper water pipe leak requiring advanced diagnostic equipment to locate precisely. ✔ Water bills increasing unexpectedly. ✔ Approximately 6,000 litres of water being lost every month. ✔ No visible leaks above ground. ✔ Leak suspected beneath the concrete slab. ✔ Multiple commercial tenancies requiring minimal disruption. ✔ Potential structural risks if left unrepaired. ✔ Needed accurate leak detection before excavation. ✔ Required specialist acoustic leak detection technology.

Jul 9, 2026

Carindale – Tree Root Intrusion Investigation

REC CAM 01

Carindale 3:45

Tree Roots

Carindale – Tree Root Intrusion Investigation

The homeowner contacted DrainSpy Brisbane after experiencing progressively worsening drainage issues throughout the property, including slow-draining fixtures, gurgling noises from internal plumbing, and recurring sewer blockages that had become more frequent over several months. Previous attempts to clear the drain had only provided temporary relief, indicating an underlying structural issue within the sewer line. Our technicians carried out a comprehensive CCTV drain camera inspection to determine the cause of the ongoing blockage. The investigation revealed that tree roots had entered the underground sewer pipe through small cracks and compromised pipe joints. Once inside the drain, the roots continued to grow towards the constant source of moisture and nutrients flowing through the sewer, gradually forming a dense fibrous root mass that significantly restricted the internal diameter of the pipe. As wastewater travelled through the affected section, grease, paper, sanitary products and other debris became trapped within the root network, causing the obstruction to increase in size over time. This resulted in repeated sewer backups, reduced drainage performance and a substantial risk of complete pipe failure if left untreated. The CCTV footage also identified evidence of joint displacement and deterioration around the point of root ingress, suggesting the roots had been developing over many years rather than being a recent occurrence. Without professional intervention, the blockage would have continued to worsen, increasing the likelihood of sewage overflows, property damage and the need for more extensive excavation works. Following diagnosis, DrainSpy Brisbane developed an appropriate repair strategy to restore the sewer system, remove the invasive root mass and address the underlying cause of the intrusion. The investigation provided the homeowner with a clear understanding of the condition of the drainage system and the recommended long-term repair options to prevent future root-related blockages.

12.5K Mar 15, 2024

30 Years Of Grease Removed From Restaurant Drain

REC CAM 02

Chermside 5:12

Grease & Fat

30 Years Of Grease Removed From Restaurant Drain

Commercial kitchen drain in Chermside completely blocked with decades of grease buildup. Our 5000 PSI water jetter blasted through the solidified grease.

8.3K Mar 10, 2024

High Pressure Water Jetting - Grease Trap Clean

REC CAM 06

Brisbane CBD 4:15

Grease & Fat

High Pressure Water Jetting - Grease Trap Clean

Footage of a commercial grease trap clean in Brisbane CBD.

11.4K Feb 15, 2024

REC CAM 04

Wynnum 2:56

Stormwater

Stormwater Pipe Full Of Mud - Wynnum

Heavy rain caused flooding at a Wynnum property. CCTV inspection reveals the stormwater pipe is completely filled with mud and debris. High-pressure jetting clears it in minutes.

6.7K Feb 28, 2024

REC CAM 05

Indooroopilly 6:33

Pipe Relining

Orangeburg Pipe Collapse - Indooroopilly

Old Orangeburg pipe (bituminised fibre pipe) completely collapsed in a 1960s Indooroopilly home. Full excavation and replacement with PVC pipe.

9.2K Feb 20, 2024

REC CAM 03

Brisbane 4:28

CCTV Inspections

CCTV Finds Broken Sewer Under Driveway

Customer had recurring blocked drains for years. Our CCTV camera reveals a collapsed clay pipe section under their concrete driveway. Pipe relining avoids excavation.

15.1K Mar 5, 2024

A Hidden Water Leak Repaired Beneath a Busy Shopping Centre

A Hidden Water Leak Repaired Beneath a Busy Shopping Centre

Blocked Drain Cleared in Redcliffe – 16 Years of Fat Build-Up Removed

Leak detection Deception Bay Shopping Centre

Carindale – Tree Root Intrusion Investigation

30 Years Of Grease Removed From Restaurant Drain

High Pressure Water Jetting - Grease Trap Clean

Stormwater Pipe Full Of Mud - Wynnum

Orangeburg Pipe Collapse - Indooroopilly

CCTV Finds Broken Sewer Under Driveway

Subscribe to DrainSpy TV

Want Your Drain on TV?