Blocked Drains Sydney
$149 BLOCKED DRAIN SPECIAL, SAVE $300*
- Fast Same Day Service
- Honest Upfront Pricing
- Rated 4.9 on 500+ Google Reviews
- 24 Hour Plumbing Service
- FREE CCTV Save $300
Banner Form
Sydney’s Drain Drama: What Causes Blockages
Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues across Sydney homes and businesses—and they don’t always start with something major. Often, it’s the little things that build up over time until water stops flowing the way it should.
What Causes Most Blocked Drains
In Sydney, blocked drains are often caused by:
- Grease and cooking oils poured down the kitchen sink
- Hair and soap scum clogging bathroom pipes
- Wet wipes and excessive toilet paper flushed down toilets
- Leaves and debris building up in stormwater drains after rain
- Tree roots invading old or cracked pipes underground
And yes—tree roots really can break through drain pipes, especially in older Sydney suburbs with mature trees and aging infrastructure.
WE OFFER:
24/7
EMERGENCY SERVICES
FREE
ESTIMATES
Satisfaction
Guaranteed
How Do I Know if My Drain Is Partially Blocked
Not all blockages happen suddenly. Here are a few early warning signs:
- Water draining slower than usual
- Gurgling sounds after flushing or draining
- Bad smells coming from sinks, showers or toilets
- Toilets that don’t flush properly or take longer to refill
If you notice these signs, it’s time to consider professional drain clearing before the problem gets worse.
Sewer vs Stormwater Blockages: What’s the Difference
- Sewer blockages involve your indoor plumbing—sinks, toilets, showers. These blockages can quickly turn into messy overflows and need urgent attention.
- Stormwater blockages affect external drains, gutters, and downpipes. These often clog during or after heavy rainfall and can lead to water pooling around your property.
Knowing which system is affected helps us bring the right tools and clear it fast.
Why Do Drains Gurgle
Gurgling is more than an odd noise—it’s air trapped in your pipes trying to escape past a partial blockage. It’s usually one of the first signs something’s not quite right.
Blocked Drains Aren’t Just Gross—They’re a Health Hazard
In a city like Sydney where humidity, rain, and older plumbing are common, a blocked drain isn’t just an inconvenience—it can quickly become a threat to your home’s hygiene and your family’s health.
Can Blocked Drains Make You Sick
Yes. When wastewater can’t flow freely, it stagnates—and that creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Exposure to this contaminated water can lead to stomach bugs, skin irritations, and other infections.
Sewer Backups: More Than Just a Bad Smell
A sewer overflow is one of the most serious plumbing emergencies. It’s not just dirty—it can contain E. coli, salmonella, and other harmful pathogens. If sewage is backing up into your home, act immediately and avoid contact with the water.
Do Blocked Drains Attract Pests
Unfortunately, yes. Cockroaches, rats, and drain flies are drawn to the warm, damp conditions inside blocked pipes. Once they’re in, they can travel further into your home, bringing disease and triggering allergies.
Stagnant Water = Mould and Respiratory Risk
Standing water from a clogged drain—especially under sinks or in floor drains—can encourage mould growth. That’s bad news for anyone with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Even if you can’t see mould, the spores can circulate through your home.
Blocked Stormwater Drains and Mosquitoes
In Sydney’s warmer months, blocked stormwater drains can hold stagnant rainwater—an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. This increases your risk of exposure to viruses like Dengue and Ross River Fever, especially after heavy rain.
When a Blocked Drain Becomes an Emergency
Some drain issues can wait. Others need immediate action to avoid serious damage—or even danger. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to stop DIYing and call Reactive Plumbing & Electrical right away.
Overflowing Sewage? That’s an Emergency
If sewage is spilling from toilets, drains, or outside gully traps, stop everything and call us. Raw sewage isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a serious health hazard. It spreads harmful bacteria, contaminates surfaces, and can damage your property fast.
Wastewater in the Shower?
If dirty water is bubbling up into your shower or bathtub, it means the sewer line is blocked and wastewater has nowhere else to go. Avoid running more water, shut off taps where possible, and get professional help before the backup worsens.
Can a Severe Blockage Burst Pipes
Yes—and when it does, the damage can be major. Pressure from a deep clog can crack old pipes or even cause a burst, leading to flooding inside your home or under your foundation. Don’t risk it. If multiple fixtures are blocked or gurgling, act fast.
What’s That Rotten Egg Smell
That smell is likely methane gas, building up in your plumbing from decomposing waste. Not only is it unpleasant, but in high concentrations, it can be flammable. If you’re catching a whiff of rotten eggs from your drains, it’s not something to ignore.
