Blocked Drains

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What’s Really Clogging Your Drains?

Blocked drains are more than just an inconvenience—they’re a warning sign. Understanding the basics can help you catch the problem early and avoid a messy (and costly) situation.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Most blockages come down to everyday misuse or environmental issues:

Yes—tree roots can absolutely break through your pipes, especially if they’re older clay or PVC. They seek out moisture, and once they find a crack, they’re in.

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Signs Your Drain Is Partially Blocked

Watch for early red flags:

Those strange gurgling noises? That’s trapped air trying to escape past a blockage.

Sewer vs. Stormwater Blockages

Not all blockages are the same:

Knowing the difference helps us respond faster and fix it right the first time.

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The Hidden Health Risks of Blocked Drains

A blocked drain might seem like a small annoyance—but left untreated, it can become a serious health risk. From harmful bacteria to unwanted pests, here’s why prompt action matters.

Can Blocked Drains Make Your Family Sick

Yes. Blocked sewer drains can allow bacteria and viruses like E. coli and salmonella to build up and enter your home. Even without visible sewage overflow, the air around drains can become contaminated, potentially causing stomach bugs, skin irritation, or worse.

Is Sewer Backup Dangerous

Absolutely. A sewer backup doesn’t just smell bad—it can be hazardous. Raw sewage carries pathogens that spread disease and contaminate surfaces and air. If you see or smell sewage, it’s critical to get professional help immediately.

Do Blocked Drains Attract Pests

Yes—cockroaches, rats, and even drain flies are drawn to the dark, damp environments inside blocked pipes. Once they’re in, they don’t just stay in the drains. They can find their way into your home, carrying bacteria and spreading allergens.

Can Blockages Lead to Mould and Respiratory Problems

They can. Blocked drains often lead to stagnant water, especially under sinks or in outdoor drains. That moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mould, which can trigger respiratory issues—especially in children, the elderly, or those with asthma.

Are Blocked Stormwater Drains a Mosquito Breeding Ground

Yes. Standing water in blocked stormwater drains is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. In warm, humid climates like ours, this increases the risk of diseases like Ross River Virus and Dengue Fever.

Reactive Plumbing is local to you

Reactive Plumbing is your trusted local plumbing team, and we’re here for you 24/7. Our fully-equipped service vehicles are packed with state-of-the-art tools and technology, ensuring that we can efficiently tackle your blocked drains issues, no matter the time or place. We proudly serve homeowners in your region, and we take pride in providing top-notch blocked drains services. Let us be your go-to choice for all your blocked drain needs, and we’ll ensure your home’s plumbing systems are in perfect working order.

When a Blocked Drain Becomes an Emergency

Some drain issues can wait a day or two. Others can’t. Knowing the difference can save your home—and your health—from serious damage.

When Should I Call Right Away

If sewage is overflowing from your toilet, floor drain, or yard—that’s an emergency. Wastewater carries dangerous bacteria and can quickly cause lasting damage to floors, walls, and electrical systems. Don’t wait. Call us immediately.

Wastewater in the Shower? Don’t Ignore It.

If dirty water starts backing up into your shower or bathtub, it means there’s a serious blockage somewhere in the sewer line. The water you’re seeing isn’t just gross—it could be contaminated. Shut off water where possible and call Reactive. We’ll get there fast.

Can Pipes Burst from a Blockage?

Yes. If pressure builds behind a severe clog, it can cause cracks or full pipe bursts, especially in older plumbing. That’s when you go from a blocked drain to a full-on indoor flood. Preventing that starts with fast action.

What’s That Rotten Egg Smell?

If your house smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely a buildup of methane gas from decaying waste in blocked pipes. Not only is it unpleasant—it can be flammable in high concentrations. Don’t take the risk. That smell is your warning sign.

How Fast Can Reactive Respond?

At Reactive, we take emergencies seriously. Our team is on-call 24/7 and can respond same-day—often within hours. Our vehicles are fully equipped, so we can diagnose and fix the issue on the spot. No waiting, no half-measures.

