A blocked drain can be unpleasant, disruptive, offputting, and dangerous. Regardless of the underlying cause, there’s one rule that applies to all. Unless it’s a minor blockage, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. In fact, many Australian states mandate that only a licensed plumber can attend to and fix a blocked drain (Source).

Today, we’re going to help you recognise when it’s time to stop trying to fix the blockage yourself and call in the experts. We’ll also take a look at common reasons why drains become blocked and what professionals do to solve the problem for good.

Let’s get started!

DIY Drain Clearing: When It Might Not Be Enough

You go to use the basin, sink, or shower and begin to notice that the water isn’t draining as it should. From here, you try to run the water again and it starts overflowing. Unfortunately, this is most likely a sign that your pipes are clogged or obstructed in some way!

Best case scenario, there’s something visibly blocking the top of the sinkhole, and removing it should be enough to clear it all up (e.g. hair buildup in the shower or food scraps in the kitchen sink).

Sometimes, using a plunger can be viable as a way to dislodge simple blockages by creating pressure to push or pull the clog loose. However, this method may not be enough to address any larger or more extensive blockages.

A few other home remedies include boiling water, drain cleaning products, and finally, a mix of baking soda and vinegar. However, it’s best to proceed with caution. Much like a plunger, these may only get you so far; especially if the issue lies far below the surface.

Why Your DIY Methods May Fail to Clear the Drain

Unfortunately, many DIY methods can often do more harm than good. In some circumstances, you may be able to resolve very minor blockages near the surface, but deeper or more complex blockages will always require the capable hands of a licensed professional.

If you’ve already attempted to use these methods and the drain remains blocked, it usually means the problem is beyond a surface-level clog. These more persistent/larger issues often involve:

1. Blockages deep inside the plumbing system.
2. Hard deposits like hardened grease or mineral buildup.
3. Intruding tree roots or damaged pipes.
4. Multiple blocked drains indicating a larger system problem.

In these cases, DIY fixes may provide temporary relief but not a lasting solution. It’s safer and more effective to call a professional plumber.

When to Call a Plumber

Our general advice is that it’s always best to call in a plumber for blocked drains, whether it’s in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry. Knowing when to call in a plumber will, in the long run, allow you to save time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.

Here are some of the clear signs that professional help is needed:

1. The blockage keeps coming back no matter what you try.
2. Water drains very slowly or not at all, even after multiple attempts to clear it.
3. More than one drain in the house is blocked.
4. Foul odours are coming from your drains.
5. You hear gurgling or bubbling sounds in the pipes.
6. Water is backing up into sinks, showers, or toilets.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above, it is time to contact a licensed plumber. Need blocked drains plumbers in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay or Gladstone? We’re proud to be the number one emergency plumbing team in Queensland.

But we don’t stop there! We also have licensed plumbers operating in VIC, NSW, SA, WA, and NT, meaning you can find a local PlumbCall team in practically any corner of the country!

Common Reasons Your Drain Is Still Blocked

So, what’s actually causing these blockages? It all depends, but there are a number of common culprits behind the vast majority of blocked drains in Australia.

Here are some of the most common reasons to be aware of:

Hair and Soap Scum

Hair has always been a notorious clog-maker, especially in bathroom sinks and showers. This is because it easily combines with soap residue to form a sticky, tangled mass that traps other debris. Over time, this buildup grows until the water flow slows or stops completely.

If you want to avoid this issue, it’s worth investing in a hair catcher. They’re usually very cheap and can be quite effective at tackling hair buildup head on.

Grease and Food Waste

Kitchen drains notoriously suffer when fats, oils, and food scraps go down the sink. Grease may be liquid while hot, but it cools and hardens inside your pipes, catching other particles and creating thick blockages that simple plunging won’t remove.

So, it’s best to be a little more aware of what you’re putting down the sink. Also make use of your green gin or compost. These days, many Australian councils allow you to put everything from meat scraps to peanut shells, tissues, coffee grounds, and more into the green bin.

