Drainage Plumber vs. General Plumber: What’s the Difference?

When plumbing issues arise, one of the most common dilemmas homeowners face is deciding whether to call a general plumber or a drainage plumber. While both are qualified professionals in their own right, their expertise and areas of focus differ significantly. Knowing the difference between these two can save you time, money, and frustration.

In this blog, we’ll understand the different roles of a drainage plumber and a general plumber, focusing on the unique skills and services each provides. By understanding their specialties, you’ll better understand whom to call to handle your plumbing needs efficiently.

What is a General Plumber?

A general plumber is a broad term used to describe a professional who is trained and licensed to handle a wide range of plumbing issues within residential and commercial properties. From installing new fixtures to repairing leaks, a general plumber tackles everything related to your plumbing system that involves water supply and waste disposal inside your home.

Common Services Provided by a General Plumber:

1. Leaking Taps: Dripping faucets can drive up water bills and cause damage if left untreated. A general plumber can quickly fix any type of tap leak.
2. Hot Water System Repairs: Cold showers are no fun. General plumbers are experts at diagnosing and repairing issues with hot water systems, ensuring your home remains comfortable.
3. Fixture Installations: Whether it’s a new toilet installation, shower, or sink, general plumbers install plumbing fixtures as part of renovations or new builds.
4. Pipe Repairs: If you notice a water leak in your walls, a general plumber can check and repair any internal pipe damage.
5. Water Pressure Issues: A general plumber can assess low water pressure issues in your home, whether caused by faulty pipes or problems with the local water supply.

General plumbers are your go-to professionals for everyday plumbing tasks that involve water systems in your home.

What is a Drainage Plumber?

A drainage plumber, on the other hand, specialises in the external plumbing systems of your property, focusing mainly on drainage and sewer systems. These professionals deal with everything related to waste removal, from internal drains to external sewer lines. Their expertise extends to detecting blockages, leaks, and other issues in the drainage systems that most general plumbers don’t typically handle.

Common Services Provided by a Drainage Plumber:

1. Blocked Drains: One of the most common issues a drainage plumber addresses is a blocked drain. Whether it’s the kitchen sink, bathroom drain, or outdoor stormwater drain, drainage plumbers have specialized tools to clear blockages quickly and effectively.
2. Drain Inspections: Using advanced technologies like CCTV drain cameras, drainage plumbers can check the condition of your pipes and identify potential issues such as cracks or corrosion.
3. Sewer Drain Unblocking: Blocked sewer drains can cause severe problems if not addressed immediately. A drainage plumber can unblock these drains to prevent backups and unpleasant odors.
4. Pipe Relining: When pipes become damaged, a drainage plumber may use modern pipe relining technology to repair pipes without the need for expensive excavation.
5. Tree Root Control: Tree roots can infiltrate drainage pipes, causing blockages and structural damage. Drainage plumbers use specialised root treatments to prevent further damage and clear blockages.
6. Water Leak Detection: Drainage plumbers use tools like acoustic leak detection to locate leaks in underground pipes or sewer systems, often before you even notice an issue.

Drainage plumbers focus on external plumbing systems that deal with wastewater and sewage. They provide services that maintain the proper functioning of your drains, ensuring that waste is effectively removed from your property.

Drainage Plumber vs. General Plumber: Key Differences

Understanding when to call a drainage plumber versus a general plumber is crucial for resolving your plumbing issues efficiently. Here are the main differences between these two professionals:

1. Scope of Expertise

• A general plumber is trained to work with the internal plumbing systems of a building, focusing on the water supply and waste removal within the property.
• A drainage plumber specialises in the external plumbing system, such as drainage pipes, sewers, and stormwater systems, dealing with the removal of wastewater.

2. Services Offered

• General plumbers handle tasks like fixing leaking taps, installing water heaters, repairing pipes, and maintaining water pressure.
• Drainage plumbers are experts in dealing with blockages, clearing drains, detecting leaks in external systems, and repairing or relining damaged drainage pipes.

3. Tools and Techniques

• General plumbers typically use tools designed for working with internal systems, such as pipe wrenches, pliers, and pipe cutters.
• Drainage plumbers use specialised equipment like CCTV cameras to inspect pipes, hydro-jetters for clearing blockages, and pipe relining tools for repairing damaged pipes.

4. Location of Work

• General plumbers usually work inside your home or business premises.
• Drainage plumbers focus on external areas, including yards, roads, or even public sewer systems when necessary.

When to Call a Drainage Plumber

You should call a drainage plumber if you’re dealing with issues related to your property’s drains, sewers, or stormwater systems. Some signs that indicate you may need a drainage plumber include:

• Slow-draining water in sinks, showers, or bathtubs.
• Foul odors coming from drains or toilets.
• Gurgling sounds from drains.
• Water backing up in multiple drains simultaneously.
• Flooding or wet patches in your yard due to burst or leaking pipes.

When to Call a General Plumber

If the issue is related to your indoor plumbing, such as water leaks, hot water system problems, or installing new fixtures, then a general plumber should be your first call. General plumbers are equipped to handle all aspects of internal plumbing, from maintenance to repairs.

Conclusion

While both drainage plumbers and general plumbers are skilled professionals in the plumbing industry, their areas of expertise differ. A general plumber handles the internal plumbing system, while a drainage plumber specialises in external systems like drainage pipes and sewers. Understanding the differences between these two can help you choose the right professional for the job and ensure your plumbing issues are resolved immediately and effectively.

When in doubt, consult a professional to assess your situation, whether it’s a drainage issue or a plumbing problem, choosing the right expert is essential for getting the job done.