What causes blocked drains?

Blocked drains are commonly caused by grease, food scraps, hair, soap scum, wet wipes, excess toilet paper, tree roots, and outdoor debris such as leaves.

How do I know if my drain is blocked?

Common signs include slow draining water, gurgling noises, bad odours, and wastewater backing up in toilets or showers.

What’s the difference between sewer and stormwater blockages?

Sewer blockages affect indoor drains like toilets and showers, while stormwater blockages involve gutters and outdoor drains, usually clogged by dirt or leaves.

Can tree roots damage pipes?

Yes, tree roots can break into cracked pipes in search of moisture, especially older clay or PVC pipes, causing significant blockages.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?

Chemical cleaners can damage pipes over time, especially in older systems. They're a short-term fix and may worsen long-term issues.

When should I call a plumber for a blocked drain?

Call immediately if sewage is overflowing, if water backs up into the shower or bath, or if you smell a rotten egg odour, which may be methane gas.

How much does it cost to unblock a drain?

Standard emergency drain clearing starts from around $250–$350. Prices depend on blockage severity and location, but you'll receive upfront pricing before work begins.

What’s the difference between snaking and hydro-jetting?

Snaking uses a cable to break soft clogs, while hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to clear and clean pipes—ideal for grease, roots, and recurring issues.

Do you use CCTV cameras to inspect blocked drains?

Yes, Reactive Plumbing uses CCTV drain cameras to pinpoint blockages, identify pipe damage, and avoid unnecessary digging.

Can you stop recurring drain blockages?

Yes, we identify and fix the root cause—like cracked pipes, tree roots, or poor pipe alignment—so the blockage doesn’t return.

How can I prevent blocked drains?

Avoid pouring grease down the sink, use drain strainers, flush only toilet paper, and get your drains professionally cleaned every 1–2 years.

Do you offer a warranty for drain clearing?

Yes, most of our drain clearing services come with a warranty for your peace of mind. We stand by our work and ensure long-term solutions.

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Q: Can blocked drains make you sick?

Yes, blocked sewer drains can allow harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella into your home, leading to potential health risks including stomach bugs and skin irritation.

Q: Can a blocked drain fix itself?

No. Most blockages worsen over time. Ignoring the issue often leads to more serious and costly plumbing problems.

What’s Blocking Your Drains, Wollongong

Whether you live in a coastal apartment near the Harbour, a heritage cottage in the suburbs, or a modern home in Wollongong and surrounds, blocked drains are a common headache. What starts as a slow drain can quickly turn into a major, messy problem.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Here are the problems we see most often in Wollongong homes:

Even in Wollongong, tree‑root intrusions can be a major cause. Old pipes might look fine from above, but roots can force their way in if there’s even a tiny crack.

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How Can I Tell If My Drain Is Partially Blocked

Here are some early warning signs that it’s time to act:

Don’t wait until it’s a full blockage! A small problem now can turn into a costly emergency later.

Sewer vs. Stormwater: What’s the Difference?

Whether it’s sewer or stormwater, a blockage affects how water flows away from your home, and both need professional attention.

Why Do Drains Gurgle?

Gurgling sounds generally mean air is trapped in the pipes because water can’t flow properly past a partial blockage. It’s a common early sign that a drain is clogged, and a clear cue that you should call a plumber before it turns into a full backup.

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Why Blocked Drains Are a Health Risk in Wollongong

Blocked drains aren’t just inconvenient; they can pose serious health and safety risks.

Can Blocked Drains Make You Sick?

Yes. When sewage or wastewater sits stagnant or overflows, it quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and harmful microorganisms. Exposure (even via air) can cause stomach bugs, skin rashes or more serious infections.

Are Sewer Backups Dangerous?

Absolutely. Raw sewage contains pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. A sewer backup inside or near your home isn’t just unpleasant; it’s a serious health hazard that needs urgent, professional attention.

Do Blocked Drains Attract Pests?

Yes. Damp, clogged pipes and stagnant water attract cockroaches, rats, drain flies and other pests. Once pests gain access, they can spread bacteria and allergens throughout your home and become a real risk, especially for households with kids, the elderly or people with allergies.

Can Stagnant Water Lead to Mould?

Definitely. Standing or slow‑moving water under sinks, in yard drains or outdoor drains creates ideal conditions for mould growth. That can trigger respiratory issues, asthma attacks or allergic reactions for sensitive residents.

Are Blocked Stormwater Drains a Mosquito Breeding Ground?

Yes, particularly after rain or during warmer months. Stagnant water in blocked stormwater or yard drains becomes a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising the risk of mosquito‑borne diseases.

Blocked Drain Emergencies in Wollongong: When to Act Fast

Some drain problems can wait until business hours. Others? You need fast, professional help. Here’s how to tell when a blockage becomes an emergency and what to do.

When Is It an Emergency?

