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Water backing up in your sink, shower or toilet can ruin your day. The thing is, a blocked drain in Sydney can lead to water damage, nasty smells, and even health issues if you leave it.
This blog will help you understand the cause of the problem and how to fix it. We’ll walk you through the most effective steps for how to fix a blocked drain, explain when DIY is worth trying, and when you should call in a plumber for blocked drain repairs.
What Causes Drains to Become Blocked?
Understanding what causes a blockage makes it much easier to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again. Most blocked drains don’t happen overnight. They build up slowly due to everyday habits and hidden issues within the pipework.
Grease, Fat and Food Scraps
In kitchens, grease, fat and cooking oils cling to the inside of pipes as they cool. Over time, they harden and trap food particles, gradually narrowing the pipe and eventually causing a stubborn blockage.
Hair and Soap Scum
Bathrooms commonly suffer from hair mixing with soap residue and shampoo. This sticky combination binds together inside the pipe, restricting water flow and leading to slow drainage or complete blockages.
Everyday Items That Don’t Break Down
Items that don’t break down easily, such as wet wipes, cotton buds, paper towels and sanitary products, can get stuck inside pipes. Once lodged, they catch other debris and quickly turn into a major blockage.
Tree Roots and Soil Intrusion
Over time, underground pipes can crack or shift. Tree roots grow into these gaps, while surrounding soil can wash into the pipe, reducing flow and causing recurring blockages.
What Are the Best DIY Solutions for a Blocked Drain?
Hot Water
Hot water is enough to deal with minor blockages caused by grease, soap residue or oily build-up. As the water flows through the pipe, the heat helps soften and loosen material stuck to the pipe walls, allowing it to wash away naturally.
Avoid using boiling water on PVC pipes or plastic fittings, as excessive heat can weaken joints and cause damage over time.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar create a natural chemical reaction that can help break down light organic material inside the drain. When combined, the fizzing action loosens grime, soap scum and small food particles clinging to the pipe.
This solution is especially useful for bathroom and kitchen drains with mild blockages. Even when it doesn’t fully clear the drain, it can help loosen the blockage enough for water to start moving again.
Using a Plunger
A plunger uses pressure and suction to shift blockages that are sitting close to the drain opening. For best results, the plunger needs to form a tight seal over the drain. With repeated firm plunges, the pressure can dislodge debris and restore normal water flow.
Drain Snake or Auger
A drain snake, also known as an auger, reaches further into the pipe than a plunger. It’s designed to hook, break apart or pull out debris that’s causing the blockage.
This option works well for hair, food scraps and solid material that has become lodged deeper in the drain. While it requires a bit more effort, it can be very effective when plunging doesn’t work, and the blockage is still accessible from the fixture.
Enzyme Drain Cleaners
Enzyme cleaners use natural bacteria to break down organic waste such as food, grease, hair and soap residue. Rather than forcing the blockage out, these cleaners gradually digest the material over time.
They’re best suited for slow drains and as a maintenance effort rather than urgent blockages. Used regularly, enzyme cleaners can help keep pipes clear and reduce the risk of future clogs, without harming the plumbing system.
When Should I Call a Professional for a Blocked Drain?
Sometimes DIY fixes aren’t enough. When a blockage appears deeper or more severe, calling a professional will stop the issue from getting worse. Here’s when it’s best to call a professional for help.
Repeated Blockages
If the same drain keeps blocking over time, it means there’s an underlying issue in the pipe that hasn’t been fully cleared.
Water Backing Up Into Other Fixtures
When water rises in toilets or showers while using another fixture, it points to a blockage in the main drain line.
Foul Odours That Don’t Go Away
Persistent drain smells indicate trapped waste or stagnant water sitting deeper inside the plumbing system.
How Do Professionals Fix Blocked Drains?
CCTV Drain Cameras
A small, high-resolution camera is fed into the drain to inspect the inside of the pipe. This allows the plumber in Sydney to find the location of the blockage and identify the causes.
Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear stubborn blockages inside the pipe. It effectively removes grease, roots, scale, and built-up debris, restoring full water flow without damaging the pipe.
Pipe Relining
Pipe relining fixes cracked or root-damaged pipes from the inside by installing a new lining that seals weak points and restores smooth water flow, all without excavation.
Pipe Replacement
In cases where pipes are severely damaged, collapsed, or beyond repair, replacement is necessary. This involves removing the affected section and installing new pipework to restore proper drainage and prevent recurring issues.
What Happens If I Ignore a Blocked Drain?
Water Damage
Overflowing or backed-up water can soak into floors, walls, and ceilings, leading to structural damage and expensive repairs if not addressed early.
Health Risks
Stagnant water trapped in blocked drains can harbour bacteria, mould and unpleasant odours, affecting indoor air quality and creating potential health concerns.
Pest Attraction
Standing water and organic waste create the perfect environment for insects and rodents, making blocked drains a common trigger for pest activity around the home.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing problems Australian households face. They’re usually fixable with a few simple steps.
You now know how to fix blocked drains safely and effectively. You also know the warning signs that mean it’s time to call in a plumber in Sydney for support.
Call Hero Plumbing on 02 9137 8549 to speak with our friendly team or submit our online form, and we’ll get back to you promptly. We’ll assess the issue, explain the solutions clearly, and get your drains flowing properly.
