What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them

Name: Blocked Drain Adelaide
Brand: Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Posted by Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber on 23 Nov 2025

A blocked drain can cause frustration and should be addressed immediately. We have compiled a list with signs to watch for when you are dealing with blocked drains.

Slow Draining

If your sink or bathtub takes longer than normal to drain, you may have a blockage. This is one of the most common signs of a blocked drain. It could be caused by something as simple as a buildup of hair, soap, or grease.

Foul Odors

A blockage in your pipes can cause foul odors from your drains. The smell could be caused by anything from rotting food stuck in your kitchen sink to organic matter caught in your bathroom’s waste pipe.

Strange Noises

Gurgling noises coming from your pipes is another clear sign that you may have a blocked drain. These sounds are often heard when water drains from toilets and sinks. They’re often caused by trapped air trying desperately to escape through the blockage.

Water backing up

A blocked drain is when water backs up in other fixtures, such as sinks or toilets, or when you use appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Water backup can cause flooding if left untreated.

What To Do About A Blockage

We’ve already covered the signs of a blocked drain, but let’s now look at what to do if yours is causing problems.

Use A Plunger: A plunger can help dislodge any small blockages within your pipes.
Pour Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water down your drain can help break down soap scum and melt away any grease or fats.
Try A Store-Bought Drain Cleaner: Be careful when using these as some can damage pipes over time. You can also make your own drain cleaner with baking soda and vinegar.

If none of these solutions work, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to locate and effectively remove any blockages in your pipes.

Conclusion

Blocked drains are frustrating and can cost you money. However, catching them early will help prevent future damage. You’ll quickly be able to identify the signs that we have discussed and take appropriate action.

Key Takeaways

Slow draining can be a sign of a blocked drain. This is usually caused by hair, soap, or grease.
Foul odors emanating from your drains could indicate blockage caused by organic matter stuck in your pipes.
Gurgling noises coming from your pipes are usually heard when water is draining from sinks or toilets – they may denote trapped air trying desperately to escape through the blockage.
If water is backing up in other fixtures, it could indicate a problem with your drainage system.
There are many solutions, starting with a plunger