If you notice any of the above, stop using water immediately, avoid flushing or running taps and call a licensed plumber right away.

What Should You Do If Wastewater Backs Up Into Your Shower?

Stop using water (no flushing toilets, no running taps), and call a plumber. A backup into the shower usually means the main sewer line is blocked, and pressure may force wastewater up through the lowest point in the plumbing, commonly the shower or bathtub.

Can a Blockage Cause Burst Pipes?

Yes. If pressure builds behind a serious blockage especially in older or damaged pipes it can crack or even burst pipes. That can lead to flooding, structural damage and expensive repairs. Don’t ignore repeated slow drains or strange noises coming from multiple fixtures.

Why Does My Home Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

A rotten‑egg smell often means methane gas is building up. That happens when waste breaks down inside a clogged drain and aside from being unpleasant, methane can be flammable in high concentrations. It’s a serious warning sign that you need a professional inspection and fix.

Fast Emergency Response Across Wollongong

Reactive provides fast, reliable emergency plumbers in Wollongong, 24/7. From blocked drains to overflowing sewer lines, we handle it all. Our fully stocked service vehicles mean we arrive ready to fix the issue on the spot and get your home flowing again quickly and safely.

Should You DIY or Call a Pro

When clogged drains strike, DIY might seem tempting but the truth is many clog problems need real plumbing know‑how to fix properly.

Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe?

Not always. Store‑bought drain cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that can corrode and weaken pipes over time, especially in older homes common in Wollongong. They might dissolve soft clogs, but they usually don’t handle grease buildup, root intrusion or structural problems. Repeated use can do more harm than good.

When Is It Time to Call a Professional?

You should call a licensed plumber if:

That usually means the clog is deeper than a surface-level problem and needs professional tools and diagnostics.

Can a Blocked Drain Fix Itself?

Almost never. Most clogs only get worse with time. Debris continues to build up, water flow gets slower, and eventually you get a full backup or even pipe damage. Leaving it to chance is risky.

Why DIY Fixes Often Only Work Temporarily

Because they usually only treat the symptom not the cause. Pouring boiling water, using a plunger or chemical cleaner might give short‑term relief. But if the root problem is grease, roots, pipe misalignment or structural damage the clog will come back.

How Professionals Fix It Long-Term

A professional plumber can use a combination of advanced tools and expertise:

That way, the drain is cleared properly, not just temporarily unblocked.

Keeping Drains Clear in Wollongong: Prevention That Works

Blocked drains are often avoidable with good habits and regular maintenance. A few simple changes can save you time, hassle and money.

What Habits Help Prevent Blockages

Start with these everyday practices:

These simple steps can save you thousands in future repairs.

How Often Should You Get Your Drains Professionally Cleaned

For many Wollongong homes , especially older ones or those surrounded by trees, a professional inspection and clean every 1–2 years is a smart move. Preventative maintenance helps catch small issues before they become big problems.

Do Drain Guards Make a Difference?

Absolutely. Drain guards and strainers are a cheap, effective first line of defense. They catch hair, food scraps and debris before they go down the drain, reducing the chance of clogs.

Can Hydro‑Jetting Help Prevent Future Clogs?

Yes. Hydro‑jetting doesn’t just clear blockages, it cleans the inside of your pipes, removing grease, scale and buildup. For kitchens, high-use bathrooms or older plumbing, it’s one of the most effective long-term maintenance methods.

Why Kitchen Drains Often Block First

Between grease, oil, food scraps and detergent, kitchens see a lot of drain abuse. Even rinsing with hot water often isn’t enough: grease cools and solidifies, sticking to pipe walls and catching other debris over time. That makes kitchen sinks one of the top trouble spots for recurring blockages.

What to Expect:
Cost, Process & Peace of Mind

When you call us for a blocked drain in Wollongong, here’s how we handle it clearly, professionally, and with no surprises:

What Does Emergency Drain Clearing Cost?

Emergency drain clearing in Wollongong depends on the severity of the blockage and how easy the pipes are to access. Before we begin any work, we’ll inspect the issue and give you a clear, upfront quote; no surprises, no hidden fees.

Snaking vs Hydro-Jetting: What’s the Difference?

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 let us see inside your pipes in real time, so we can:

It’s one of the reasons our drain clearing solutions are faster, more accurate, and longer-lasting.

Will You Find the Cause of Recurring Clogs?

Absolutely. If your drain keeps blocking again and again, there’s always an underlying cause. Using CCTV and advanced diagnostic tools, we’ll identify exactly why it’s happening; whether it’s a damaged pipe, misalignment, root intrusion, or internal buildup and provide a proper long-term solution so the problem doesn’t return.

Do You Offer a Warranty?

Yes. We back our workmanship with a warranty on most drain-clearing jobs, especially when combined with CCTV inspections or pipe repairs. If we clear it, we stand by it, giving you confidence that the job’s been done properly.

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