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

Name: Blocked Drain Melbourne
Brand: Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Posted by Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing on 30 Jan 2026

Dealing with a blocked drain can be frustrating, and it’s always best to catch the problem early. We have compiled a list with signs to watch for when you are dealing with blocked drains.

Slow Draining

Blockages can occur when your bathtub or sink drains slower than usual. This is the most obvious sign 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

If water backs up into other fixtures like toilets or sinks when you’re using appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers, it’s very likely that you have a blocked drain. If left untreated, water backup can lead to further issues such as flooding.

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 is time to call 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. By keeping an eye out for the signs we’ve discussed above, you’ll be able to quickly identify when you need to take 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.
When water drains from toilets or sinks, you will hear gurgling sounds coming from your pipes. This could indicate trapped air trying to escape.
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