A blocked drain is a common and frustrating plumbing problem. While a professional plumber is always the best solution, knowing how to handle a slow-draining sink or a clogged toilet can be a useful skill. However, it’s just as important to know when a blockage is serious and requires professional intervention to avoid further damage.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prevent blocked drains, simple DIY remedies you can try, and the tell-tale signs that it’s time to call a plumber.

What Goes Down Your Drain? A Simple Guide

Most drain blockages are caused by everyday items that shouldn’t go down our pipes. To help prevent future clogs, here’s a quick guide to what to put—and what to never put—down each drain.

  • Kitchen Sink
    • Do: Water, dish soap, and biodegradable liquids (juices, broths, soft foods).
    • Don’t: Grease, oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, rice, solid or sticky foods. Over time, these items will accumulate and form a stubborn blockage.
  • Bathroom Sink, Shower, and Bath
    • Do: Water, toothpaste, and liquid toiletry products.
    • Don’t: Hair, dental floss, nail clippings, or wet wipes. Hair is one of the most common causes of shower drain blockages and requires a specialised tool to remove.
  • Toilets
    • Do: Human waste and toilet paper.
    • Don’t: Wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton buds, or nappies. Even products labelled as “flushable” can cause serious issues and are a leading cause of major plumbing blockages.

DIY Remedies: Advice from the Experts

When you encounter a blocked drain, there are a few simple remedies worth trying before calling a plumber. For minor blockages, you might even find advice on online forums like Reddit Australia, but always proceed with caution.

  • Hot Water and Dish Soap: To tackle fat and grease buildup in a kitchen sink, pour a kettle of hot water down the drain, followed by a generous amount of dish soap.
  • Manual Hair Removal: For slow-draining basins and showers, try a simple, manual fix. Carefully unscrew the drain cover and use a pair of pliers or your fingers to pull out any hair and scum.
  • Plunger Power: Plungers are simple tools that can create the suction needed to remove many blockages from sinks and toilets. Place the plunger on the drain and pump vigorously to dislodge the blockage.

Professional Advice on Chemical Drain Cleaners

When using chemical cleaners, it’s essential to choose the right type to avoid making the problem worse. At Your Choice Plumbers, we recommend using bio-active drain cleaners. These are liquid, enzyme-based solutions that naturally break down organic matter without causing damage.

We advise against using gel-forming drain cleaners. These products can sometimes swell upon contact with water, creating a larger, more stubborn blockage that is very difficult to remove.

Signs of a Serious Plumbing Problem

If the above measures aren’t working, it’s wise to call a professional. Here are the clear signs of a serious blockage that requires urgent attention:

  • Gurgling Sounds: If you hear gurgling noises from multiple plumbing fixtures (e.g., your toilet gurgles when you use the shower), this indicates a partial blockage in your main sewer pipes.
  • Slow-Draining Water: A drain that empties slowly after you’ve used a plunger or chemical product may indicate a stubborn blockage deeper in the pipes.
  • Sewer Overspill: A sewage overflow is a major health hazard and an urgent plumbing emergency. Go outside and check the Overflow Relief Gully (ORG), which is typically located behind a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry wall. If you see water or sewage overflowing from the ORG, this indicates a serious blockage that needs to be resolved immediately. A main sewer blockage is often located at the point of connection to the South East Water sewer main.
  • Foul Smells: If you notice sewage smells coming from your drains, it’s a clear sign of a significant blockage or a sewer line problem.

Don’t let a small problem become a major plumbing emergency. A professional plumber has the right tools, including a CCTV drain camera, locator, hydro-jetter, drain snake, and professional-grade chemicals, to accurately diagnose and fix a major blockage without causing damage to your pipes.

For expert drain cleaning and drain clearing services, contact Your Choice Plumbers today to get your drains flowing freely again!