DIY Fix or Time to Call a Pro?

A slow drain or gurgling toilet might tempt you to reach for the plunger—or that bottle of drain cleaner under the sink. But when is a quick fix enough, and when do you need the experts?

Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe

Not really. While they may seem convenient, chemical drain cleaners can corrode your pipes—especially if used repeatedly or in older plumbing systems. They might break down part of a clog, but they can also eat away at the pipe walls, leading to bigger problems down the line.

When Is a Plunger Not Enough

A plunger is great for minor surface clogs, but if you’ve tried it and the water still isn’t moving—or the problem keeps coming back—it’s time to call in a professional. Persistent blockages usually mean there’s a deeper issue that needs proper tools to diagnose and resolve.

Can a Blocked Drain Fix Itself

Wishful thinking. Most clogs don’t clear on their own—they get worse. Debris builds up over time, turning a slow drain into a full-blown backup. Ignoring it won’t save you money; it’ll likely cost you more in repairs later.

Why Do DIY Fixes Only Work Temporarily

Because they often treat the symptoms, not the cause. Pouring hot water or using baking soda might help briefly, but without removing the full blockage or fixing structural issues like pipe sagging or tree root intrusion, the problem will come back.

How Do Pros Fix It for Good?

At Reactive, we use advanced tools like CCTV drain cameras to locate the exact source of the blockage. Depending on the issue, we may use:

We don’t just clear drains—we make sure the problem stays gone.

Keep It Flowing: How to Prevent Blocked Drains

Most blocked drains are avoidable with a few smart habits and regular maintenance. Here’s how to stay ahead of the mess.

What Habits Help Prevent Blockages?

A few small changes at home can make a big difference:

These little habits go a long way in keeping your pipes healthy.

How Often Should Drains Be Cleaned Professionally

For most households, once every 1–2 years is enough for a preventative clean—especially for kitchen, bathroom, or older drains. If you’ve had blockages before or live in a tree-heavy area, more frequent cleaning might be worth it.

Do Drain Guards Actually Work

Yes! Drain guards and strainers are inexpensive, easy to use, and very effective at stopping food, hair, and other debris from entering your pipes. They won’t catch everything, but they’re a solid first line of defence.

Can Hydro-Jetting Help Prevent Clogs

Absolutely. Hydro-jetting doesn’t just punch through a blockage—it scrubs the inside of your pipes clean. That makes it much harder for future buildup to take hold. Think of it as a pressure wash for your plumbing.

Why Are My Kitchen Drains Always the Problem

Kitchens deal with a tough mix of grease, fat, food particles, and detergents. Even when rinsed with hot water, grease cools and sticks to pipe walls, creating the perfect trap for other debris. It’s the most common drain we’re called out to fix—and also the most preventable with good habits.

What to Expect: Cost, Process & Peace of Mind

When you’ve got a blocked drain, the last thing you want is confusion around pricing or what the fix actually involves. Here’s how we make it straightforward.

How Much Does Emergency Drain Clearing Cost?

Emergency jobs vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage, but most standard callouts start from around $250–$350. We’ll always be upfront with pricing before any work begins—no surprises, no hidden fees.

What’s the Difference Between Snaking and Hydro-Jetting?

At Reactive, we carry both and recommend the right tool for the job, not just the fastest fix.

Do You Use CCTV Drain Cameras

Yes—we use advanced CCTV inspection technology to see exactly what’s going on inside your pipes. This not only helps us locate the blockage fast, but also shows us if there’s damage, misalignment, or tree root intrusion—saving time and money on guesswork.

Can You Find the Real Cause of Recurring Blockages

Absolutely. If the same drain keeps playing up, we’ll get to the bottom of it. Our tech and experience mean we can detect hidden problems like:

We don’t just clear drains—we fix the cause, so it doesn’t keep coming back.

Do You Offer a Warranty?

Yes. We stand by our work. Most of our drain clearing services come with a warranty for your peace of mind, especially when we’ve inspected and cleared the entire system. If something’s not right, we’ll make it right.

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