Fast Emergency Response—Across Sydney
Reactive offers rapid-response emergency plumbing across Sydney, 24/7. We’re ready to handle everything from blocked sewer mains to urgent drain clearing. With fully stocked service vehicles, we’ll be on-site quickly and get things flowing again—safely and properly.
Should You DIY or Call a Pro
It’s tempting to reach for a plunger or pour in a chemical solution when your drain slows down. But sometimes, a quick fix can cause more damage—or just delay the inevitable.
Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe
Not really. Most off-the-shelf drain cleaners use strong chemicals that can corrode your pipes, especially older ones common in Sydney homes. They might burn through part of a blockage, but they don’t solve the root problem—and over time, they can create expensive repairs.
When Is It Time to Call a Professional
If:
- The plunger isn’t working
- The problem keeps coming back
- Multiple drains are affected
- You notice foul smells or slow draining
…it’s time to get help. These signs point to a deeper blockage that DIY methods won’t reach.
Will a Blocked Drain Clear Itself
Very unlikely. In most cases, the blockage will get worse over time, not better. What starts as slow draining can turn into a full-blown backup if left untreated.
Why Don’t DIY Fixes Last
Because they often only push the blockage further down or break it up temporarily. If the core issue—like grease buildup, collapsed pipes, or tree roots—isn’t addressed, the symptoms will return.
How Do the Pros Fix It Permanently
At Reactive, we use:
- CCTV drain cameras to pinpoint the problem
- High-pressure hydro-jetting to remove buildup
- Root cutting tools for invasive tree roots
- Pipe relining to repair damaged sections without digging
We don’t guess. We diagnose and solve it at the source.
Keeping Drains Clear: Simple Habits That Work
Blocked drains are avoidable with a few easy habits and a little maintenance. Here’s how to keep your pipes clear and your home stress-free.
What Can I Do to Prevent Blockages?
Start with these everyday practices:
- Never pour grease or oil down the sink
- Use strainers to catch food scraps and hair
- Flush only toilet paper—not wipes, tissues, or hygiene products
- Rinse bathroom sinks regularly to prevent soap scum buildup
These simple steps can save you thousands in future repairs.
How Often Should I Get My Drains Professionally Cleaned
For most Sydney homes, every 1–2 years is a good benchmark. High-use homes, older properties, or locations with lots of surrounding trees may benefit from more regular maintenance.
Do Drain Guards Actually Help
Absolutely. A small investment in drain strainers or guards goes a long way in stopping hair, food, and other debris from entering your pipes in the first place.
Can Hydro-Jetting Prevent Future Clogs
Yes. Hydro-jetting doesn’t just clear blockages—it scrubs the inside of your pipes clean, removing the grime and buildup that causes recurring problems. It’s a great preventative tool, not just a fix.
Why Is My Kitchen Drain Always the First to Clog
Kitchen drains handle more than you think—grease, food scraps, detergent residue, and hot oils all contribute to buildup. Even with hot water, grease cools and sticks to pipe walls, creating the perfect spot for clogs to form.
How Much Does It Cost to Clear a Blocked Drain in Sydney
We get it—when you’re dealing with a blocked drain, cost is a big concern. At Reactive, we believe in transparency and value. No hidden fees, no vague answers—just upfront pricing and expert service.
What Does Emergency Drain Clearing Cost
Emergency drain clearing in Sydney typically starts from $250–$350, depending on the severity and access. Before we begin, we’ll assess the issue and provide a clear quote—no surprises.
Snaking vs Hydro-Jetting: What’s the Difference
- Snaking uses a rotating cable to break through clogs. It's quick and effective for minor blockages.
- Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to clean the inside of your pipes, blasting away grease, tree roots, and years of buildup.
We’ll choose the method that solves your problem the right way—not just the fastest.
Do You Use CCTV to Find the Blockage
Yes, and it’s a game-changer. Our CCTV drain cameras allow us to look directly inside your pipes in real time. We can:
- Locate the exact blockage
- Identify the cause (roots, build-up, collapsed pipe)
- Save time and avoid unnecessary digging
It’s one of the reasons we’re able to fix problems properly the first time.
Will You Find the Cause of Recurring Clogs
Absolutely. If you’ve had the same drain cleared multiple times, there’s usually an underlying issue. We’ll use CCTV and diagnostic tools to find out why it keeps happening—then fix it for good, whether it’s a misaligned pipe, root invasion, or structural fault.
Do You Offer a Warranty
Yes. We back our workmanship with a warranty on most drain clearing jobs, especially when paired with camera inspections or pipe repairs. If we clear it, we stand by it.
SCHEDULE WITH US TODAY
Page Form
