How do I know if my drain is blocked?

• Water is Draining Slowly

  This might be noticeable when the toilet is flushed, water in the basin or sink is draining, or the water is pooling excessively around the floor waste in the shower.

• Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds

  Particularly when another nearby fixture is being used. For example the floor drain may make sounds when the toilet is flushed.

• Bad smells

  Coming from the drain, particularly if they weren’t there before.

• Water backs up into another fixture

  For example, running the laundry causes water to appear in the shower. Water or sewerage overflow could also be appearing in the drain in your garden.

• Toilet water level changes unexpectedly

  This may happen when a nearby tap is turned on or another toilet is flushed.

• Multiple drains are slow at the same time

  This is a particularly strong sign of a blockage further down the main drain line.

Why could my drain be blocked?

• Hair and Soap Build-Up

  Bathroom drains regularly collect hair, soap residue, shampoo and other products. Over time, these materials can combine and form a solid mass inside the pipe, restricting the flow of water. Shower drains are particularly prone to this type of blockage.

• Grease and Food Waste

  Kitchen sink drains can become blocked when fats, oils and grease are washed down the sink. Although grease may be liquid when it enters the drain, it eventually cools and then sticks to the inside of the pipe. Food scraps and other debris can then become trapped, gradually reducing the diameter of the pipe until water can no longer flow freely. Tip: Never pour cooking oil or grease down your kitchen sink. Allow it to cool and dispose of it in the rubbish instead.

• Tree Roots

  Tree roots are a common cause of blocked and damaged underground drains. Roots naturally seek out water and can enter small cracks or joints in sewer and stormwater pipes. Once inside the pipe, roots can continue to grow and trap toilet paper, grease and other debris. Eventually, this can cause a serious blockage.

• Old or Damaged Pipes

  Sometimes the problem isn’t what has gone down the drain — it’s the condition of the pipe itself. Older drains can develop cracked or broken sections, displaced or damaged pipe joints, corrosion, tree root intrusion, or low points where debris collects.