Sydney blocked drains come in all different shapes and sizes. While most homeowners are aware that smaller pipes transport waste from inside the home to underground sewer mains, little thought is given to plumbing beyond that. It’s important to know the warning signs of different types of blocked drains, as a clog in the main line can result in significant damage to the home. Here’s some things to look out for.
Signs you have a blocked drain inside the home
Blockages inside the home are generally easier and cheaper to fix. These types of clogs are located somewhere between the drain opening and the gully drain (see diagram). You can try fixing these yourself using a plunger or drain cleaning chemicals.
Signs of a clogged drain inside the home include:
- Gurgling noises when you flush the toilet or drain the sinks
- Water pooling around your feet in the shower or a bad smell coming from the shower drain
- Water draining slowly from the kitchen sink, bath or laundry tub
- Toilet draining slowly when flushed, or filling up with wastewater
Signs you have a blocked drain outside in the main lines
Blockages occurring outside of the house in the main sewer line (aka sewer chokes) are much more serious. You will need to contact a licensed Sydney plumber as soon as you notice signs. A clog in the main sewer affects every plumbing fixture, meaning any water you run inside the house can lead to problems. If it’s not addressed quickly, a blockage of this nature can lead to raw sewerage backing up and flooding the house.
Signs of a main sewer line blockage:
- Multiple plumbing fixtures blocking up at the same time
- The gully trap outside of your house is overflowing with water (see above diagram)
- Cracks in concrete with water seepage
- Overflowing grates, floor waste or gutters
Outside blockages can be caused by outside factors such as a collapsed pipes or tree roots penetrating the pipes. They can also be caused by actions you take within your home, such as flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed. For example, if you flush sanitary items or wet wipes down the toilet these can make their way past the s-bend trap and get snagged in the main lines. Over time, oil and grease from the kitchen sink can congeal around them, eventually resulting in a serious blockage.
A blocked sewer main requires specialist equipment and skill to be cleared. A licensed Sydney plumber can use CCTV drain inspection cameras to find out what’s causing the clog and determine the right solution. In some cases they may need to replace a section of damaged pipe, but more often than not they are able to flush the lines using high-pressured water jets.
Call a licensed Sydney plumber 1800 225 552
Contacting a Sydney plumber as soon as you notice the signs of a blocked drain can save you money and hassle in the long run. JAB Plumbing Solutions offers upfront pricing and obligation free quotes. Give our friendly team of Sydney plumbers a call today on 1800 225 552.
