Blocked drains can range from inconvenient to stubborn, but one rule applies to all. All blocked drains need to be properly cleared to avoid any further damage, issues, or financial expenses. Although DIY options are viable for some situations, the majority of blockages are best dealt with by a professional plumber.

Throughout this article, we’re going to share some of the best ways to clear blocked drains, as well as cover some of the root causes, and when it’s time to call in our drain blockage specialists. Let’s jump right into it!

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Before we get into solutions, it helps to know what you’re up against. Drain blockages don’t just happen overnight—they’re usually the result of a buildup that’s been forming quietly over time. Here are a few usual suspects:

Hair and Soap Scum

Hair is one of the biggest culprits, especially in shower and bathroom sink drains. When mixed with soap residue, it forms a sticky mess that grabs onto anything else passing through, eventually creating a plug.

Grease and Food Waste

In the kitchen, fat, oil, and food scraps are notorious for causing blockages. Grease may go down as a liquid, but it solidifies as it cools, clinging to the inner walls of your pipes and trapping other debris.

Tree Roots

Tree roots are a major problem for older homes with clay or porous piping. Roots naturally seek moisture, and even the tiniest crack in a pipe is an open invitation. Over time, they can grow right into the pipes, leading to slow drainage or complete blockages.

Toiletries and Hygiene Products

Flushing wet wipes, sanitary items, cotton buds, or even too much toilet paper can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Unlike toilet paper, these items don’t break down easily and can quickly clog up the system.

Other Items That Can Cause Drain Blockages

1. Paper towel and tissues – don’t disintegrate like toilet paper.
2. Dental floss – forms stringy clumps that tangle with other debris.
3. Chewing gum – sticky and doesn’t dissolve.
4. Cooking flour and rice – swell with water and create a paste-like clog.
5. Coffee grounds – clump together and stick to pipe walls.
6. Paint and building materials – harden inside pipes and narrow flow.
7. Small bits of plastic or packaging – can lodge in tight pipe bends.
8. Excess shampoo or conditioner – builds up over time in bathroom drains.

These lesser-known offenders may seem harmless, but they can still lead to sneaky and stubborn blockages.

DIY Drain Clearing Methods

Some blockages are minor and can be tackled at home with a few simple tools or pantry staples. In the best case scenario, the cause of the blockage is visible, such as hair that’s lying over the top and covering the drain holes.

Here are a few other options to try before calling in your nearest PlumbCall team.

Plunger

The humble plunger is still one of the best tools for dealing with simple clogs. Whether it’s your sink, toilet, or shower, a few forceful plunges can often dislodge whatever’s causing the problem.

Just make sure there’s enough water to cover the plunger’s head, and keep a tight seal while plunging.

Boiling Water

Good old boiling water can sometimes do the trick, especially if the blockage is caused by soap scum or grease. This is because pouring boiling water directly down the drain often helps to melt and shift the buildup.

Just be cautious if you’ve got PVC pipes–extreme heat may cause damage over time! So, if you’re not confident, it’s best to play it safe and make a call to your local plumber.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This classic combo can be surprisingly effective, but mostly for minor clogs. Pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to trap the fizzing reaction inside the pipe.

Wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. It won’t fix a major blockage, but it’s a gentle, eco-friendly option worth trying.

Drain Snake

If you’re feeling a little more hands-on, a drain snake (also called a plumber’s snake or auger) is a great way to physically break up or retrieve a blockage. Feed the flexible wire into the drain and twist it to snag the clog. These are handy for bathroom drains and can be picked up at most hardware stores.

When It’s Time to Call in the Drain Blockage Specialists

DIY methods may work for smaller blockages or even offer some short term relief, but they don’t always get to the root of the issue. This is especially true if you’re dealing with recurring problems or sluggish drains throughout the house.

Here’s when you’re better off bringing in a licensed plumber:

1. The blockage keeps coming back
2. Water is draining very slowly, even after multiple attempts to clear it
3. Multiple drains are clogged at the same time
4. You can smell foul odours coming from the drain
5. There’s gurgling or bubbling sounds in the pipes
6. Water is backing up into sinks, showers, or toilets

Whether you need plumbers in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay or Gladstone, we’re Queensland’s number one plumbing service. But it doesn’t stop there! With operations in VIC, NSW, SA, WA, and NT, you can find a local PlumbCall team in all corners of Australia.

