The Top Signs That Indicate You Have a Drain Blockage

Name: Blocked Drain Sydney
Brand: Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber
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Posted by Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber on 21 Dec 2025

Dealing with a blocked drain can be frustrating, and it’s always best to catch the problem early. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of signs to look out for when it comes to blocked drains.

Slow Draining

Blockages can occur when your bathtub or sink drains slower than usual. This is one of the most common signs 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 noises are usually heard when water is draining from sinks or toilets. 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. Water backup can cause flooding if left untreated.

What To Do About A Blockage

Now that we’ve covered some of the signs of blocked drains let’s take a look at what you should do if you suspect there’s an issue with yours:

Use A Plunger: A plunger can help dislodge any small blockages within your pipes.
Pour Boiling water: Pouring boiling hot water down the drain can break down soap scum, and help melt any grease or fats.
Use a store-bought Drain cleaner. These can cause damage to 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 can be frustrating to deal with, but catching them early can save you money and prevent further 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.
Your drains may be leaking foul odors that could be indicative of blockage due to organic matter trapped in them.
Gurgling noises coming from your pipes are usually heard when water is draining from sinks or toilets – they may denote trapped air trying desperately to escape through the blockage.
If water is backing up in other fixtures, it could indicate a problem with your drainage system.
Solutions range from using a plunger