Tree Roots

Sometimes, homes with older clay pipes, big backyards, or plenty of greenery outside can experience root intrusion. The reason behind this is that tree roots naturally search for moisture, and even a tiny crack in your pipe is usually enough of an invitation. Once inside, these roots will grow and spread, blocking drains and causing damage that DIY methods simply cannot fix.

In these circumstances, professional assistance is nonnegotiable, and there are no exceptions to this rule.

Flushing the Wrong Things

Many people make the common mistake of flushing wet wipes, sanitary items, cotton buds, or too much toilet paper, thinking they are safe. Unlike toilet paper, these products don’t dissolve easily and therefore, have the ability to cause significant blockages and plumbing issues.

Adopting better habits and a little more awareness over what you’re putting down the toilet is the simple fix here.

Other Objects Causing Persistent Blockages

1. Paper towels and tissues that do not break down like toilet paper.
2. Dental floss, which forms tangled clumps.
3. Chewing gum, sticky and resistant to water.
4. Flour and rice, which swell with water creating thick pastes.
5. Coffee grounds that stick inside pipes.
6. Paint, plaster, or other building materials that harden in drains.
7. Small plastic pieces or packaging stuck in pipe bends.
8. Excess shampoo or conditioner that slowly builds up in bathroom pipes.

Professional Drain Clearing: What to Expect

We’ve now seen the common causes and DIY methods, but what about professional drain cleaning? This is where it gets really interesting.

Professional plumbers, like our blocked drains experts, use specialist equipment, tools, and techniques to address all sorts of blockages. Most importantly, they also have the relevant training and in-field experience to know which technique is most effective for each specific situation.

Here’s what our drain blockage specialists may use to resolve the issue:

Drain Auger (Snake)

Unlike the smaller DIY snake, professional-grade drain augers are motorised and can reach much deeper into pipes. They effectively break through tough blockages made of hair, grease, or accumulated debris.

Hydro Jetting

This method uses high-pressure water jets to blast away stubborn blockages, including grease, roots, and years of buildup inside pipes. Hydro jetting is chemical-free, fast, and highly effective.

CCTV Drain Camera Inspections

Small high-definition cameras are fed into pipes to locate the exact cause and location of blockages. This avoids unnecessary digging and allows plumbers to target repairs precisely.

Chemical Drain Cleaners (Handled Professionally)

Industrial-strength chemical cleaners may be used cautiously to dissolve organic blockages. These products are not recommended for DIY use due to the risk of damaging pipes, especially older ones.

Excavation

In severe cases where pipes have collapsed or been invaded by roots, excavation and pipe replacement might be necessary. While this sounds drastic, it can be the only long-term solution for severe blockages.

Why You Should Hire Drain Blockage Specialists

At PlumbCall, our drain blockage specialists are fully licensed, trained, and insured, arriving at your door with the latest technology to address stubborn plumbing issues for good.

Our service includes:

1. 24/7 emergency response.
2. Locally owned and operated teams across Australia.
3. A 100% money-back guarantee for peace of mind.
4. Thorough inspections and prevention advice to avoid repeat problems.

Preventing Future Blockages

Once your drain is cleared, it’s important to adopt habits that keep it flowing freely:

1. Don’t pour fats, oils, or food scraps down the sink. Use a bin instead.
2. Use strainers to catch hair and debris in showers and sinks.
3. Only flush toilet paper and avoid wipes or sanitary products.
4. Regularly run hot water down kitchen drains to clear grease.
5. Monitor tree roots near outdoor pipes and schedule inspections if needed.
6. Book regular plumbing inspections if your home is older or has a history of blockages.

Dealing with Blocked Drains? Get PlumbCall On the Line

PlumbCall is proud to be setting a new standard for custom service. We believe this starts with being courteous, friendly, and getting every job right, a mantra that has been the backbone of our business for many years.

With teams available throughout Australia, our drain blockage specialists are available nights and weekends, providing you with a genuine 24-hour service. When it’s urgent, we treat it as such and do our best to arrive as quickly as possible.

From hydro jetters to CCTV cameras and drain snakes, our plumbers can get the issue sorted fast and stop it from happening again. We’re locally owned and operated with teams across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.

Wherever you are, PlumbCall is ready to help.