Professional Drain Clearing Methods

Professional plumbers have the equipment, training, and experience to uncover the root cause, then safely act on the issue to prevent further damage. Let’s explore some of the ways they may tackle your blocked drains:

Drain Auger (Snake)

This is certainly a big step up from the DIY method we just mentioned above. Professional-grade drain augers are long, motorised tools with a spiral tip, making them excellent for reaching deep into pipes and breaking through tough blockages caused by hair, grease, or built-up gunk. Plumbers often use augers for blockages in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Hydro Jetting

Next up we have hydro jetting, which involves the use of high-pressure water jets to blast away stubborn debris, tree roots, and years of buildup from the inside of pipes. It’s particularly effective for kitchen drains that’ve become seriously clogged with grease, as well as stormwater or sewer lines that need a thorough clean.

Hydro jetting is fast, efficient, and doesn’t require any harsh chemicals.

CCTV Drain Camera Inspections

Effective and noninvasive, CCTV drain inspections have become a game-changer in the plumbing industry. These small, high-definition cameras are fed into your plumbing system to provide a clear view of what’s going on inside.

Whether it’s a tree root, a collapsed pipe, or a mystery object, a drain camera allows the plumber to pinpoint the underlying source of the blockage. This is important because it helps to avoid any unnecessary digging or guesswork, which ultimately leads to a much more targeted fix.

Chemical Drain Cleaners (Used with Care)

Professionals sometimes use industrial-strength chemical drain cleaners to dissolve organic matter. These are usually a last resort and typically used when other methods aren’t viable. They need to be handled carefully, as frequent use or incorrect application can damage your pipes, especially older ones.

Excavation (For Severe Cases)

If a drain pipe has collapsed or is completely blocked by tree roots or debris, excavation may be the only option. This involves digging up and repairing or replacing the affected section of pipe. While it sounds drastic, it’s sometimes necessary to fix long-term problems and prevent future blockages or leaks.

Why You Should Hire a Drain Blockage Specialist

While any licensed plumber should be able to address blocked drains, a drain blockage specialist brings extra know-how and dedicated equipment to the job.

At Plumbcall, we use the latest tools and techniques to deliver fast, effective, and affordable solutions. Whether you’re dealing with a one-off blockage or an ongoing drainage issue, we’ll get to the bottom of it and sort it out properly.

We’ve been doing this for over 20 years and offer 24/7 emergency services across many locations in Australia. When you need help, we’re ready to respond at any time of the day or night.

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. 100% Money Back Guarantee
2. Fast and Reliable Services
3. Locally Owned and Operated Teams
4. 24-Hour Emergency Response

Preventing Future Blockages

After your drain is cleared, it’s definitely worth taking a few simple steps to keep things flowing smoothly. The last thing you want is to have to go through the entire ordeal again, right? Here are some everyday habits that you can adopt to avoid future blockages:

1. Don’t pour fats, oils, or food scraps down the kitchen sink – scrape plates into the bin and use a paper towel to wipe greasy pans.
2. Use a drain strainer in showers and sinks to catch hair and debris before it goes down the plughole.
3. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper – yes, even those so-called “flushable” wipes.
4. Run hot water down the kitchen sink regularly to melt and move along any grease buildup.
5. Be mindful of trees and plants in your garden—keep an eye on root growth near outdoor plumbing.
6. Book regular inspections if you’ve had frequent drain issues or live in an older home.

Dealing with Blocked Drains? Get PlumbCall On the Line

At PlumbCall, we’re setting a new standard for custom service; this starts with being courteous, friendly, and getting every job right. Our goal is to resolve the issue properly, while leaving behind a clean and tidy environment.

Our blocked drain specialists are available nights and weekends, providing you with a genuine 24-hour service. When it’s urgent, we’ll treat it as such and do our best to arrive within a quick turnaround. This is all a part of our long-running speed guarantee.

With access to tools like hydro jetters, CCTV cameras, and more, our plumbers can get the issue sorted and stop it from happening again.