Blocked Drains? The Dos and Don’ts Before Calling a Plumber

There are few things more frustrating in an Australian household than watching the water level rise in the sink when it should be going down. It disrupts the morning routine, makes cleaning difficult, and, let’s be honest, it can smell terrible. Whether it is the kitchen sink, the shower recess, or the toilet, blocked drains are a common nuisance that every homeowner will face at some point.

Blocked Drains

When the water stops flowing, the immediate reaction is often panic. Do you reach for the plunger? Do you pour chemicals down the hole? Or do you pick up the phone immediately? While professional help is often necessary for serious clogs, there are several steps you can take to assess and potentially fix the issue yourself. Conversely, there are certain things you definitely should not do, as they can turn a minor blockage into a major pipe disaster.

This guide explores the safe, effective methods for tackling drainage issues and highlights the red flags that indicate it is time to bring in the experts at Hames Reid.

Understanding Your Drainage System

Before you start poking and prodding, it helps to understand what is happening beneath your feet. In Australian homes, your drainage system is essentially a gravity-fed network of pipes. Waste water leaves your fixtures (sinks, showers, toilets) and travels through trap pipes—those U-shaped bends you see under the sink—before entering the main sewer line.

These traps are designed to hold a small amount of water to stop sewer gases from entering your home. However, these bends are also the most common places for obstructions to occur. Hair, soap scum, food scraps, and solidified cooking oils love to gather in these curves.

If only one fixture is draining slowly, the issue is likely a localized blockage in that specific trap or branch pipe. However, if you flush the toilet and the shower drain gurgles, or if multiple fixtures are backed up simultaneously, you are likely dealing with a blockage in the main sewer line. This is a more serious scenario often caused by tree roots or structural pipe failure.

The "Dos": Safe DIY Solutions

If you have identified a localized issue, there are several safe methods you can try before calling for backup. These techniques are low-risk and often effective for minor organic clogs.

1. Do Reach for the Plunger

The humble plunger is your first line of defense. However, technique matters. For sinks and showers, you want a cup plunger (the classic red rubber half-circle). For toilets, a flange plunger (which has an extra flap of rubber) provides a better seal.

To use it effectively:

• Ensure there is enough water in the fixture to cover the rubber cup.

• Place the plunger over the drain hole to create a tight seal.

• Push down gently to release air, then pull up sharply. It is the suction on the upward pull that usually dislodges the clog, not the downward push.

• Repeat this vigorous pumping action for 15 to 20 seconds.

2. Do Use Hot Water and Dish Soap

For kitchen sinks clogged with grease or oil, heat is your friend. Squirt a generous amount of dishwashing liquid down the drain, followed by a kettle full of hot water (not scalding, just very hot tap water is often safer for PVC pipes). The soap helps break down the fat, and the heat liquefies it, allowing it to flush through the system.

3. Do Try the Natural "Volcano" Method

Before buying harsh chemicals, try the pantry staples.

• Pour half a cup of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) down the drain.

• Follow it with half a cup of white vinegar.

• Cover the drain with a plug or cloth.

The mixture will fizz and expand, creating pressure that can help dislodge grime. Leave it for an hour, then flush with hot water. This is safe for your pipes and the Australian waterways.

4. Do Check the "S" or "P" Trap

If you are handy with tools, look under the sink. You will see a U-shaped pipe. Place a bucket underneath it to catch water. Unscrew the slip nuts at both ends of the bend. Remove the pipe and clean out any gunk manually. This is often where lost jewellery, hairpins, and thick grease accumulate.

5. Do Inspect Your Overflow Relief Gully (ORG)

Walk outside your house. You should see a small grate near the ground, usually outside the kitchen or laundry. This is the Overflow Relief Gully. Its job is to spill sewage outside if the main line blocks, preventing it from flooding inside your house. Ensure this grate is not covered by garden mulch, pot plants, or paving. If it is popping up or overflowing, you have a main line blockage.

The "Don'ts": Habits That Harm Your Pipes

In the panic to clear blocked drains, homeowners often make mistakes that cause expensive damage. Avoiding these common pitfalls is crucial for the longevity of your plumbing.

1. Don't Use Caustic Chemical Cleaners

You will see plenty of "drain opening" chemicals on supermarket shelves. While they might offer a quick fix, they are incredibly harsh. They generate intense heat to burn through clogs. This heat can warp plastic PVC pipes and corrode older metal pipes. Furthermore, if the chemical doesn't clear the blockage, it sits there. When the plumber eventually arrives, they are at risk of chemical burns when they cut the pipe or use their equipment.

2. Don't Use a Garden Hose

Some people try to force a garden hose down the drain to blast the blockage. This is risky for two reasons. Firstly, if the blockage is solid, the water will simply come back up at you, potentially flooding the bathroom. Secondly, and more importantly, there is a risk of backflow. You do not want bacteria from the drain entering your garden hose, which you might later use to fill a drinking bowl or pool.

