Blocked Drains: Signs, Causes & What To Do Next
Blocked drains are something we see daily across Adelaide. Tree roots, old earthenware drains and grease build-up are common culprits.
The good news is that most blocked drains give warning signs before they become a full emergency. Knowing what to look for can help you act early and avoid an emergency situation.
In this guide, we’ll cover the common signs of a blocked drain, what causes blockages in Adelaide homes, and when it’s time to call a plumber.
Signs You Have a Blocked Drain
Not sure if your drain is actually blocked? Here are the telltale signs.
Slow drainage
Water pooling in the shower, sink or laundry tub and taking longer than usual to drain is often the first sign of a partial blockage.
If multiple fixtures are draining slowly at the same time, the problem may be a sewer blockage further down the line.
Gurgling sounds
Hearing gurgling or bubbling noises when water drains or when you flush the toilet usually means air is trapped in the pipe.
This happens when the drain cannot breathe properly, generally caused by a partial blockage.
Water backing up
If water backs up through your shower drain when you flush the toilet you likely have a blockage in the sewer line.
This needs prompt attention before it causes flooding.
Overflowing or pooling outside
Water pooling around your overflow relief gully (ORG) and inspection points indicates a blocked sewer drain.
If you notice wet patches around your ORG or inspection points, it’s worth investigating.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains in Adelaide
Understanding what causes blockages can help you prevent them.
In Adelaide homes, particularly in older suburbs like Brighton and Glenelg, we see the same culprits regularly.
Tree root intrusion in sewer lines
Tree roots are one of the most common causes of blocked drains in Adelaide.
Roots are naturally drawn to moisture and can enter small cracks or joints in your drains. Once inside, they grow and catch debris such as toilet paper, eventually blocking the pipe entirely.
Properties with large established trees or older clay and earthenware pipes are particularly at risk.
Grease and fat build-up
Cooking oil, fats and grease poured down the kitchen sink do not stay liquid for long. They solidify inside the pipes and gradually narrow the flow until the drain blocks completely.
Foreign objects
Items that should not go down the drain often do. Wet wipes (even those labelled flushable), sanitary products, cotton buds, hair and food scraps are common offenders.
These do not break down like toilet paper and frequently lead to blocked drains.
Broken or collapsed pipes
Older Adelaide properties often have original clay or earthenware drains that have cracked, shifted or collapsed over time.
Ground movement, tree root damage or age can cause pipes or junctions to fail, restricting flow or blocking completely.
Poor pipe installation
Incorrect falls, inadequate pipe sizing or poorly joined junctions can cause ongoing drainage issues.
This is more common in DIY or unlicensed plumbing work.
Can You Fix a Blocked Drain Yourself?
For minor blockages close to the fixture, a plunger or drain snake may provide temporary relief.
What you can try
• A plunger for minor blockages in sinks, showers and toilets
• Boiling water for minor grease build-up in kitchen drains
• A drain snake tool to remove hair from shower drains
Avoid ignoring recurring blockages, as they usually indicate a bigger underlying issue. If the blockage returns, affects multiple fixtures or involves your main sewer line, it’s time to call a plumber.
How Professional Drain Unblocking Works
When you call Richardson Plumbing and Gas for a blocked drain, here’s what to expect.
CCTV camera inspection of the sewer drain
Before operating our drain machine, we use a CCTV drain camera to inspect the drain.
The camera is fed into the drain and sends live footage back to a monitor, allowing us to see exactly what is causing the blockage and where it is located.
Instead of assuming the issue, we can identify whether it is tree root intrusion, grease build-up, a collapsed section or damaged junction.
This means we fix the actual problem — not just assume the drain has been cleared.
Drain Cleaning Solutions
For most blockages, including tree root intrusions and grease build-up, we operate our drain machines to break through obstructions and restore proper flow.
Depending on the situation, we may use mechanical drain cleaning equipment or high-pressure jet cleaning. We assess each job on site and choose the most effective method.
Pipe repairs
If the CCTV inspection reveals damaged or collapsed drains, clearing the blockage may only be a temporary fix.
We will explain what we’ve found and discuss your options, which may include pipe repair or replacement depending on the extent of the damage.
When to Call a Plumber for a Blocked Drain
Some blocked drains can wait a day or two. Others need immediate attention.
Call promptly if:
• Multiple drains are blocked or slow at the same time
• Water is backing up into other fixtures
• The blockage keeps coming back
Call immediately if:
• Sewage is overflowing from your overflow relief gully
• Sewage is coming up through a shower floor waste
Richardson Plumbing and Gas provides same-day drain unblocking services across Adelaide. For urgent blockages, call 0423 322 865 and we’ll prioritise your job.
Preventing Blocked Drains
Prevention is always easier than dealing with an emergency.
In the kitchen:
• Scrape plates into the bin before washing
• Wipe greasy pans with paper towel before rinsing
• Never pour cooking oil or fat down the sink
• Use a sink strainer to catch food scraps
In the bathroom:
• Use a hair catcher in the shower
• Only flush toilet paper
• Do not flush wipes, cotton buds or sanitary items
Outside:
• Clear leaves and debris from external drains and grates
• Consider a scheduled drain clean if you have recurring issues
If you have older clay or earthenware pipes, or large trees on your property, a periodic camera inspection can identify potential issues before they cause a blockage.
Pipe and Drain Cleaning in Adelaide
Richardson Plumbing and Gas provides professional pipe and drain cleaning services across Adelaide.
Whether you have a slow shower drain, blocked kitchen sink or main sewer issue, we have the equipment and experience to diagnose and clear it properly.
Our services include:
• CCTV drain camera inspections
• Mechanical drain cleaning
• High pressure drain cleaning
• Drain unblocking for sinks, showers, toilets and floor drains
• Sewer drain clearing
• Stormwater drain clearing
• Tree root removal
• Pipe repairs and replacement
All work is carried out by licensed plumbers, with upfront pricing provided before we begin. To view the full scope of our Plumbing Services, please click here.
Here’s Some Frequently Asked Questions We Get Regarding Drain Unblocking
How much does it cost to unblock a drain in Adelaide?
Costs vary depending on the severity of the blockage. A straightforward blockage in an accessible drain will cost less than a main sewer line blocked by tree roots. We provide upfront pricing after assessment.
How long does it take to clear a blocked drain?
Many blocked drains can be cleared within an hour. More complex issues involving tree roots, damaged pipes or sewer lines may take longer.
Will the blockage come back?
It depends on the cause. A one-off foreign object may not return. Tree roots or damaged pipes may require further work to prevent repeat blockages.
Do you offer emergency drain unblocking?
Yes. We provide same-day and after-hours drain unblocking across Adelaide’s southern and western suburbs. Call 0423 322 865 and we’ll prioritise your job.
Need Help With a Blocked Drain?
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain in Adelaide, Richardson Plumbing and Gas can help.
We use CCTV camera inspections and the correct drain cleaning method to fix the problem properly — not just provide a temporary patch.
Call 0423 322 865 or click here to request a quote online. We regularly service Warradale, Marion, Brighton, Glenelg, Seacliff and surrounding Adelaide suburbs.
