Name: Hero Plumbing Services
Brand: Hero Plumbing
Price: 69 AUD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (1489 reviews)

Blocked Drains FAQ

A blocked drain is more than just an inconvenience; it can cause unpleasant smells, slow drainage, and even serious damage to your property. At Hero Plumbing, we believe an informed customer is an empowered one.

Here are the answers to the most common questions we get about blocked drains.

1. What are the most common signs of a blocked drain?

Don’t wait for a complete backup! Look out for these early warning signs:

Slow Draining: Water taking longer than usual to drain from your sink, shower, or bathtub.
Gurgling Sounds: Strange noises coming from your drains when water is flowing or after you flush the toilet.
Unpleasant Odours: Foul smells emanating from your drains are a classic sign of trapped food, grease, or sewage.
Water Backing Up: Water coming back up into a sink, shower, or floor drain when you use another appliance (e.g., water comes up in the shower when you run the washing machine).
Overflowing Toilets: A toilet that won’t flush properly or overflows.

2. What causes blocked drains?

The cause often depends on the location of the drain:

Kitchen Sinks: Grease, oil, fat, and food scraps are the prime culprits.
Bathroom Sinks & Showers: A build-up of hair, soap scum, and toothpaste.
Toilets: Flushing non-flushable items like wet wipes (even “flushable” ones), sanitary products, cotton buds, and too much toilet paper.
External Drains: Intrusion from tree roots seeking moisture, build-up of leaves, dirt, and debris.

3. Can I fix a blocked drain myself?

For minor clogs, a DIY approach can sometimes work. You can try:

A Plunger: Effective for toilet blockages and sink blockages if there is a good seal.
A Drain Snake/Auger: A handy tool for pulling out hair clogs closer to the drain opening.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: A natural alternative that can sometimes break down minor organic matter.

Important: We strongly advise against using chemical drain cleaners. They are highly corrosive, can damage your pipes (especially older ones), and are harmful to you and the environment. If your DIY efforts don’t work within 15-20 minutes, it’s time to call a professional.

4. Why shouldn’t I use chemical drain cleaners?

While they seem like a quick fix, chemical drain cleaners:

Damage Pipes: The corrosive chemicals can eat away at PVC and old metal pipes, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
Are Hazardous: The fumes are dangerous to inhale and the liquid can cause severe skin burns.
Are Bad for the Environment: They introduce harmful toxins into the water system.
Often Don’t Work: They may clear a small part of the clog but leave the main blockage intact, making it harder for a plumber to remove later.

5. When should I call a professional plumber?

You should call Hero Plumbing immediately if:

DIY methods have failed.
Multiple drains are blocked at the same time (suggesting a main sewer line issue).
You notice sewage backing up into your home or yard.
There is a persistent foul odour that won’t go away.
You suspect tree root intrusion.

6. What will a plumber do to fix my blocked drain?

At Hero Plumbing, we use modern, non-destructive methods to diagnose and clear blockages:

Inspection: We first use a high-resolution CCTV drain camera to locate the exact cause and position of the blockage without any digging.
Hydro-Jetting: We use a high-pressure water jetting system to blast through the clog, clearing it completely and cleaning the pipe walls of grease and debris.
Electric Eeling/Drain Snaking: For tougher clogs, we use a motorised auger to break up or retrieve the obstruction.
Pipe Relining: For pipes damaged by roots or corrosion, we can often offer trenchless pipe relining to repair them without major excavation.

7. How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

The cost can vary depending on the:

Location and severity of the blockage.
Time of day (after-hours callouts may cost more).
Method required to fix it (e.g., simple snaking vs. hydro-jetting).
At Hero Plumbing, we always provide a transparent, upfront quote after a CCTV inspection so you know the cost before we begin any work.

8. Are your services guaranteed?

Absolutely! We take pride in our workmanship. All our drain clearing services come with a guarantee. If the blockage recurs within a specified period due to the same issue, we will return to fix it at no extra cost. (Terms and conditions apply, details provided with your quote).

9. How can I prevent future blockages?

Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure:

Kitchen: Avoid pouring grease down the sink. Use sink strainers to catch food scraps.
Bathroom: Use drain guards to catch hair. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
General: Schedule regular professional drain cleaning every 12-18 months, especially for older properties.

10. I have an emergency blocked drain after hours. Can you help?

Yes, we can! Hero Plumbing offers a 24/7 emergency blocked drain service. We understand that disasters don’t wait for business hours. Call us anytime, day or night, and our team of heroes will be on their way to rescue you.