What to do if you have blocked or slow drains
Blocked or slow drains can be a minor irritation or a sign of something more serious. Either way, you're in the right place.
This guide walks you through the most common causes and explains what to do next.
Whatever the reason, we can help you get your drains flowing freely again.
You have a blockage in one drain
If just one drain is causing problems but everything else seems normal, the cause is most likely a localised blockage.
Signs that point to a localised blockage:
- one drain is slow or completely blocked, but others are fine
- water pools briefly before draining away
- a mild smell coming from a single drain
- mild gurgling from one drain only
It's one of the most common drain problems homeowners face, and it rarely points to a system-wide issue. The cause is usually a build-up of fat, grease, hair, or other debris inside your pipework.
What to do next
One blocked or slow drain can be irritating, but it's rarely an emergency.
Try plunging the drain first. If that doesn't work, pour boiling water or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break up the blockage.
Call a specialist if these methods don't work, or if the problem gets worse. In most cases, professional drain jetting will resolve it quickly.
Your drains are slow throughout the house
If the problem seems to be affecting more than one drain, or keeps coming back, the cause is likely deeper than a simple pipe blockage.
Signs that point to a wider issue:
- slow drains in multiple rooms, not just one
- gurgling sounds in one drain when another is used
- the same blockage keeps coming back after being cleared
- a faint sewage smell outdoors, near your tank or drainage field
If you have an off-mains drainage system, these signs often point to one of two things: a septic tank that needs emptying or a stressed drainage field.
What to do next
This isn't an emergency, but the situation needs attention before it gets worse.
Speak to a specialist. If your tank is overdue for emptying, that may be all it takes. If the problem runs deeper, they'll work out the cause and tell you what needs doing.
While you wait:
- reduce water use in your home where possible
- note which drains are affected — this will speed the diagnosis
- keep an eye on whether the problem is getting worse
All your drains have stopped working or sewage is backing up
When the problem goes beyond slow drains, the symptoms become impossible to ignore.
Signs that point to an urgent problem:
- all drains in your home have stopped working
- sewage backing up into sinks, baths, or toilets
- waterlogged or discoloured ground near your septic tank or drainage field
- your septic alarm is going off
- a strong sewage smell outdoors
If you have an off-mains drainage system, these signs usually point to a failure that prevents your system from processing wastewater.
What to do next
This is a serious health risk that can cause damage to your property.
Call a specialist immediately. The cause and solution will only become clear once they are on site. The sooner they can get to you, the better.
While you wait:
- stop using all water in your home — no flushing, no taps, no appliances
- keep children and pets away from any area where sewage has surfaced
- do not attempt to clean up sewage without protective gloves and clothing
Still not sure what to do?
Every drainage problem is different. If you're not sure what's causing your blocked or slow drains, we're here to help.
Tell us what you're noticing and we'll take it from there.
