The Costly Truth About Blocked Drains: How to Spot and Prevent Them
A blocked drain might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but left unchecked it can quickly become a messy, expensive problem. From foul smells and slow drainage to water damage and even structural issues, the impact of a blockage goes far beyond the sink or shower.
At Plumbers Please, we see blocked drains every week across Sydney and many of them could have been avoided with a little early attention. Here’s what you need to know.
Early Signs of a Blocked Drain
Catch the problem early and you’ll save yourself stress (and money). Look out for:
- Slow drainage – sinks, baths or showers taking longer to empty.
- Unpleasant smells – often from trapped food scraps, grease, or sewer gas.
- Gurgling noises – air bubbles caused by water struggling past a blockage.
- Frequent toilet blockages – plunging more than usual can be a red flag.
- Water pooling – in showers, sinks, or even around outdoor drains.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Blocked drains are usually caused by everyday habits, but knowing the culprits can help prevent them:
- Grease and food scraps washed down the kitchen sink.
- Hair and soap scum in showers and bathroom drains.
- Wet wipes, tissues, and sanitary products flushed instead of binned.
- Tree roots intruding into underground pipes (a very common Sydney issue).
- Foreign objects (toys, jewellery, cotton buds) that don’t belong in pipes.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Ignoring a blocked drain doesn’t just mean living with the smell. It can also lead to:
- Burst or collapsed pipes from built up pressure.
- Sewerage overflow into your home or garden.
- Damage to floors, walls and foundations from water leaks.
- Health risks from mould, bacteria and wastewater exposure.
- Higher repair costs if relining or excavation becomes necessary.
How to Prevent Blocked Drains
A few simple habits can go a long way:
- Dispose of oils and fats in the bin, not the sink.
- Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and hair.
- Only flush the “three Ps”: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper.
- Schedule regular drain inspections if you live in an older property or have lots of trees nearby.
- Call a plumber at the first sign of slow drainage, rather than waiting until it’s urgent.
How Plumbers Please Can Help
We use the latest technology to get to the bottom of blocked drains quickly:
- CCTV drain inspections to find the exact cause.
- High pressure water jetting to clear stubborn blockages.
- Pipe relining as a long term fix for cracked or root damaged pipes.
Our licensed plumbers have fixed thousands of blocked drains across the Sydney, and we’re just a call away when you need us.
Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
A blocked drain can escalate quickly. If you’ve noticed slow drainage, bad smells, or recurring blockages, it’s time to act.