3. Don't Poke Wire Hangers Blindly

Straightening out a wire coat hanger to fish out hair is an old trick. It can work for surface-level clogs in the shower. However, pushing it deep into the pipe is dangerous. The sharp metal end can scratch the smooth interior of the pipe, creating a rough surface where debris will catch more easily in the future. In worst-case scenarios, the wire can get stuck, adding a metal obstruction to the existing blockage.

4. Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

Drains rarely block overnight. They usually give you warnings.

• Gurgling sounds: Air trapped in the pipes escaping.

• Slow draining: Water taking longer than usual to leave the sink.

• Bad smells: A persistent sulfur or sewage smell near drains.

Ignoring these signs allows the blockage to compact and harden, making the eventual repair more difficult and costly.

The Australian Menace: Tree Roots

One of the most common causes of stubborn blocked drains in Australia is our vegetation. Native trees, particularly Eucalyptus and Gum trees, have aggressive root systems that seek out moisture.

Even a microscopic crack in an old earthenware or clay pipe is an open invitation. The root enters the pipe, feeds on the nutrient-rich moisture, and grows rapidly. Eventually, the roots form a thick web that catches toilet paper and solids, causing a total blockage.

No amount of plunging or baking soda will fix a tree root infestation. This is a structural issue. Professional plumbers use equipment like an "electric eel" (a mechanical auger) or a high-pressure water jetter to cut through the roots. Once cleared, they can use a CCTV drain camera to inspect the damage and recommend a permanent fix, such as pipe relining or excavation.

When to Call the Professionals

Knowing when to throw in the towel is important. If you have tried the plunger and the hot water with no success, or if the blockage is affecting multiple fixtures, it is time to call Hames Reid.

Professional plumbers have access to diagnostic tools that homeowners do not.

• CCTV Drain Cameras: These are inserted into the pipe to send a live video feed to a monitor. This identifies exactly what is causing the block—whether it is a toy, a tree root, or a collapsed pipe—and exactly where it is located.

• Hydro Jetting: This uses water at incredibly high pressure to scour the inside of the pipes. It doesn't just poke a hole in the blockage; it cleans the pipe walls, washing away years of built-up grease and scale.

• Sewer Location Equipment: If digging is required, they can pinpoint the exact spot to minimize excavation in your garden.

Prevention: The Best Strategy

Once your drains are flowing freely, keeping them that way requires a few simple lifestyle changes.

In the Kitchen: Never pour cooking oil or fat down the sink. As it cools, it solidifies and acts like glue for other food particles. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing, and dispose of the towel in the bin. Install a sink strainer to catch food scraps.

In the Bathroom: Hair is the number one enemy of shower drains. Install a hair catcher over the drain hole and clean it regularly.

The Toilet Rule: The only things that should go down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. This is known as the "Three Ps." Even products labelled "flushable," such as wet wipes, do not break down like toilet paper. They snag on pipe imperfections and are a leading cause of major sewer blockages in Australian cities.

Blocked Drains

Questions and Answers: Common Questions About blocked drains in Australia

Q: Who is responsible for blocked drains, the landlord or the tenant?

A: In Australia, this generally depends on the cause of the blockage. If the blockage is caused by structural issues, tree roots, or old pipes, it is the landlord's responsibility to maintain the property. However, if the plumber finds the blockage was caused by the tenant’s misuse—such as flushing wet wipes, sanitary products, or excessive hair—the tenant may be liable for the bill.

Q: Why does my drain smell like rotten eggs?

A: This smell is usually sewer gas (hydrogen sulfide) escaping into your home. It typically happens when the water in the P-trap (the U-bend) has evaporated because the fixture hasn't been used for a while, breaking the water seal. Try running the tap for a minute to refill the trap. If the smell persists, you may have a cracked vent pipe or a blockage further down the line.

Q: Is high-pressure water jetting better than using an electric eel?

A: Generally, yes. An electric eel (mechanical snake) punches a hole through the blockage to restore flow, but it can leave debris on the pipe walls. High-pressure water jetting (hydro jetting) scrubs the interior walls of the pipe, removing the blockage entirely along with grease and scale build-up. It provides a more thorough clean and longer-lasting results.

Q: Does home insurance cover blocked drains?

A: Most standard home insurance policies cover "escape of liquid," meaning the water damage caused by a bursting pipe or overflowing drain. However, they typically do not cover the cost of repairing the pipe itself or clearing the blockage, as this is considered general maintenance. You should check your specific Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to be sure.

Q: How often should I get my drains professionally cleaned?

A: If you have older pipes or large trees near your drainage lines, having a preventive clean and camera inspection every 18 to 24 months is a good idea. For newer homes with PVC piping and no history of issues, you generally only need to call a plumber when symptoms arise.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Successful blocked drains in Australia

Dealing with drainage issues is an inevitable part of home ownership, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. By distinguishing between a simple clog you can plunge away and a complex sewer issue requiring expert intervention, you save time and money.