You’ve noticed the water in the shower is draining slower than usual, but you chuck in some drain cleaner and shrug it off. Then the toilet blocks, so you grab the plunger. Before you know it, everything comes to a head, and it’s right before your in-laws arrive for the weekend.
Moments like this are stressful, but they also highlight that DIY fixes are not always enough for clearing blocked drains. Learn more about the tell-tale signs of blocked drains and when it’s time to call a plumber.
4 Signs of Stubborn Blockages
Hair, grease and food waste are some of the most common causes of blocked drains. In leafy areas of the Northern Rivers, tree roots are another culprit, as they sneak into pipes through tiny cracks. While the causes may vary, the warning signs usually come in the form of:
- Slow drainage: Water that remains in your sink, shower or bath is often the first sign of a deeper blockage.
- Gurgling sounds: Strange noises in your pipes can indicate trapped air caused by clogs further down the line.
- Unpleasant odours: Persistent bad smells usually mean debris is sitting in your pipes rather than clearing out.
- Numerous drains affected: If more than one drain is playing up, it often signals a blockage in the main sewer line.
The Hidden Dangers of Quick Fixes
While it’s tempting to keep using DIY drain cleaning methods, they can sometimes do more harm than good. Harsh chemical cleaners may eat away at pipes, causing long-term damage that’s expensive to fix. Other temporary fixes, like plunging or flushing with hot water, may alleviate the issue for a short while, but it’s likely to happen again at a later stage.
Overusing home remedies or makeshift tools can even push the blockage further down, making it harder to reach and more complicated to clear. What starts as a minor inconvenience can quickly escalate into a plumbing emergency.
When To Call a Plumber for Blocked Drains
So how do you know when it’s time to hand the job over to a professional? Here are some clear red flags:
- Returning blockages: If the same drain keeps clogging despite your best efforts, there’s likely a bigger problem.
- Water backing up: Overflow in sinks, toilets or showers suggests the blockage has moved deeper into your system.
- Tree root invasions: If you suspect roots are affecting your underground pipes and causing major blockages.
- Multiple fixtures affected: When more than one drain clogs at once, it often means the issue is in the main line.
Using tools like CCTV drain cameras and high-pressure jetting, our professional teams can accurately diagnose and fix the problem for good, preventing repeat issues and growing repair bills.
Many homeowners go back and forth about whether to call in a plumber, but these warning signs make the decision clearer. Getting professional help saves you time, stress, mess and often money in the long run.
NR Local Trades offers specialised plumbing services, enabling you to get to the root cause of your issue. Contact us today for expert assistance with clearing blocked drains in the Northern Rivers region or request a free quote!